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Holy Ghost Holes

War Cry 15 May 2021 Promo
Posted May 14, 2021

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If you have had the opportunity to go to the UK and Europe and visit historic churches, you most likely were in awe, or aghast, at the elaborate architecture and beautiful paintings, statues and frescoes that adorn their interiors. The ceilings and domes are covered with cherubs and biblical depictions and often in the centre is a circular fresco, decorated with doves and symbols, with a hole set in the middle. These are called Holy Ghost (Spirit) holes.

These holes were used by the medieval churches on Pentecost Sundays, when a person was sent up above the vaulted ceilings, and, at a point during the service, they would drop red rose petals and white doves down upon the congregants below to symbolise the coming of the Holy Spirit.

May 23 is Pentecost Sunday, the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church Universal. The day we read about in the Book of Acts where the disciples and followers of Jesus gathered together and the Holy Spirit was sent to live in and empower the individuals who would take the Good News throughout the world. We may not have holes in our ceilings, but we can celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit which enables The Salvation Army to undertake the transformational work we were established to do.

In this edition of War Cry you will read stories of this transformative work; for example, Avodah (page 14); lives changed in Tonga through fellowship and prayer (page 6); and the opening of a new Bail House (page 17). The Holy Spirit is available to all believers and he brings the life-giving, destiny-changing, redeeming work of Christ into our lives, our work and our worship here at The Salvation Army.

Vivienne Hill
Editor

It is simply absurd to say you believe, or even want to believe in him, if you do not do anything he tells you.
George Macdonald

Bible Verse

Luke 19:10
‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’

Ruka 19:10
I haere mai hoki te Tama a te tangata ki te rapu, ki te whakaora i te mea i ngaro.

Article written by: War Cry

War Cry is a fortnightly 24-page Christian magazine for Salvation Army readers and all those exploring faith issues. It has been publishing for 135 years. In 2023 it changed its name to SALT Magazine and is now published monthly.

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In 2014, we started publishing online through ISSUU. At the launch of SALT, we also published a dedicated website to content: saltmagazine.org.nz