It's not just in individual people, but in groups of people that the Spirit works at times. While the coming of the Holy Spirit was a unique occasion in church history, that doesn't mean that He won't come again in such a way, if God wills. But that side is not what we are discussing here. And, to a large extent, signs and wonders and amazing external gifts don't even matter since Satan can cause lying signs in these last days.
Whether these external "gifts" are present and on display or not, if the fruit of the Spirit is not evident in a gathering of professing believers, then it is doubtful whether God is in their midst.
The corporate expression (the whole group as seen together) is just as important a testimony and display of God's glory. The church should consistently demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in their dealings with each other and with the outside world.
One is easy to explain away, but when a non-believer comes face to face with many Christians who continually surprise him because of their holy character, that is an effective lifestyle that can lead someone to Christ. They will often say that Christian values are good, even if they reject the God who causes those values to be displayed. But either way, God is glorified! Pray that they acknowledge the God behind the work.
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