The Holy Spirit is in the Trunk

1 Corinthians 2:13 (ESV)
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Baptist have many traditions that we hold on to dearly: baptism by immersion, communion as a remembrance. And other traditions we don't really admit to. One of these traditions is to put the Holy Spirit on the back burner. We would never admit to doing this, but in reality the Holy Spirit does not play an intricate part in our daily walk. I truly think this is because we have a history of fighting against the charismatic movement. Yes, the my charismatic brothers tend to focus too much on the Holy Spirit and put the Father and the Son on the back burner of the Trinity. But as baptists we place Christ in the driver's seat, reduce the Father to a back-seat driver, and put the Spirit in the trunk hoping that no one in the car hears the muffled voice in the back. Again, as baptists we hold the Trinity high in speech, but in action we reduce the role of the Spirit.

But we can no longer do this. I am not suggesting we grab some tambourines and banners and use them on Sunday morning services(although it might help people get out of their comfort zone). I am suggesting that we teach and preach the Trinity as it is: three equally influential persons of one God.

The Spirit gave the disciples the power to preach the word after Christ was gone (John 20:22). The Spirit gave the disciples the ability to speak in different tongues to add 3000 people the kingdom of God at Pentecost (Acts 2). It is the spiritual rebirth brought upon by baptism of the Spirit that brings salvation (John 3:5). These are just a few examples of the work of the Spirit in history and our lives.

As baptist we must change our understanding of the Spirit from a person of the Trinity that isn't much use today to a power person of the Trinity that changes lives, guides our lives, and speaks to the Father on our behalf.