The Church is the body of Christ on earth. Throughout history there have been seasons when the Church was strong and seasons of difficulty. But one thing has not changed: the Church keeps doing the work God has given it, and it is the Holy Spirit who upholds the Church in that work.
The relationship between the church and the Holy Spirit is seen clearly in one short verse in the Book of Acts:
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a season of peace. It grew in strength and number, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.”
– Acts 9:31 (BSB)
The first church had no large buildings, no generous budgets and no modern organizational models. This verse shows two things that made the church grow: they lived in the fear of the Lord, and they were encouraged by the Holy Spirit. These are also two qualities every church needs today, and they are the key to understanding the relationship between the church and the Holy Spirit.
Quality One: The Fear of the Lord
The disciples had followed Jesus for three years, heard His teaching and seen His works. After His ascension, they saw the Holy Spirit come down and many people saved. Their fear of the Lord was not just a feeling; it showed in how they lived: they persevered in prayer, testified boldly and obeyed God even under persecution.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
– Proverbs 1:7 (BSB)
The Fear of the Lord in Believers’ Lives Today
Today many believers carry all kinds of fears: fear of not having enough money, fear of illness, fear of the future. Fearing the Lord does not mean living in terror of Him, but putting Him in the highest place in our lives. When God is in His rightful place, our other fears shrink back to their proper size.
Ask yourself: when trouble comes, do I run to God first, or only after everything else has failed? A church whose members truly fear the Lord will be a church of peace and stability. That reverence also opens the way for the second quality in the relationship between the church and the Holy Spirit.
Quality Two: The Help of the Holy Spirit
Jesus did not leave His disciples alone. He promised to send the Advocate to be with them forever.
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.”
– John 14:16 (BSB)
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down and transformed timid disciples into courageous witnesses. Peter, who had denied the Lord three times, stood before the crowd and preached:
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.””
– Acts 2:38 (BSB)
That day about three thousand people believed. The story of Pentecost shows most clearly how closely the church and the Holy Spirit belong together: the Church was born and sent out by the power of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit Is Still at Work in the Church Today
God today can still heal and do wonderful things according to His sovereign will. The Bible teaches the church to pray for the sick in faith (James 5:14–15). But the main and most constant work of the Holy Spirit in the church is to transform hearts, comfort the grieving, teach God’s Word and give strength to witness. We do not demand signs, but we trust God to do what is best according to His will.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
– John 14:26 (BSB)
When you face hardship, where do you look for comfort? In prayer and God’s Word, or only in human advice? The church and the Holy Spirit cannot be separated: the church is strong when its members learn to depend on the Spirit every day.
The Church and the Holy Spirit: Returning to the Essentials
The first church did not have much, but it had what matters most: it put God at the center and depended completely on Him. If we want to see the church truly grow, we need to return to those essentials: fearing the Lord more than worrying about the future, and depending on the Holy Spirit instead of our own strength.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
– Acts 1:8 (BSB)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the church and the Holy Spirit still as closely connected today as in Acts?
Yes. The Holy Spirit still transforms lives, comforts, teaches and empowers the church. God can also heal and do miracles according to His will, but we place our faith not in signs but in God Himself.
How can I live in the fear of the Lord?
Put time for prayer and reading God’s Word first, obey God in small daily things, and let His Word guide your decisions.
How can I receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit?
Come to God in prayer, read His Word and stay in fellowship with brothers and sisters in the church. The Holy Spirit often comforts us through these very things.
As you think about the church and the Holy Spirit, start with yourself: this week, set aside time to pray for the Spirit’s guidance, and find one concrete way to serve in your local church.
Lord, let our church fear You above all else and depend on the Holy Spirit every day. May the Spirit comfort, teach and strengthen us to testify about You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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