I haven't had much time to think about this but I wanted to go ahead and blog about it since tonight we are discussing The Disciplined Life and I feel that a lot of my processing for both will come in the following weeks.
I don't remember learning much about the Holy Spirit growing up. The only time I remember a sermon or any kind of teaching was actually as a young adult when I was at home visiting. I think as I am reading through some of the Scripture and discussing things with others, that I attribute most of the Spirit's role in my life to Jesus. So I have a lot to learn as far as who is the Holy Spirit? What is His role in the Trinity? What is His role in my life? How do I recognize His presence in my life?
I distinctly remember learning (or at least my interpretation of what they were teaching) that being filled with the Holy Spirit was different than becoming a Christian, and not something that everyone would have. And then the waters got even muddier in college when I visited other churches that were "Spirit-filled" that I thought were either extremely frightening or comical.
Since then, I think I have mostly ignored that aspect of the Godhead, that aspect of my life in Christ, and how the Spirit operates in the world. I am anxious to learn more.
I guess that is all I really can say right now because I am just trying to understand it more, trying to see the Spirit in scripture and in life. Kami recommended a book that she just finished reading and is really excited about called, "Surprised by the Power of the Holy Spirit" by Jack Deere. I am planning on checking it out.
If you have read this book or any others, or just have thoughts or knowledge about the Holy Spirit, I'd love to hear more!
1 comment:
Hi Heather,
Three resources (other than Scripture) have been extremely helpful to me on this subject this year:
1) A class that Kristian taught called "Glorious Joy". I can send you the slides. They are full of Scripture references. This class had a huge impact on my understanding of the Holy Spirit, and consequently, on my faith.
2) Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Roles, Relationships, and Relevance by Bruce Ware. This is a easy to understand and yet very deep book with tons of great Scripture references. It is also a practical book as it ties in the Trinity to our relationships, particularly in marriage.
3) This essay by Jonathan Edwards (which I haven't even finished reading because it is so heavy--but really the concepts in it are hugely helpful so far):
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/trinity/files/trinity.html
Praying that the Holy Spirit would bless your study of Him!
Love, Bina
2)
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