In considering the gift of the Holy Spirit, it is essential to grasp its true essence—a divine and relational presence accomplished spiritually rather than a physical presence reduced to a mere tangible entity or set of abilities. After all, a non-corporeal (non-physical) omnipresent Spirit is already everywhere. The question is how does the Spirit relate … Continue reading How will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
theology
The Holy Spirit: Divine Creator, Life-Giver, and Teacher
The theology of the Holy Spirit entails three profound areas of focus: his deity, his work as Life-Giver, and Teacher. Firstly, the Holy Spirit is recognized as true God. This divine essence shines through from the very outset of Scripture, where the Spirit of God is seen moving over the waters during creation (Genesis 1:2). … Continue reading The Holy Spirit: Divine Creator, Life-Giver, and Teacher
God’s Unshakeable and Unborrowed Joy: Rediscovering Divine Blessedness
Imagine a happiness so complete, so fulfilling, that it casts no shadow and no darkness could effect it. Imagine a joy so profound it permeates every fiber of your being, a wellspring of contentment untouched by life's inevitable storms. That's the essence of divine blessedness, a concept that once held a central place in Christian … Continue reading God’s Unshakeable and Unborrowed Joy: Rediscovering Divine Blessedness
Theology on the Cross: Exploring Psalm 22 and the Cross
”My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” If our reading ventures no further than Matthew 27:46, we may begin to see Christ as totally alone and rejected as he bore the penalty of sin. However, this understanding is more difficult as we venture further into Scripture. Jesus’ Cry and Psalm 22 While on … Continue reading Theology on the Cross: Exploring Psalm 22 and the Cross
Does God the Son Rank Lower Than God the Father???
Since there is one divine essence (Deut 6:4; Js 2:19), there is no division or submission in the divine Persons. The Father, Son, and Spirit exist and act with one undivided and inseparable substance. The entire Trinity shares the same honor, authority, power, eternity, and mind. The Father, Son, and Spirit have no distinction in … Continue reading Does God the Son Rank Lower Than God the Father???
There is One God and God is One
“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” (Deut. 6:4). Stephen Charnock wrote, “Where there is the greatest unity, there must be greatest simplicity; but God is one. As he is free from any change, so he is void of any multitude.”[1] Being pure spirit (Jn. 4:24), God is not … Continue reading There is One God and God is One
Blessed Trinity
Blessedness requires “(1) the absence of all evil, (2) the possession and presence of all good in the highest good, and also (3) the enjoyment of it, that is, the sense of it and a repose and joy in it.”[1] However, in God these attributes exist perfectly. Divine blessedness, according to van Mastricht, involves: the … Continue reading Blessed Trinity
Fountain and Foundation
Fountain and Foundation As Creator, God is both the Fountain and Foundation of all things. Before and apart from time, he created and set all things in motion (Gen. 1:1). He is “most Strong, Stable and Incomprehensible, Immutable; moving all things, never new, never old, renewing all things.”[1] He is the fountain of every good … Continue reading Fountain and Foundation
SACRED SPACES AND THINGS
There are a lot of special places in this world. Some places have a special connection to God. The Holy Lands tours are special because they help us to connect with the very real history recorded for us in Scripture. Some places and things are more special than others. Some things have been used … Continue reading SACRED SPACES AND THINGS
Mystery and Methodology: Thinking About God and Worship
Up now, slight man! flee, for a little while, thy occupations; hide thyself, for a time, from thy disturbing thoughts. Cast aside, now, thy burdensome cares, and put away thy toilsome business. Yield room for some little time to God; and rest for a little time in him. Enter the inner chamber of thy mind; … Continue reading Mystery and Methodology: Thinking About God and Worship
Donnie's Dogmatics 