≫ The Completed Truth

For over three years Jesus taught His disciples the Word of God, (John 14:24) yet it wasn’t until Jesus revealed Himself to them after His resurrection that they truly understood His teachings. There were moments when Jesus’ teachings would get through their filtered ears and eyes. There were also times that Jesus rebuked them because of their lack of Faith. One would think that at least they would have anticipated His resurrection, but instead they hid behind a locked door wondering if the «police» would be coming to arrest them. (I wonder how many Believers have failed to understand God’s Word and as a result have become discouraged.) Jesus knew that it was going to take more than having His disciples hear His teachings and witness the miracles. He told them that after His departure He would send the «Comforter.» (a.k.a. Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Holy Ghost) The Holy Ghost would guide them into all truth. (John 16: 13) Jesus also told them the Holy Ghost would bring all the things that they had heard from Him to their remembrance. (John 14: 26)

It is alarming how many churches are ignorant as to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. There are churches that do not even acknowledge the Holy Spirit. They believe the Spirit of Truth worked in the lives of the New Testament church, but that was a dispensation of yesteryear and not for today. Still, others bypass the personage of the Comforter and settle on the Gifts of the Spirit. It is interesting to note that some Believers look at the Spirit of Truth as a spirit and not as a person. Jesus continually identified the Holy Spirit as a person. (John 15: 7-15)

As Jesus approached His last hours, He told His Apostles that it was «expedient» for them that He depart so He could send the Holy Spirit. From the moment of His ascension, the Holy Spirit prepared for His arrival in the Disciples’ lives. Forty days after Jesus’ return to His heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit entered into the lives of twelve men. From that moment on their lives changed completely. The teachings of Jesus came flooding out of their memory banks. Empowered by the Spirit of Truth, multitudes were saved, healed, and delivered.

Today, the Holy Spirit is ready to empower Believers into active duty. Churches must realize the importance of the Spirit of Truth in their ministry. Jesus opened the door of reconciliation to God, while the Spirit released the power of God through the Believer. As we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we need also to accept the Holy Spirit into our lives. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) The Holy Spirit reveals the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When churches fully understand the Comforter’s ministry and allow Him to have full reign in their lives, they will never be the same again. May churches never echo the early Ephesians who stated to the Apostle Paul, «We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.» (Acts 19:2) Pastors need to present the whole and complete Truth!