Holy Spirit Studies
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Consultation with brethren of reputation has led to the belief that we may make a genuine contribution to the cause of Christ by conducting two-day studies in depth on "The Holy Spirit." It would be expected to condense several weeks of investigation into such a period so that brethren could come from a distance and share in the studies at a minimal expense. The studies would consist of three sessions daily, with morning and afternoon studies lasting 2 1/2 hours each, and night sessions 1 1/2 hours. These latter would be devoted to a study of the relationship of the Spirit to unity and fellowship.
Such meetings would be open to all with special emphasis upon all heirs of the restoration movement in the area, and with full understanding that in this sharing of concern, there would be no indication of endorsement of either the teacher or the sponsoring agency. All who attend would come as free men and women. The purpose of the study would be to familiarize ourselves with the identity, nature and work of the Holy Spirit, so that the committed ones could be used in a responsible and meaningful way to accomplish the will of God in the latter half of the twentieth century. In no sense would they be dedicated to the building up of any faction, segment or group at the expense of others.
All members of "the fellowship of the concerned" would be invited to come with Bible, notebook and pencil. There would be no pageantry or ritual, not even preliminary exercises, special songs or musical renditions. The studies would begin with a prayer for divine guidance and immediately the books would be opened for penetrating studies in depth. It is believed that out of such rich experiences of mutual association and group investigation would come new power for our personal lives and a lessening of partisan tensions in the community.
Any congregation, group of congregations, Bible chair, college or class, may sponsor such a study, but those who do so must be wholly unselfish and seek the good of all who love the Lord in the community, and not merely the welfare of the sponsoring group. There must be no attempt to use the Spirit for sectarian gain. We will set no fee and demand no salary. We will trust those who arrange for the local study in depth to care for our expenses and support on the simple basis, "Let him that is taught share with him that teacheth in all good things."
We have prepared a brief statement detailing the subject-matter to be covered in the meetings which will be chock-full of diligent study of the Word. Congregations or groups of saints desirous of making a worthwhile contribution to our generation are asked to pray earnestly before writing for a copy of the statement. You may address your letters of enquiry and requests for dates for such studies to W. Carl Ketcherside, 139 Signal Hill Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63121.