My pastor preached on this phrase from the Apostle's Creed, "I Believe in the Holy Spirit." The sermon prompted the following thoughts.
Which Holy Spirit? The Americanized Spirit or the Biblical Spirit? The Americanized Spirit: A cheap, water downed, superspiritual, no justice, version or the biblical combination of Spirit, kingdom and Jubilee justice, tightly integrated as a unit that targets the poor and oppressed.
In Acts chapter two, there was an emphasis on the dramatic, visible signs as evidence of the arrival and presence of the Spirit---rushing wind, flames of fire, and tongues. Fine, but if one puts chapter two in its broader context, chapters 1-4, there is a challenge for the church, using the power and wisdom of the Spirit, to tackle the toughest social problems in society---ethnic and economic divisions.
Jesus' definition of the kingdom of God can be found in Matthew 6:33 (NEB)---"God's kingdom and his justice." Carry this definition with you as you read Acts 1:3. Acts 1:1-8 combines two themes together---the Holy Spirit and the kingdom of God. Verse eight ends with the huge challenge to end the religion-ethnic gulf that divided Jew and Samaritan, Jew and Gentile. Much of this division came from Jews who falsely believed they must remain separate and pure.
The Spirit-filled Jerusalem procrastinated on this divine assignment; not until years later, not until a severe persecution broke out, did the Jewish Jerusalem church take the gospel to the Samaritans. Even later came a strong outreach to the Gentiles led by Paul and Peter.
In chapter four, we find the first social justice miracle recorded. The rich gave generously, extremely generously,
to the poor; not just a few extra dollars lying in their pockets. They literally sold surplus houses and lands and brought the total proceeds to the church. Wow! THIS IS A MIRACLE!!!
John Perkins tied the Spirit and the kingdom together to do CCD---rebuilding poor communities.
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