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Delighting in the Truth: The Holy Spirit, by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     From January to March, we will be offering a series of devotionals on our Membership Affirmation of Faith. Our aim in this series is to help Glory of Christ grow in our understanding of truth, our love of the God of truth, our love of one another, and our love of unbelievers. The Affirmation is made up of eight articles of faith, the fourth of which is entitled “The Holy Spirit” and reads as follows:
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds in full divine essence from the Father and the Son, who was sent into the world by God the Father to glorify God the Son. We believe that without his work no one would come to faith. We believe that His work in regeneration is not the result of water baptism or any outward ritual. We believe He indwells everyone who trusts in Christ, and helps them make progress in overcoming sin and in becoming more like Jesus Christ in thought, deed, and love for God the Father. (John 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; John 16:9-14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26)
     This statement affirms four truths about the Holy Spirit to which I would add a fifth truth. First, the Holy Spirit is fully God and not merely a manifestation of some aspect of God. Second, the Holy Spirit’s main function in heaven and earth is to exalt the glory of Jesus Christ in the eyes of all creation. Third, even as he exalts Christ, the Holy Spirit draws people to Christ and causes some to be born again by the eternal wisdom and will of the Father. Fourth, although it is a great mystery indeed, the Holy Spirit physically indwells every believer, granting them power to see the glory of Christ, be transformed into the image of Christ, and do the will of Christ in the world. To these I would add that the Holy Spirit also grants a variety of gifts to every person in the body of Christ, according to his will, that he might manifest his presence in the church and build up the church into the fullness of the image of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Oh what a glorious God is the Holy Spirit!
     As you reflect on the Holy Spirit, take some time to ponder the following questions, preferably along with other believers: (1) How can a better understanding of the Holy Spirit help us to worship him? (2) How can a better understanding of the Holy Spirit help us to love other believers? (3) How can a better understanding of the Holy Spirit help us to gain a greater passion to share the gospel with unbelievers near and far?



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