Getting started: in Ephesians 2.3 the apostle Paul declared that when we “lived in the passions of our flesh” we “were by nature children of wrath”. What do you think Paul meant by that? When reviewing some of my old sermons on the Holy Spirit, I concluded that they weren’t very good. They weren’t unScriptural,... Continue Reading →

Getting started: what do you think Jesus meant by His statement in Matthew 28.20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”? In a previous lesson we noted how in the Old Testament, when the Lord promised that He was with someone that meant more than God was favorably inclined... Continue Reading →

Getting started: if Jesus is the Son of God (Luke 1.32) and God in the flesh (Matthew 1.21; John 1.1,14), why did He receive the Spirit (Matthew 3.16)? In this study we have proposed that the Spirit’s activity can be traced throughout Scripture in the following ways: The Spirit is instrumental in forming the people... Continue Reading →

Getting started: read the dimensions of the temple from Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 42.15-20). What stands out to you? We concluded our last lesson by noting how in a vision the prophet Ezekiel saw the Lord’s glory leaving the Jerusalem temple (Ezekiel 10.18-19). Furthermore, the Lord revealed that He was going to “profane my sanctuary, the... Continue Reading →

Getting started: read Solomon’s prayer of dedication following the building of the Temple (1Kings 8.22-53). What stands out to you in Solomon’s words? “For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I... Continue Reading →

“‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be... Continue Reading →

Getting Started: The Lord promised that He would be with Moses (Exodus 3.12). How was the Lord’s presence evident? At the conclusion of our last lesson we noted how God’s presence was with Israel because His Spirit was with Israel (see Isaiah 63.7-14). Note the prophet’s words in vs. 11: “Where is he who brought... Continue Reading →

Getting started: after the exodus from Egypt, God led Israel to Mt. Sinai. In His own words, “I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to myself” (Exodus 19.4). What do you think God meant by that statement? How did God bring Israel to Himself? In Genesis 15 we read of how the Lord... Continue Reading →

Getting started: what role did the Spirit have in Creation (Genesis 1)? What role is ascribed to the Spirit in the wisdom literature (Psalm 104.30; Job 33.4)? The trinitarian concept of God (Father, Son & Spirit) is not fully developed in the Old Testament, and certainly not in the opening chapters of Genesis. Consequently, most... Continue Reading →

Getting Started: On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable are you with the following statements? (1=not comfortable at all, 10=so comfortable I want to give it a big hug) The Spirit dwells in me. _____________ The Spirit leads me. ______________ I cannot be fruitful, except by the Spirit. ______________ I am sealed for redemption by... Continue Reading →