The Spirit and the Bride (Foundations of the Christian Faith 4)

God’s Power at Work in You and the Church

Many Christians struggle to understand the role of the Holy Spirit. We know the Father as our Creator and the Son as our Savior, but the Spirit often feels distant—like an unseen force rather than an active presence in our lives. Without a clear grasp of His work, we can fall into self-reliance, trying to navigate faith on our own. But Jesus made a bold statement: “It is for your good that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate will not come to you” (John 16:7). That means the Spirit’s presence within us is actually better than having Jesus physically beside us. He regenerates us, convicts us, guides us, comforts us, and empowers us to live out our faith with confidence.

But the Spirit doesn’t just transform individuals—He builds and sustains the Church. Scripture calls us “living stones,” being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-5). The Church is not just a gathering or a building; it’s God’s people, united and empowered by the Spirit to continue Christ’s mission in the world. Every believer is uniquely gifted by the Spirit to play a role in this mission, whether through teaching, serving, giving, encouraging, or other spiritual gifts. When we engage with the Church, we become part of something far greater than ourselves—a Spirit-filled movement reflecting God’s kingdom on earth.

If we ignore the Spirit, we reduce the Christian life to religious activity and moral effort, missing out on the very power Jesus promised. But when we live by the Spirit, we become bold witnesses, our lives bear fruit, and our churches thrive as beacons of light in a dark world. The Spirit isn’t a passive presence; He is actively shaping, leading, and empowering us every day. He is the seal of our salvation, the source of our transformation, and the guarantee of what’s to come.

God didn’t leave us to figure this out alone. The Spirit is our helper, our guide, and the One who empowers us to live as Christ’s body on earth. So, the question is: Will you walk in step with Him?