When Jesus was physically present on the Earth, he spoke with his followers face to face.
Sometimes he spoke in riddles which they learned to understand. Today, the Spirit of Jesus is
with us, and he speaks with his followers in a very simple way. Jesus is sometimes called ‘The
Word of Life’, so we can be sure that what he says will always bring us a blessing in our lives.
We believe that the most basic way to hear the voice of God is to read the Bible with an open
and humble heart, inviting Him to speak gently with us.
After Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit began a new experience in the lives of Jesus’ disciples,
God began to use ordinary believers in extraordinary ways. Throughout the history of Israel God
had always used men and women as prophets, but these gifts of prophecy, and spiritual power,
were only revealed in a few people specifically chosen for prominent tasks.
Today, in the Maranatha Christian Church, we strive to live the experience which is modelled on
that of the early Christian church. Just as the Holy Spirit was given to ordinary believers and
followers of Jesus at Pentecost, we are living this experience of revelation. This is not
something which is specific to Maranatha, nor is it a secret. The experience of revelation, the
prophetic word of God, and the power of His Holy Spirit is known to, and experienced by many
Christians throughout the world.
Some people have created confusion and concern because of the way they have used the gifts of
the Holy Spirit. But our experience is of a very gentle, but powerful Holy Spirit, providing for
all our needs on this earth so that we can serve God well. Sometimes we experience the healing
power of God; sometimes he gives us a word of direction for our lives, or promises to solve a
problem for us. Used wisely, the gifts of the Holy Spirit bring great life to the fellowship of
believers.
Just before Jesus went to the cross he spoke to his disciples and promised that after he died,
was resurrected and ascended to heaven that he would have The Holy Spirit sent to the Church
(fellowship of believers). The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity and is a comforter and helper
of the believer and of the wider church family and is always working to meet our needs and to
lead us to a deeper experience in our relationship with God.
Our experience as Christians is that our lives are transformed for the better. When we have the
desire of learning how to please him, we learn to understand His voice, and how to live close to
Him. We also learn to care more for each other, to show kindness, patience, endurance in all
circumstance. And over time, we come to know the will of God for our lives and to depend more
and more upon Him and seek that all praise and glory is given to Him.
We have the Risen and Exalted Lord Jesus and also The Holy Spirit who intercedes before God the
Father on our behalf. Our God, although just and holy, loves us so much. This is why we know our
God cares for us.
We truly are more loved than we ever realised!