Christian Viewpoint By John Dempster: The Spirit of God upholds me to choose light instead of darkness says Highland pastor Samuel McKibben
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I was a little nervous about visiting the respected local pastor Samuel McKibben, retired but still active at the age of 86.
Having read his book The God of the Miraculous I knew he was a Pentecostal Christian. Pentecostals believe that in the 20th century some Christians rediscovered, or were given by God, certain “spiritual gifts” which were present in the churches we read about in the Bible.
Other Christians believe these gifts are no longer received.
Pentecostals speak of being “filled” by the Spirit of God, resulting in people being able to pray fluently to God in unknown languages, receive insights into deep-down issues in other people’s lives, pray for healing in the name of Jesus and, in the same name, rebuke darkness.
Many years ago I longed for these gifts, seeing them as a sign of authentic Christianity. And though I’m now more aware of the need for these gifts to be used wisely, not controllingly or manipulatively, I still sometimes wonder if I am missing out.
I was slightly fearful that Samuel would see through me, see my doubts and questionings. Before our meeting I prayed, and the words came into my head: “Go undefended. Don’t erect barriers. Be open.”
And so I stood on Samuel’s doorstep. “Bethel”, his home is called. “House of God.” The door opened.
I found I have so much in common with this man, who came to Inverness in 1988 to establish Inverness Christian Fellowship. We spoke of the consequences of living without reference to God. We spoke about the death of Jesus for humanity, and his role as Lord of the Universe.
We discussed those thoughts dropping into our minds with a sense of givenness which we have learned to recognise as God-given. We spoke about God’s fatherly, embracing love.
We agreed that we sell the Christian faith grievously short if we present it as being no more than living a good life, for there is God-given wisdom and strength to live distinctively.
I told Samuel about my prayers in the 1980s to be “filled with the Spirit” and how the words had come: “You need not seek for what you already have.”
The Spirit of God was already living in the Bethel of my heart. I believe this Spirit works in me in quiet ways – dropping those creative thoughts into my mind, upholding me as I choose light rather than darkness, hope rather than despair.
Samuel McKibben and I differ both in what we feel God is calling us to do, and how we do it, but both of us are men beloved by God.
Go to Bethel with an undefended heart and see who meets you there.
