The work of the Holy Spirit

Dr. David Yonggi Cho is pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea. The world’s largest church, it serves more than 800,000 members. He is also founder, president and chairman of the board of directors for Church Growth International and past chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship. He was recently interviewed by Ken Horn, managing editor.

PE: What is the importance of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life?

CHO: Without the influence of the Holy Spirit, no one can believe in the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the heaven-sent Helper for our Christian life. Without His help, we can’t survive in this world of evil. This is the age of the Holy Spirit. God the Father and Jesus the Son manifest to us through the Holy Spirit.

PE: What advice would you give someone who is seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit? What steps should they take?

CHO: To receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit:

1) One should thoroughly confess sins.

2) One should completely surrender to our Lord Jesus.

3) One should fervently desire the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

4) One should persistently pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

PE: Do the gifts of the Spirit continue to be an important part of what God is doing in Korea? Do you still see miracles frequently?

CHO: We are seeing miracles abundantly here in Korea. Where the Holy Spirit is present, the gifts must be manifest, and Christians have to expect the manifestation of the gifts. Divine healing is an integral part of the good news. This message has to be preached. Faith comes by hearing. The lack of preaching and teaching on this brings about the disappearance of divine healing.

PE: Why do you think miracles occur in some places and not in others?

CHO: Miracles occur when you desire and expect and believe. When people stop reading the Bible and stop accepting God’s promises, the Holy Spirit does not perform miracles.

PE: Some people are confused about how to pray for healing. How would you suggest they pray?

CHO: Healing is included in the redemption of our Lord. Healing is given through grace by faith, so one should know the healing promises and believe, and persistently pray and claim.

PE: As you travel the world in ministry, are you seeing churches in revival?

CHO: Generally, I see churches in revival in Africa, Asia and in South America. Many churches are dying in Europe. The Pentecostal churches are growing and are very healthy. Any church where the Holy Spirit is welcome, the church is coming alive.

PE: What has the Lord laid upon your heart at this time in your ministry?

CHO: Awakening the body of Christ for the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PE: What are your current goals and dreams?

CHO: In two years, I should resign when I become 70 years old. But presently my goal is planting 500 to 1,000 new churches in Korea and to evangelize North Korea and China.

PE: Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

CHO: The American church has always been a source of inspiration and our pride. I pray that God may revive the American church to renew the strength and leadership for world Christendom.

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