The Holy Spirit & Scripture

This past weekend I (Rebecca) traveled to Dallas, Texas to visit a friend and was able to attend church with her Sunday morning. As we took a tour of the church I was struck by the universal soundtrack of Sunday mornings: teachers setting up crafts, printers pressing last minute papers, worship tuning and practicing, coffee brewing and indistinguishable conversations – moments of fellowship. Then as we began the service, we recited the Apostles Creed together. I was once again struck by the presence and practice of the Universal Church. It was a sweet moment as I thought of you all worshiping together – alongside me – thousands of miles away. How big and vast God is. 

In the midst of these thoughts and reflections the sermon began, the pastor was launching a new series on the Holy Spirit. This high-level overview consisted of 5 main points that they will really dig into in the coming weeks – they were really great bullets:

1. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God
2. The Holy Spirit is God’s promised and permanent presence with us
3. The Holy Spirit distinguishes us from the rest of the world
4. The Holy Spirit is essential to us having, understanding, and applying the Bible
5. The Holy Spirit is essential to intimacy with God

The fourth point above:  The Holy Spirit is essential to us having, understanding, and applying the Bible really struck me.

I once again was reminded of you all and the “Off the Shelf” series we just finished. The pastor spoke of the inspiration of Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s role in that process and then proceeded to speak about the Holy Spirit’s role now in the illumination of Scripture. We understand and apply Scripture through the Spirit as it illuminated our hearts and minds with truth. 

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13 

What an amazing gift – and what a compelling reason to take the Bible “Off the Shelf” and lean in. Leaning in as individuals and also as a community; coming together to read and discuss the Bible Reading Plan, gathering together to pray and learn in Bible Studies and Home Groups, spending intentional time asking questions and examining the Scriptures for inspired illuminated truth. 

Happy reading this week!

Rebecca
Next Gen Pastor