by pastor Joe Humrichous

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech 4:6b)

Joe Humrichous is the author of The Vine and The Church and leads Paradigm 1. The purpose of his ministry is “to encourage and equip pastors, churches and families to practice leadership and united prayer under the active headship of Christ (Matthew 16:18). This paradigm assumes the philosophy that only what is done under Christ’s authority will bring glory to God (Matthew 28:18).”

The video above introduces his article on “The Holy Spirit in Ministry and Transformation,” Here he writes:

“How many times as a vineyard worker have you been discouraged because of the seeming lack of growth in the professing branches to whom you minister? We long for repentance, growth, and change. We work to improve our messages, both in delivery and content. We explore possibilities of some new ministry functions and seek advice from others in what they may be doing. Honestly, sometimes we just flat out worry, are discouraged, and complain!

“This chapter is to remind us of the most excellent character, presence, and authoritative power of God the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ with us and within us that changes lives. We are not orphans, and in all our weakness and fear, we can experience the demonstration of the Spirit and power so that the whole congregation’s faith should not be in the wisdom of men but the power of God (I Corinthians 2:4,5). Our speech and preaching may be persuasive and humanly excellent, but without the Holy Spirit, lives are only moved but not changed. How powerful when the “lunch” of a well-prepared message is placed in the hands of the Holy Spirit who then breaks it, blesses it, and feeds the multitude. It’s the best of both worlds.”

The author then lists 35 activities of the Holy Spirit, with biblical references. This is followed by a longer list of testimonial observations.

The apostle Paul credited New Testament transformation to the ministry of the Holy Spirit: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18).

Read the full article here: www.paradigm1.org/blog/the-holy-spirit-and-transformation/