The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

In our corporate worship on the Lord’s Day, we’re now gazing into Eph. 1:13-14, as Paul gives praise for the guaranteeing seal of the Holy Spirit.  In this brief passage, Paul speaks specifically about the Holy Spirit’s work with regard to the genuine conversion of God’s people, and also with regard to His securing of their eternal redemption.

 

To be sure, much confusion and distortion abounds with regard to the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  Dr. Sinclair Ferguson makes this observation:  “For while his work has been recognized, the Spirit himself remains to many Christians an anonymous, faceless aspect of the divine being.  Even the title ‘Holy Spirit’ evokes a different gamut of emotions from those expressed in response to the titles ‘Father’ and ‘Son’”.  (Ferguson, The Holy Spirit, IVP: 1996, pg. 12)

 

An exhaustive biblical study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit goes beyond the framework of our current exposition of Ephesians.  But even as you read the book of Ephesians, you find that the Holy Spirit is prominent in all Paul has to say.  Thus we learn of the sealing of the Spirit (Eph. 1:13; 4:30), of access in one Spirit to the Father (2:18), of God building His people into a dwelling of His in the Spirit (2:22); of God revealing truth to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit (3:5), of God seeking to strengthen His people with power through His Spirit (3:16),  of Christians needing to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:3), of there being one Spirit (4:4), of the danger of grieving the Holy Spirit (4:30), of Christian’s need to continually be filled with the Spirit (5:18), of the word of God being the sword of the Spirit (6:17), and of the need for Christian’s to continually be praying in the Spirit (6:18).

 

Beloved, because the Spirit of God has revealed so much about Himself in God’s word, we need to rightly understand His person and work.  And even from all that is declared in Eph. 1:3-14, we need to rejoice and live in the power of the Spirit’s work, in connection with the electing grace of the Father, and the redeeming work of the Son.  May God teach and strengthen all of us – for our assurance in Him, and His glory in and through us.

 

Because Christ lives, and is returning,

Greg

Stewarding Technology

We live in a day in which the use of many forms of technology (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.) is as common as breathing.  And breathing is a good thing – as long as what you’re breathing isn’t toxic and destructive!

 

As believer’s, we need to heed the Holy Spirit’s exhortation – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise…” (Eph. 5:15).  Certainly one area which requires the exercise of great care and wisdom is our use of technology.  The many forms of technology are not evil in and of themselves.  But as with any good and beneficial thing, there are also great dangers we need to recognize and avoid.

 

I found this post, Technology and the Christian Life (by Dr. C.J. Williams), to be thought-provoking and helpful.  Here’s the heart of Williams’ concern:

 

“In any case, one of the greatest daily challenges a Christian faces in the modern world is to think clearly about his or her use of any technology.  Does it help you achieve good ends in your heavenly calling and service to Christ, or is it an avenue of distraction and temptation?  Would Jesus look on and say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’”?

 

Beloved, God has given us a great stewardship.  It’s not just about the time and resources we have, but about what we do with such time and resources.  May God help us all to “walk worthy” of the calling He’s given us as His children (Eph. 4:1), and show great discipline and discernment in how we use what He’s given – including technology.

 

Because Christ lives and is returning,

Greg

On Biblical Inerrancy

As you know, last week’s Shepherds’ Conference focused on the theme of the inerrancy of Scripture.  Ever since the Garden of Eden, when Satan tempted Eve by saying, “did God actually say…?” (Gen. 3:1), the authority and reliability of God’s Word has been under attack.  Satan’s strategy is as simple as it is deadly:  if he can tempt you to doubt God’s Word – which is now permanently revealed in the 66 books of Scripture – then you’ll be deceived into thinking there’s no need to treasure, trust, and obey that Word.

Because this issue of inerrancy is so important for the spiritual health of individual Christians, and the whole church, I encourage you to learn more.  All of last week’s 18 general sessions are helpful in this way (some more than others).  You can find them here.  While it’s best to listen to the messages in order, you might start with the Panel Q&A, which provides some helpful background to the topic.

Additionally, more information about the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy, which gives a somewhat recent historical context, can be found here.

Beloved, God’s holy word is the treasure of all treasures.  He has given it that we might know and grow in His salvation through Jesus Christ – 2 Tim. 3:14-17.  May we be faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us!

Because Christ lives, and is returning,
Greg

Greetings from the Shepherds Conference

Greetings, brothers and sisters.  As you know, myself and 10 other men from RCG are currently at the Shepherds Conference in Los Angeles.  Thank you for your prayers!  We’re being encouraged with the preaching of God’s word, and the fellowship of literally thousands of like-minded men.  It is a blessing to be here – a blessing we pray will “spill over” to you and many others.

 

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out the live-stream of the main sessions (there are 4-5 each day).  Here’s the website:  http://www.shepherdsconference.org/.  As you’ll see, video of earlier sessions is also beginning to be available.  With the sessions not concluding until Friday evening, there’s still a lot more to go.

 

Thanks again for your prayers – 2 Thess. 3:1-2!  We’re all looking forward to getting home to Sacto, and seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.

 

Grace,

Greg