Dear Christis,

Salaam and grace in the name of our Lord Jesus Chris, and blessed greetings from Jerusalem.

Many thanks for your letter dated October 8th 2002. I appreciate your comments, and your support, and am very grateful for the article you sent. I have fond memories of my time with you, and hope that you will keep us always in your prayers.

The situation continues to be difficult, and the Iraq crisis is diverting the attention of so many people in the world from the horrors of daily life in Palestine. In addition to this, the recent developments in Israel with the withdrawal of the Labour Party, and the uncertainty of the future of the government adds to the concern, and the anxiety of all involved in the conflict. Such developments first mean that we have a smaller cabinet in Israel that has no vision whatsoever for peace, and willingness for compromise. Second, this affects any progress, as everything will have to be put on hold. There is one overwhelming theme that appears on top of all this: hypocrisy. As Palestinians watch the relentless expansion of Jewish settlements on their land, it should never come as a surprise that there is violent resistance to the occupation. Only if the occupation is over will there be stability in the region.

Know that this comes with my prayers, and best wishes,

In Christ,

Rt. Revd. Riah Abu El-Assal
Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem

Dear Christis,

I would like to thank Chris Coles for his well written and thought provoking article on the Holy Spirit. I would also like to share some differing opinions on the matter.

I believe that when you give your life to Chris, it is then that you receive the full measure of the Holy Spirit. God is a loving God, and would not hold back on the gift He so wants us to receive (John 14:15-17 says "He will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever"). In fact, Paul writes that we cannot say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Also that we have received it so that we may understand what God has freely given us (1 Corinthians 2:12). So if God is not holding back, who is? I believe that as we grow in our Christian faith, we learn to open more areas of our life to the Spirit, and thus let it into more of our life. We are not really asking God to send more of the Spirit, but instead to help us open up to it.

Regarding speaking in tongues, there are many gifts of the Spirit, of which speaking in tongues is just one. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 shows us some of these gifts. All are the work of one and the same Spirit. So while one person may have a very public gift of tongues, another may receive wisdom, or another knowledge. Gifts that are not so visible from the outside. In fact the whole remainder of that chapter goes on to show how important all the different sifts of the Spirit are. Yes the disciples were all given the gift of tongues, but that was so they might spread the word to all people, no matter the language. In today's world Paul's writing that where someone speaks in tongues, there should also be interpretation, seems more appropriate (1 Corinthians 14:13). That whole passage shows concern over the use of tongues in church, and instead urges that we might excel in gifts that build up the church.

Finally a warning. Belief that a charismatic Baptism in the Spirit is necessary for confirmation of faith can be damaging. As a new Christian I had this belief, and my determination to receive this empowering actually blocked out my listening to God and eventual realisation that God did not want or need me to experience such an event. He had in fact given me a wonderful number of gifts. Galatians 6:22-23 states "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". For those that have not had a charismatic experience, think on John 20:29: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed..."

In Christ,

Andrew Cowley

Dear Christis,

God bless you all of you! I'm a Salvadorean Christian girl (sorry for my English) and I'm really glad to know that with people like you the good news from our Jesus Christ is expanding around the world, and that is just great!

My best wishes for all of you, and that God continues blessing you with his power and love.

Sincerely,

Alma
(via email)