Possessing the Holy Spirit and being “in Christ” brings forth a unity that touches both individual believers and the collective life of the congregation, each aspect reflecting and amplifying the other. At the individual level, the Holy Spirit works to shape believers’ lives, drawing them closer to God, transforming their values, and equipping them with spiritual gifts. But this personal indwelling is designed to be woven into the life of the whole congregation, where believers collectively form the body of Christ. Within this community, the Spirit manifests in both the Christ-like qualities of love, kindness, patience, and gentleness—qualities that serve as powerful evidence of the Spirit’s influence—and through miraculous signs that reveal a distinctly divine source of power. These miracles, such as healings, prophecies, and tongues with interpretation, are not just for individual experiences but are given to confirm the presence of the Spirit in the congregation, strengthening faith and affirming God’s reality among them. Such signs go beyond human kindness or moral virtue, which, while crucial, are not unique to believers and can be found in secular groups. Miraculous manifestations, however, offer a visible confirmation of divine activity, signaling God’s direct involvement and the congregation’s anointing as a witness to the living power of Christ. In this way, God wills these miracles as “signs of belief” (Mark 16:17) that testify to His presence and power within the church, encouraging unity and faith within the body of Christ. Overcoming the legacy of Western Cessationism, which often limits or doubts the occurrence of miracles, means embracing the biblical vision of the Holy Spirit as active in the life of the church—not only in inspiring faith and virtues but in producing the miraculous signs that confirm and strengthen that faith. This communal experience invites believers to understand their calling not only as individuals but as part of a congregation where, by the Spirit’s power, Christ is made manifest, drawing believers together as a unique, Spirit-filled community marked by both divine gifts and fruits. Embracing this vision allows the church to bear a powerful, holistic witness to the world, a living testimony that the God who empowered Christ’s ministry is actively present in His people today. (Stephen D Green with wording from ChatGPT, 2024)
