Very often in Christian circles one finds a division between those who consider themselves people of the book and those who consider themselves Spirit filled. This division is a false one simply because it does not recognize the fullness of Biblical teaching in this area. The Bible calls the spiritual man to test all things by the word of God in Scripture, that same Bible calls all believers to be full of the Spirit. What is often missed is the fact that as the Holy Spirit inspired Scripture, he will only lead us into things which are consistent with that word. The challenge before us is to be fully biblical, realizing that the Scripture calls us to be open to all that God has revealed. That means for those of us keen on having good theology that we must be open to the clear teaching of scripture about spiritual gifts and the fullness of the Spirit, without this our theology is lacking. On the other hand in our experience centered culture those who are open to the leading and fullness of the spirit need to check all their experiences against the authority of scripture. sometimes we accuse each other of being dry or on the other hand being gullible, this name calling needs to end so that we can learn from one another.  As we learn to submit more to the Word of God written, we will also become more open to the Spirit of God as he addresses us through his word.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are essential to the life of the Church but so often we lose sight of the fact that teaching is amongst the gifts of the spirit, as is encouraging and administration. We tend to center on the more spectacular gifts and they are needed but we need the full range of the gifts to be in operation in a healthy church. We will then understand the importance of honouring the work of the Holy Spirit in all that he does and realize that he is indeed the spirit of the Word who helps us to understand the fullness of the word of the Spirit. Of course much more can be said about the work of the Holy Spirit because as God he is vast,powerful and the one who brings the love of God to our hearts.