As we come into spiritual maturity, we must begin to understand that our relationship with Jesus must transition from a religious institutional belief system to a relationship of daily walking with Him. Jesus said this in John 10:27 (ESV)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”
The institutional church in the last several thousand years have made it about doctrine and theology instead of relationship. Even the term “theology” is about man’s study and understanding of God. Bible Colleges and seminaries have done little to expand the understanding of God’s original intent. These institutions were a result of the “enlightenment” era in the 17 and 1800’s when reason and the importance of empiricism became the mainstays of our culture. The 1st and 2ndGreat Awakenings did little to awaken the importance of relationship with Holy Spirit.
Yet communion with Jesus via Holl Spirit is essential to growing in maturity in Christ. Jesus said this of Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17 (ESV)
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Jesus says it will even be better for the disciples that He go away in John 16:7
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
Why? Because Jesus by His Spirit would reside not only the disciples but also everyone who receives Him as Lord and Savior thereafter. Communion and friendship is what Jesus has desired with each one of us. Not religion and tradition.
King David, who was far from a perfect follower of Jesus understood the importance of communion with Holy Spirit. After he morally fell and repented of his great sin of adultery and murder, His great fear was that Holy Spirit would be taken from Him as recorded in Psalm 51.
More than just an understanding of Him, Jesus desires that each one of us get to know Him and dwell intimately with Him. Just like any relationship, this takes purpose and time. We must first of simplify our lives and make time for Him. Turn off the distractions and the business and make time for Him in a quiet place. Commune with Him, by worship, thanksgiving and praise and then wait for Him to talk to you. He often speaks to me in the quiet of the early morning or late at night.
This is the only way we will grow into maturity and receive the instructions to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom. He has given us the keys of the Kingdom to bind up evil and loose His kingdom in the earth. You can only do it through communion with Him.
I believe in the days ahead that there will be a host of believers who have learned the secret of waiting on the Lord and hearing and obeying His voice. God will use these faithful ones to set cities, states and nations free. Learn my beloved to wait on the Lord and listen for His still small voice so you will be one of the faithful ones to take your place in this army of intimate warriors.