The essence of the ‘Gospel’ is ‘salvation’ and the essence of ‘salvation’ is the work of the Holy Spirit

The essence of the ‘Gospel’ is ‘salvation’ and the essence of ‘salvation’ is the work of the Holy Spirit. “God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as you sent upon the disciples, the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, look upon your Church and open our hearts to the power of the Spirit. Kindle in us the fire of your love, and strengthen our lives for service in your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What is the Gospel?
The Greek word Euangelion, is translated in English meaning “good news” in the New Testament (NT). Jesus preached the good news that the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1) and in Luke 7, he sends message to John the Baptist in prison that the poor have the good news preached to them. Paul the Apostle, in Romans 1, preached the good news of what God has done on behalf of humanity in Christ. In Mark 16, Jesus affirms his disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
The Gospel is the Good News and the essence of the Gospel is ‘salvation’

What is salvation?
Salvation is “Deliverance from the power or penalty of sin.” Or, to be delivered, rescued or saved from something that is not good for our wellbeing or for our relationship with God.
Harper Collins Bible Dictionary, states that the word salvation has its root in God’s divine help, especially when we are faced with adversity. It is at that time God, comes in and rescues and delivers us from perils. Salvation also includes deliverance from other forms of conflict, especially when it relates to people’s relationship with God. So the Gospel is preached to bring salvation or deliverance to the hearers who believe the preached Word. The Gospel of Mark 16 tells us, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”

In Romans 1, Paul testifies to the Romans, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

The essence of the ‘Gospel’ is ‘salvation’ and the essence of ‘salvation’ is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the mysterious power or presence of God in nature or with individuals and in communities. The Holy Spirit inspires, empowers individuals and communities with ability that would not be possible otherwise (HarperCollins Bible Dictionary).
The Hebrew word ruach, is translation in English as “Spirit.” The Greek word pneuma, is translated in English as “wind” or “breath”. Pneuma denotes life or life-giving.

In the Old Testament (OT) the Holy Spirit creates as in Genesis 1 and 2.
The Holy Spirit is a source of inspiration and power.
The Holy Spirit inspires God’s revelation and activity in communities of people. This is evidenced by the prophets of old whom the Holy Spirit gave authority and power to act and speak with authority.
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in community.

In the NT God, empowers Jesus with the Holy Spirit as Messiah in Matt. 3 & 12, Mark 1 and Luke 3 & 4. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit empowers the church for mission.
Luke tells us in the Book of Acts 1:4, how when Jesus was eating with the Apostles he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about, for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells his disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus knew that the disciples had to be empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to be bold witnesses for Christ and in order to carry out the Great Commission of the church.
Luke witnessed in Acts 2:1-11, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Verse 47) affirms how the Lord added to the church in number daily those who were being saved.

THE QUESTION IS: Can the church function without the Holy Spirit?