I initially found Ministry of the Holy spirit quite a challenging unit, given the amount of information that was shared on the character and works of the Holy Spirit. I particularly enjoyed the way this led into spirit-led evangelism and discernment. The variety of speakers added colour to a very big topic and overall I felt this created a good balance between gospel teaching and real life experiences of sharing the gospel. Having been asked to share my testimony in November, I will definitely be apply the ‘3 minute’ rule.

I’ve enjoyed this Module on the Holy Spirit. It has reinforced where I have stood in my understanding of the Person and work of the Holy Spririt.

From the time of creation through to the present time.

It’s one thing to know it all. But it’s another to experiance it in our daily living.

My Testimony is this

There has been a desire and hunger over a good number of years not only to draw closer to my Lord but to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit.

To see His Kingdom manifested in Love, Truth and power.

But I have to confess that there has been a couple of areas that has been holding me back.

1/ The willingness to truly die to self. I thought I was living the crucified life. But the Holy Sprit revealed to me that I was a hypocrite. That I was more

concerened about the cares of this world than I was about His Kingdom. That came as a bit of a shock and has taken me awhile to work my way through it.

But I praise God for his grace and mercy as Philippians 2:13 says “For it is God who worketh in you both to Will and to Do of His good pleasure”.

2/ The other thing that has held me back and I’m thakfull that the session on the “Contemporary Landscape” had touched on this. That is the “Excesses, Performance and Packaging” of the church. Pushing more on the gifts and less on the fruit, They have gone away from the message of the Cross to another gospel that’s not offenssive. “Another Jesus”. Even some of the evangelical church’s have gone the softer less offensive track.

Through our Business that we had at the time, I have met many who have been hurt and disillutioned with the chuch. Even an ex AOG pastor who left the ministry because of all that has been going. (I’ve enjoyed good fellowship with him). Many have been pushed out of chuch’s because they tried to bring correction to the pastor and leadership. We’ve been forwarned in Scripture where people will get “Ichy ears” and leave the truth. A lot of this has brought damage and disrepute in the wider community.

I know not all church’s have gone down that path. But it’s hard to find a good that has good solid teaching and allowing and encouraging the manefestation of the Fruit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Despite all of whats going on in the church, let alone in the world, I need to be salt and light where the Lord has placed me.

I’m thankfull through out the Module the emphasis has been on the Holy Spirit doing the work through a Surrendered and Sanctified people. Who are willing to wait on Him, hear from Him and move with Him and have fellowship with Him.

I’m deeply concious that time is running out and want to be available to do what ever the Holy Spirit wants me to do.

I know the Lord has been dealing with me and bringing me to that place where he wants me to be.

The examples, Tips and warnings in the Module have been good and helpfull.

The module has helped pull together lose ends and has helped to spur me on.

I’ve been going through Philippians in my quiet time. Through out the book Paul is encouraging us to look at the example of Christ, to count all things as loss, to know the Crucified Christ and His resurrected power in us, the fellowship of His suffering, to press onto the Prize-“The High Calling of God in Christ Jesus”. To be content in living the life that honours Him.

Thanks again.

John

Journeying with Theology-Ministry in the Spirit has both re-affirmed and expanded my faith and understanding of the gospel and my role in ministry. I enjoyed the variety of speakers and the topics covered were both foundational and relevant to today’s challenges. The tools and personal insights into testimonies and evangelizing was a surprising and welcome addition. These are areas I feel particularly drawn to, to the extent that I am hampered by the fear of ‘not getting it right’ not so much for my sake but for the salvation of others. Your presentation has calmed my soul and bought about a clearer understanding of my role, which is to be prompted and guided by the holy spirit. Thank you all.