Category: Holy Spirit
Subject: Holy Spirit
A Great Contrast
The fifth chapter of Galatians contains a great contrast written by the apostle Paul. On the one hand are the works of the flesh, and on the other the fruit of the Spirit.
First note their opposition. They are antithetical, and Paul gave the advice, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (5:16). In saying they are antithetical, we do not claim that both can’t be present in our lives. Because of our human nature, it is possible for us to have both of these in some amount. Such presence ensures a great conflict in our inner man. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (5:17). Continue reading “A Great Contrast”
For the Profit of All
In the first century spiritual gifts were common. Paul wrote at length to the Corinthians regarding the practice of these gifts. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
It was necessary that he make this point, that all might understand how to utilize the gift given specifically to them. Some were given “the word of wisdom”, others “the word of knowledge”, or “faith”, or “gifts of healings”, “miracles”, “prophecy”, “discerning of spirits”, “different kinds of tongues”, and “interpretations of tongues” (12:7-10). Regardless of the actual gift, the intent was emphasized again in verse 11, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Sermon: The Curious Case of Simon the Sorcerer
A discussion of Simon’s conversion, and the sin he committed following, taken from the text of Acts 8.
Sermon: The Work of the Holy Spirit
A discussion of the Holy Spirit’s Work as a Helper to the disciples following the Lord’s leaving the earth (John 16:5-15)
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7
As Paul expresses his admiration for the example of the Thessalonians, he expresses the part the gospel played in their good conduct.
The gospel first of all showed Paul and his companions to be legitimate servants of God. The demonstration of power, given through the intervention of the Holy Spirit allowed those who heard Paul to acknowledge his legitimacy as an apostle.
“Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles” (Acts 15:12).
Additionally, there was power in the words themselves because they were inspired, from the Holy Spirit. They did not originate from Paul himself (2 Peter 3:16).
Their acceptance of the gospel was not without cost, as Paul notes they were afflicted for their faith. Regardless, they were joyful in their service (Galatians 5:22-23). And, their steadfastness in faith served as a wonderful example to other Christians.
Sermon: The Helper
The 43rd lesson in our series of Jesus’ Words in John’s Gospel. This lesson examines Jesus’ promise (in John 15:26-16:4) to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles to enable them in their witness.
Sermon: The Purpose of Holy Spirit Baptism
Acts chapters 1, 2 and 10 are used to explain the purpose of Holy Spirit baptism, as revealed in them.
Sermon: He Will Teach You All Things
A discussion of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to aid the apostles in their work following His death. (John 14)
Sermon: The Helper, the Spirit of Truth
A discussion of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples, recorded in John 14:12-18.
Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
Sermon: The Father, the Christ and the Spirit
Jesus’ teaching in the temple at the Feast of Tabernacles establishes the three persons of God: The Father, the Christ and the Spirit.
Sermon: One Body, One Spirit
Sermon by Jeremiah Cox.
A textual study of 1 Corinthians 12-14, expressing the purpose of spiritual gifts (edification), and discussing unity in the Spirit.
Sermon: The Good Fight of Faith
In order to fight the good fight of faith (cf. 1 Timothy 6:6), we must first identify the enemy, and second utilize all of the help and weapons at our disposal.
Mining the Scriptures: Revelation 4:1-8
In his salutation to the seven churches of Asia, identified by name in chapters 2 & 3, he pronounces blessings upon them from the Father “Him who is and who was and who is to come”, the Holy Spirit “the seven Spirits who are before His throne”, and the Son “the firstborn from the dead.”
(Note: some believe the phrase “seven Spirits” refers to the spirits of the seven churches, but it seems the context is referring to each person of the Godhead, in turn. As such, the number seven would have symbolic significance as a reference to the Holy Spirit).
Regardless, John affirms Jesus as our Lord and Savior (6), and promises His second coming (7). The central theme of the book is our victory through the power of God. He is the “Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End… who is and was and who is to come, the Almighty” (8).
The Patternists: Red Letters are a Start
Anyone who has a red letter edition of the New Testament is aware of the small amount of teaching that Jesus did which was recorded by the gospel writers. Every word is precious, and despite the relatively few words known, contain an inestimable wealth of wisdom, instruction and guidance for mankind.
Some today seem to think that these words constitute the entirety of God’s will for man. They think that if they heed Jesus’ spoken words, recorded in the gospels, they will have a sufficient knowledge of the Lord’s will to please Him.
It is interesting that by making this claim, they actually ignore what Jesus Himself said on the matter. In response to a question by Judas Iscariot, Jesus said in John 14:23-26:
“If anyone love Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
Several things here are notable: 1) All of the words that come both from the Lord and the Holy Spirit have their ultimate origin with the Father. 2) Jesus did not share with the apostles everything the Father wanted revealed. 3) After Jesus left the earth, the Holy Spirit both revealed the remainder of God’s will, and reminded them of what Jesus had already said.
All scripture is inspired by God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17), including the writings of Paul and the other apostles (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). As such, we are not at liberty to disregard any of it. The words of the New Testament writers are equally important and binding upon us, because they too have their origin with the Father in Heaven.
Some people in the first century opposed Paul, John and the other apostles. Their refusal to heed the writings of God’s servants were to “their own destruction” (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). The same mistake is being made today. Consider Peter’s warning in 2 Peter 3:17:
“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.”
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