History of the Church

This message traced the Holy Spirit’s role from Israel’s history through the birth, decline, and restoration of the church. After Israel’s repeated failures, Jesus came empowered by the Holy Spirit, performing miracles that exposed the powerless religion of the rabbis.

At Pentecost, that same Spirit filled believers, giving them nine spiritual gifts and forming the church. Guided by apostles and other leaders, the early church flourished despite persecution.

However, by the time Emperor Constantine established the Roman state church, spiritual power had been largely lost and man-made traditions eventually replaced the gifts and personal faith. Over the centuries, the Holy Spirit revived lost truths through movements such as the Reformation, Baptist renewal, and the Azusa Street Revival, restoring the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the nine gifts.

Pastor John urged Christians to submit to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through your life.