The Community of the Spirit by Ps Michael Podhaczky

The Community of the Spirit

Those recorded in the story of the book of Acts were history changers. As the community of the Spirit, they influenced and changed the world around them. They could not have done this in their strength but needed the Holy Spirit to have any lasting result. In the pages of the history of the Book of Acts, three great truths stand out.

1. Where there was much prayer, there was a powerful presence of the Holy Spirit of God working in and through these history changers

2. Where there was a powerful presence of the Holy Spirit of God there was ever increasing prayer

3. Where there was much prayer and the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit, there the enemy satan would attack

The following is the recorded history of the Book of Acts of prayer and the powerful presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

          Prayer             The Holy Spirit working
Acts   1:141               2:1-4, 14-41
           2:42                2:43-45
           2:46                2:47
           3:1                  3:2-4:22 
           4:24-30           4:31,33
           6:3,4               6:7,8; 7:55
           8:15                8:15-21 
           9:40                9:40  (cf. 9:31)
          10:2,9             10:44,45
          12:5                12:6-19
          13:1-3             13:4-14:28 
          16:6-10           16:11-18:23 
          19:6                19:6,9
          20:36              21:1-28:31

As mentioned, where there was much prayer and the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit, there the enemy satan would attack. He attacked the praying and Spirit led Christ followers. It reminds me of the wasps or bees that attack in swarms when you disturb their hive. Some of the attacks can be seen in the following passages, (4:1-7, 5-8; 5:17-21, 24-28, 40; 6:10-15; 7:54-60; 8:1-4; 9:1, 2, 23).

So, what can be learned from these three great truths? If we want to see the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit working in and through us as the community of the Spirit, then we need to pray continuously (1 Thess 5:17). If we are seeking to be used continuously by the Holy Spirit of God through His powerful presence, there needs to be ever-increasing prayer. Finally, be aware of the possibility that the enemy may swarm in and attack. Stand in the strength of God at this time of the attack; pray, pray and pray even more. Stand individually, stand corporately, but stand. Stand as peacekeepers in the army of God, routing pockets of resistance of the defeated regime of satan.

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1 ‘With one accord…’ Meaning with one mind, purpose or impulse. What is interesting is that 11 out of the 12 New Testament uses are in Acts, (Acts 2:1,46; 4:24; 5:12; 7:57; 8:6; 12:20; 15:25; 18:12; 19:29; Rom 15:6).