John 15:15 (NIV): I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

In this verse Jesus was attempting to bring Philip closer in his relationship with him. The disciples had known and seen Jesus to incredible works, and had given them power to accomplish many tasks.

There was still a disconnect in their intimacy with Jesus; did they really know him? They were missing an experience yet to come that would enable them to enter a much closer relationship. Jesus would provide them with the power of the Holy Spirit.

We, as Christians, must understand the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can have that same intimacy with Christ. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” That same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you and me. Without it, we are powerless and missing a worship experience. Today, many of us as Christians do not understand the need for the Holy Spirit within. I’ve spoken with many people who have attended church for many years yet were still confused. In the book of John, chapters 14-16, tells us what the purpose of the Holy Spirit is; Our counselor (God) to teach, remind, convict, and guide us in our relationship and daily walk with Jesus.

When we understand this and grow in our faith, our intimacy with Jesus becomes evident in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines what our spiritual nature should look like (Fruit of the Spirit): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. These are the visible results of an intimate relationship with Christ. What a difference our worship and intimacy with Jesus is when we are identified with life in the Spirit. John 15:8 says, “This is my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciple.

In my last weekly reflection, I wrote about the declining church. I would venture to say that if we as Christians allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives and come to understand the significance of him, our worship and our congregations, coupled with our churches will come alive like never before. More importantly, it begins with you. As your life becomes evident of the Spirits indwelling, others will desire the same. We all want and need to know Christ in a more intimate way.

My challenge to you is to accept Christ, receive the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and meditate on his word. Live a life that is acceptable, holy and pleasing to God. Let’s give up our selfish ways and be transformed and renewed. You, others and the church will glorify God as we worship him in the most intimate way!

I’ll close with 1 Thessalonians 5:23 that says, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify (set apart, be holy) you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.