Category Archives: Holy Spirit and Providence

Hank’s Questions about the Personal Indwelling of the Spirit, Part 3

Email 2 Just so you know, in case you were/are curious, I believe that the Holy Spirit is in us in the same way that Jesus was in his disciples, when he told them that he was in them in … Continue reading

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Hank’s Questions about the Personal Indwelling of the Spirit, Part 2

3) When Jesus said that the greatest command was to love God and their neighbors with ALL of their heart, did he believe that they could do that back then (without yet “having” the HS), as much as we can … Continue reading

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Hank’s Questions about the Personal Indwelling of the Spirit, Part 1

I get emails. These are two emails from long-time reader and commenter Hank. I answer at some length because they hit on themes I’ve been covering in other contexts, and give me an excuse to tie these themes together. Email … Continue reading

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From the Comments: Is direct operation of the Spirit essential? Part 2

As is so often the case, the OT sheds light on the NT. As we covered in a series of posts last year called “The Salvation of the Jews,” we concluded that the Jews, just like the Christians, are saved … Continue reading

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From the Comments: Is direct operation of the Spirit essential? Part 1

Jeff R asked, Do you believe in the Calvinist doctrine, that it takes a direct operation of the Spirit to influence the heart of an alien sinner? I believe that it’s the word preached that influences that heart, causes it … Continue reading

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From the Comments: Clarifying “Spirit” in Acts, Part 4

Robert (Part 4), 1 Cor 12 is clear that we receive whatever gifts of the Spirit God chooses. We don’t get to pick. We don’t get to complain. We don’t get to brag. God chooses. If I can’t heal or … Continue reading

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From the Comments: Clarifying “Spirit” in Acts, Part 3

Reader Robert asked for a more complete explanation of the Spirit’s work in Acts. Sometimes the Spirit comes at baptism, sometimes before, sometimes after, and sometimes entirely separate. Sometimes there are miraculous gifts, sometimes not. How does this all fit together? … Continue reading

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From the Comments: Clarifying “Spirit” in Acts, Part 2

Reader Robert asked for a more complete explanation of the Spirit’s work in Acts. Sometimes the Spirit comes at baptism, sometimes before, sometimes after, and sometimes entirely separate. Sometimes there are miraculous gifts, sometimes not. How does this all fit together? … Continue reading

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From the Comments: Clarifying “Spirit” in Acts, Part 1

Reader Robert asked for a more complete explanation of the Spirit’s work in Acts. Sometimes the Spirit comes at baptism, sometimes before, sometimes after, and sometimes entirely separate. Sometimes there are miraculous gifts, sometimes not. How does this all fit together? … Continue reading

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From the Comments: More Holy Spirit Questions (Why study if we have the Spirit?)

Reader Jeff R asked, If the will of God is literally written on our hearts, why do we continue with Bible study? Why so much confusion and disagreement among us? Wouldn’t we all understand the same? 1. See my post … Continue reading

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