Feb
3
2010
Forgotten God – Chapter 3 – Holy Spirit Theology 101
Author: pastoroffishingWhen hearing someone’s take on the Holy Spirit I usually end up cringing at first. It seems that lately everybody has an opinion on what or who the Holy Spirit is…even me! As I read this chapter it echoed the words of the Scripture. The concept of grieving over my injustices and rejoicing over my loving actions. What is that truly like?
This chapter really pushed me to start asking the questions to my Lord how do I communicate with God and particularly the Holy Spirit. It has pushed my prayer life into more than just a one time a day, or a moment in time that I focus, but into more of a checking in throughout the day. A txt msg conversation with the Holy Spirit of sorts.
I know at first this may sound cheapened, like I am not making a ritual or having a reverence for my time, but more and more I am viewing it as being in battle. I can’t help but view our walks as a piece of the greater battle. Everyday I am constantly reminded of how fallen our world is and every step is moment where the Holy Spirit may have some insight/direction on my moves. Intel as you may call it.
The reality is that all the schooling in the world will not prepare you for when the Holy Spirit needs you for a task. Yes I said need and probably can throw in there want. God has us as a piece of the battle, a force that He needs here on earth. Sure I get the big picture and sometimes don’t have the details of it all, but I love when I have that direction, drive, and focus.
So what did these basic truths create for you? Did you get stirred up a bit in your prayer life? How you interact with God?
Tags: christian, Forgotten God, Frances Chan, God, Holy Spirit, prayer
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:56 pm
boy –
What resonates in my mind is the fact that generations of “Churches” failed to teach on the power and truth of the Holy Spirit – SAD – but no excuse for us – so where do we start – How do we implement “Holy Spirit 101″ with God the Father and God the Son teaching – the Holy Spirit has always been a third wheel – - – sniff shiff – whats that, do I smell the Right Reverend Roths next sermon series . . .
February 5th, 2010 at 1:24 am
Joe – I am curious what implications does this mean as fathers. I was talking to Milty today about how I peronally grew up and how my conversations now with my father about our spiritual walks never really happened until after I was divorced. I am curious is the Holy Spirit calling this generation of fathers to leave a legacy of actually having Spirit lead lives instead of lives of contemplation how we didn’t listen?
February 5th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
As I read this chapter about the theology of the Holy Spirit it started to really sink in why He is called our “Comforter” and “Counselor.” The bible says that He prays for us, He draws people to Christ, and He convicts people of sin. For me, this is so comforting and takes some of the pressure off.
I often have so many things to pray for that I don’t even know where to begin. While there are some specific things I just know that I have to take to God there are so many others cluttering up my mind. The bible says not to worry about that…the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. So lately I find myself just getting on my knees in silence. Then as I focus on God and praise Him, things come to me. The Holy Spirit knows my heart and what my worries are. Its not always easy to do that, but those times (which are also times when I don’t feel like praying) end up being the most intense.
The next two on my list go hand-in-hand. I worry about people around me not knowing Jesus and whether or not they care about doing good. Again the bible says I don’t have to worry about that either. While God may have a part for me to play in it, the Holy Spirit is the person who takes care of those things. This is very hard for me to submit to because I feel like I have to always DO something.
Another truth is that He has plans for us in this life. I have spent so many years of trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Now I look forward to just letting the Spirit lead my life. I just have to focus and pray at all times so I can be listening to the Holy Spirit and react when He calls. It won’t be easy, but what a comfort to know I’m not alone in this thing.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I think you will have fun with my sermon this week…you pretty much have written a summary on it…haha