Christianity is misunderstood by many people.
People I know who don't know Christianity frequently tell me that they wouldn't like it, because:
- the rules make life boring - there are no rules in Christianity
- Christians are out-of-touch and hate the LGBTQ community - that is certainly true about a vocal minority who claim to be Christians, but isn't true about any Christian I've ever met
- Jesus wasn't a real person - the historical evidence would suggest otherwise
So Christianity is definitely misunderstood by people who aren't Christians.
But it is also misunderstood by Christians.
Christians are really happy to talk about God as a loving Father. Almost every stereotypical view of the Christian God plays on this picture.
Christians are also happy to talk about God as the Son, Jesus. Countless books, magazines, TV programmes, films and websites have been devoted to Jesus of Nazareth.
But Christians tend to avoid the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit was called the Holy Ghost a few hundred years ago - and who wants to think about ghosts?
Churches that talk about the Holy Spirit tend to be really weird and uncomfortable places. Lots of shouting, hand-waving and flapping around on the floor like a fish gasping for air.
The problem is that the Holy Spirit seems really important!
The Bible starts talking about the Holy Spirit on the opening page and is still talking about him on the closing page.
Jesus himself says that life would be better off if we only ever met the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).
Maybe we should understand him?
On 25 June, I'm putting on a day all about the Holy Spirit. Why not come along?
We're meeting in Northfields at 10am. We'll be done by 3pm, and the day will include:
- Inspiring Bible-based talks about who the Holy Spirit is, what he does, and practical observations on how to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- A free lunch!
- Time to discuss what we're learning throughout the day with others on the same journey.
- Dedicated space to receive from the Holy Spirit in a safe, low-pressure environment.
If you're planning on coming it would be great to know so that I can get the right amount of food! Please email hello@redeemerlondon.org with your name and any dietary requirements, and we'll get back with all the details.
