EGT - The Holy Spirit - Part I

Back to the Beginning . . . “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.  And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”  (Genesis 1:1-2)   Who the Spirit is NOT . . . ·         The Holy Spirit is not an “it.” ·         The Holy Spirit is not impersonal.   Who the Spirit IS . . . ·         The Holy Spirit is “He,” which means he is personal. ·         The Holy Spirit is relational ·         The Holy Spirit is fully God as expressed in the doctrine of the Trinity. o   God the Father (Genesis 1:1) o   God the Son (Genesis 1:26; Colossians 1:15-19) o   God the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2, 26) ·         The Holy Spirit is God’s personal presence actively and powerfully at work in the world to give form to creation, to bring spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead, to fulfill the purposes of God, and give evidence of God’s glory.    Creation to Form . . . God brings light and form to the void and darkness. (Genesis 1:1-31)   The Spirit of Life . . . God’s Spirit gives life to all.  (Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7; Psalm 104:30; Job 33:4; Romans 8:10-11) ·         “Ruach”—wind; breath; spirit   The Purposes of God . . . The Holy Spirit actively and powerfully fulfills the purposes of God. ·         Examples:  Luke 1:8-17 (John the Baptist); Luke 1:26-35 (Mary)   The Evidence of God’s Glory . . . ·         The baptism of Christ (Luke 3:21-22) ·         The witness of the believers (Acts) ·         The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)