Charles H. Spurgeon said, "In many places dedicated to the Lord, the name of Jesus is too often kept in the background. The Holy Spirit is almost entirely neglected, and very little is said concerning His sacred influence. ... May God send us a Christ exalting, Spirit loving ministry."
Effective churches exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. When Christ is exalted, the Holy Spirit will work among us. The Holy Spirit always works to exalt Jesus Christ (John 16:7-11). When Christ is neglected in our churches, we are ineffective in our service. If we exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will work in us and our churches. Believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, exalting God our Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:18-20).
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of people. The promise of the Father was fulfilled just as Jesus had spoken (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit came with great power to exalt Jesus as Lord. The Holy Spirit was sent to draw people to Jesus. Three thousand people repented and received Jesus as Lord that very day.
Effective churches exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. The focus of worship must be upon God our Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ. The reason for that is simple. The Holy Spirit's power is effective through us, when we exalt our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:3).
