Inviting the Holy Spirit to Germany
Just returned from Berlin, where the 100-year Berlin Declaration was reversed (Sept 15 1909) and the Holy Spirit is officially welcomed to Germany (Sept 15, 2009).
For over 12 hours, 500 congregants heard history about the Berlin Declaration to fully understand what happened, and why repentance is needed; the corporate body prayed aloud together, reading a scripted declaration renouncing the 1909 declaration, repenting for rejecting the move of the Holy Spirit, and instead welcoming the Holy Spirit to the nation. There were times of praying in small groups, and times of heartfelt worship in musical form. The presence of the LORD was certainly with us and many were witnesses.
Of course, it’s going to take alot more than key leaders with 500 people gathered to “officially” welcome the Holy Spirit into Germany. It’s going to take individuals bearing the fruits of the Spirit more and more in their lives (Gal. 5:22, Eph 5:9). It’s going to involve “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2Co 10:5)
Additionally:
1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Yet, making vows and declarations does have significance. Just look at the original declaration 100 years ago (rejecting the Holy Spirit in Germany) and think about the implications for the whole world.
However, that 1909 declaration would have had little effect had it not been continuously reaffirmed by repetitive, consistent behavior.
The same is true of the new declaration. It’s a start; but without deliberate reinforcement it will be meaningless.
Mentioned quotes:
Gal 5 (KJV):
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Ephesians 5:
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.