Does your ministry bear the marks of an authentic work of the Spirit of God?

From the fourth chapter of First John, Jonathan Edwards established five things as essential in a genuine work of God’s Holy Spirit.

First, a true work of the Holy Spirit raises the “esteem of Jesus that He was born of the Virgin, and was crucified without (outside) the gates of Jerusalem; and seems more to confirm and establish believer’s minds in the truth of what the Gospel declares to us of his being the Son of God, and the Savior of men.

Secondly, A true work of the Holy spirit operates against the interests of Satan’s kingdom, against sin and men’s worldly lusts.

Third, a true work of the Holy Spirit establishes in God’s people a greater regard for the Holy Scriptures in their truth and divinity.

Fourth, a true work of the Holy Spirit dispenses God’s truth — a Spirit who shows people the uniqueness and holiness of God and that they must die and that very soon, and “that they must give account of themselves to God; one who convinces them that they are helpless in themselves and confirms them in other things that are agreeable to sound doctrine,” that is a Spirit of truth.

Fifth, a true work of the Holy Spirit generates love to God and man is the Spirit of God.[1]

To ensure that our work for Christ has His distinctive imprint and blessing, we ought to ask the following questions after every sermon, Bible study, ministry meeting, evangelistic appointment, worship service, officer meeting, and counseling appointment:

1. Did I exalt the Savior? Were people led to elevate their view of the triune God?
2. Was sin exposed for what it is, an offense to the character of a holy God?
3. Were people led to have a greater regard for the Scriptures so much so that they actually became doers of the Word?
4. Was the Spirit of truth evident in promoting God’s holiness so that sinners realize their need of and accountability to Him?
5. Was love for God and man generated in the hearts of God’s people?

[1] Jonathan Edwards, The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God in the Great Awakening, ed. C.C. Goen (New Haven, Conn.: Yale Univ., 1972), p.249.

Ps. 46:10 declares “Be still and know that I am God.”
This injunction is not, in the first place,
comfort for the harassed, but a rebuke to a restless and turbulent world. ‘Quiet” in fact… It resembles the command to another raging sea:
“Peace! Be still!’ And the end in view is stated in terms not of man’s hopes
but of God’s glory.

His firm intention, ‘I will be exalted,’ is enough
to arouse the resentment of the proud
but also the longing and resolve of the humble who pray:
‘Be exalted, O God, above the heavens’ (Ps 57:11).
—Derek Kidner

Prayer based on Psalm 46:
Lord God, our refuge and strength,
when the restless powers of this world and the waters of hell
rise up against your holy city,
watch over it and keep it safe.
By the river that flows from the throne of the Lamb,
purify us, your new Jerusalem,
as your chosen dwelling,
for you are with us,
our stronghold now and forever. AMEN.

God’s Fair and Glorious Gift

“Music is a fair and glorious gift of God.
I would not for the world forego my humble share of music.
Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry,
and smile through their troubles in song.
Music makes people kinder, gentler,
more staid and reasonable.
I am strongly persuaded that after theology
there is no art than can be placed on a level with music;
for besides theology,
music is the only art
capable of affording peace and joy of the heart…
the devil flees before the sound of music
almost as much as before the Word of God.”

– Martin Luther