Perhaps one of the greatest needs of the church today is for the church to revisit what is the genuine work of the Holy Spirit? I mean to revisit this in the light of holy Scripture, sound theology and church history. There is so much confusion with women preaching in pulpits all over the place (and leading church services), even though Scripture forbids this (1 Timothy 2:12). The church has flooded its so-called worship with worldly methods, until some people cannot discern between being moved by a rock band in singing versus a genuine work of the Holy Spirit.
What more shall we say of churches using alligator shows, fashion shows and dramas to try to lure in non-believers. Having just read the Book of Acts, the simplicity of the apostolic method is astounding. It was persuading people out of the Scriptures of the sufferings of Jesus of Nazareth, his resurrection and his message that all men everywhere must repent and believe the gospel.
But, what about the true work of the Holy Spirit? I have two books on my shelf that I would like to mention on this subject. First is a small book by John Owen "The Holy Spirit"; second is by Octavius Winslow called "The Work of the Holy Spirit". If people know of good biblical resources on this topic then do add a comment on this blog.
Of course there is the helpful book by John MacArthur called "Charismatic Chaos" which deserves a hearing or his book called "Strange Fire" also.
May we search the Scriptures to learn of Christ more fully by the Lord's grace.
"The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men".
Acts 17:10-12.
1 comment:
Calvin will have something to say on the Holy Spirit!
There's George Smeaton with his classic 'Doctrine of the Holy Spirit'. Banner are just republishing this.
Pink also has a small volume entitled The Holy Spirit.
Edwards of course, after reflection, wrote on what is a genuine work of the Holy Spirit in 'Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God'.
And BB Warfield has his Counterfeit Miracles.
John 16:13 'But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth...'.
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