Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.Therefore it says, ‘When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to his people.’
Ephesians 4:7-8
When the charismatic renewal began in the 1960s and ’70s, no one expected it to spread like wildfire through the mainstream churches and denominations around the world (its origins came from the Pentecostal movement which began in 1901). And yet it did spread and continues to grow today. The Lord promised that he would restore much of what had been lost to his broken and divided people – the body of Christ.
This issue highlights some of the new expressions of the current of grace for spiritual renewal and baptism in the Holy Spirit, and deepening of the Lord’s call to Christian unity, and renewed life together in covenant communities, and mission opportunities “to go and make disciples …” (Matthew 28:19).
In this holy season, as we look forward to the celebration of Easter and the Fifty Days leading to Pentecost, may the burning love of the Lord, which has been poured into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit, renew in each of us a deeper faith, a firmer hope, a fervent love, and a deeper dedication to speak the word of the Lord and witness to the power of the Risen Christ and gifts of the Spirit for God’s people today.
Sincerely in Christ,
Don Schwager
editor
Top image credit: Photo of burning candles in the Holy Sepulcher Church in Jerusalem, from Bigstock.com, © by kirill4mula, stock photo ID: 198156457. Used with permission.
Don Schwager is the editor of Living Bulwark and author of the Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation website. He is a lay religious brother and life-time member of the Servants of the Word.