The presence of the Holy Spirit plays a significant role in Christian theology, connecting the narratives of the Old and New Testaments. This blog post explores how the Holy Spirit resided with believers in the Old Testament through two examples. Additionally, we will delve into the transformation of the Holy Spirit’s role into a permanent presence after the ascension of Christ in the New Testament. Finally, we will compare and contrast the experiences of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the Old and New Testaments to conclude our analysis. The Old Testament: Limited Manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s Presence In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit’s presence was typically shown through temporary manifestations rather than a constant dwelling. The distinction between indwelling and coming upon suggests a temporary nature. Two prime examples highlight this transient nature. Firstly, the case of King Saul exemplifies the Holy Spirit’s visitation for a specific purpose. “Then the … [Read more...] about The Shifting Presence: Exploring the Role of the Holy Spirit in Old and New Testament Theology
Wisdom
Exploring the Essence of God: Understanding His Attributes and Their Scriptural Significance
Theology Proper is a crucial aspect of understanding our beliefs about God. It focuses on the Godhead and God the Father, distinct from the study of Jesus as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit, though there may be overlaps. In this blog post, I will explore the concept of attributes of God and their significance in helping us know Him as He has revealed Himself to us. I will identify and explain four attributes of God, supported by relevant scriptural references. Many people engage in various debates and discussions regarding the existence of God. Some subscribe to the cosmological argument, which poses that something cannot arise from anything; hence God must have created the universe. Some people believe in the teleological argument that suggests a purposeful and beneficial universe arrangement, reflecting Christian harmony and intelligence. For instance, the distance between the moon and the Earth controls the tides, and the perfect axis of the Earth indicates the existence of a … [Read more...] about Exploring the Essence of God: Understanding His Attributes and Their Scriptural Significance
Rediscovering Christian Beliefs: Basics & Beyond
Amid all the chaos where people are claiming their identity as they please, it’s best to go back to the basics and write about what it means to be a Christian. When we as Christians are questioned about our belief in the Bible, we should be able to give an educated response on our beliefs and why we hold them. Over the next four weeks, I will write about bibliology, theology proper, Christology, and pneumatology. After four weeks, you should have gained a comprehensive understanding of Christianity, including the concept of the Holy Trinity consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” (Charles Spurgeon) This blog post dives into the Bible’s concepts of revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, canonicity, and illumination. Examining its transformative power, we explore how it shapes individuals to reflect the character of Christ. Prepare to dive into the heart of this timeless and life-changing text as we uncover its … [Read more...] about Rediscovering Christian Beliefs: Basics & Beyond
Strength in Doing the Right Thing, When Only God is Watching
In a world often driven by the spotlight, where recognition and applause seem to accompany every good deed, there’s a quiet and profound strength in doing the right thing when no one else is watching but God. This inner power comes from a strong belief in honesty and a steadfast dedication to leading a life by the teachings and morals of the Bible. While the allure of recognition is undeniable, there’s a hidden treasure in acts of kindness, honesty, and righteousness performed solely in the eyes of God. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 ESV). The Bible contains many passages highlighting the importance of doing what is right, even if no one else is aware. The Bible teaches us that our actions reflect our character and faith and that God sees everything we do and intend to do. This knowledge should inspire us to remain true to our moral principles even when no one is … [Read more...] about Strength in Doing the Right Thing, When Only God is Watching
Hiking Through Life: Navigating Your Spiritual Journey with Wisdom and Purpose
There’s nothing more exciting than preparing for a hike in Arizona. Put on your hiking shoes, grab your water, apply sunscreen, don your hat, and hit the trail. As you walk, take in the breathtaking views on both sides—admire the trees, the cactuses, the large rocks, and the wildlife. Your hike should be relatively smooth as long as you stay on the designated path. However, veering off the trail can lead to trouble. This analogy also applies to Christians and their spiritual journey. Staying on the path the Lord has laid out for you, and He will straiten the path for you. “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (ESV Proverbs 3:6). When hiking, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the twists and turns of the path, ensuring that you stay on track. This concept applies to the journey of life as well. Rather than impulsively running towards the allure of every shiny object we encounter, it’s essential to reflect on the direction we want to … [Read more...] about Hiking Through Life: Navigating Your Spiritual Journey with Wisdom and Purpose