Disciple's Guide to the Holy Spirit

Explains how to structure a time with God that is meaningful and growth inducing.

Explains the basic reasons why the concept of the Trinity is compatible with and taught in the Bible.

Explores abiding in the vine (John 15:1-17), beholding the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18), and corporate worship (Ephesians 5:18-20) as ways the Spirit uses to transform us. Examines spiritual warfare weapons of the sword of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-18; Jude 20). Concludes by describing the lifestyle that will help a disciple walk in Spirit day by day.

Sees familiarity with the Spirit's voice as vital to maturing as a disciple. Explores God's voice in Jesus' ministry, differences between messages in words vs. nudges or promptings (Mark 1:33-38; John 5:19; 1 Corinthians 2:11-12, 16; Acts 8:26-38). Concludes with heart preparation as a humble servant -- "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:1-10).

Explores gift-lists in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 28-30; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11, and discusses spiritual gifts of words of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healings, working of miracles, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, helps/service, exhortation/encouragement, administration/leadership, stewardship, mercy, etc.

Sees spiritual gifts as specialized Spirit-empowered abilities designed to build up the Church and expand the Kingdom. Notes similarities to and distinctions between God-given talents and spiritual gifts, and reviews Jesus' Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Notes that gifts are given according to grace, not merit, examines the purposes of the gifts (Ephesians 4:12-13; 1 Corinthians 12:7), and the debate between cessationism vs. continuationism. Then examines the five gifts in Ephesians 4:11 -- apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.

Explores passages on the struggle between the sinful nature ("the flesh") and the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:18-25; 8:1-9; Isaiah 26:3; Galatians 5:16-18), and result of the Spirit's transformation -- the  fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Studies all the word analogies related to "baptism with the Holy Spirit" in the Book of Acts -- word pictures such as being "being filled," "being clothed," "receiving," "giving," and "sending." In that light, examines contemporary doctrines of separateness, subsequence, and "initial physical evidence" concerning the baptism with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues (Acts 1:4-5, 8; chapter 2; 8:15-19; 10:44-45; 19:1-6, and related passages).

Examines Paul's teaching on the indwelling Spirit, featuring metaphors of a temple, a house, adoption, internal testimony, anointing, seal, and down-payment (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 8:9-15; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Paul tells of the Spirit searching the deep things of God, enabling disciples to have the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Concludes with 1 John 4:4: "Greater is he who is in you...."

Studies Jesus' teaching on the Spirit concerning streams of living water (John 7:37-39; 4:14) and being born of the water and the Spirit (John 3:1-8). Concludes with a look at regeneration by the Spirit (Titus 3:5-7).

Jesus promises "another Paraclete" (translated variously as Helper, Counselor, Comforter) whom he will send after he goes to the Father. The Spirit will replace Jesus' role with his disciples and enable them to do "greater works" than Jesus himself (John 14:12). Explores each of the Paraclete passages in John 14, 15, and 16.

Explores passages that indicate the Spirit is the source of Jesus power, since Jesus relies fully on the Father (John 5:19). He ministers in the power of the Spirit and serves as example to his disciples of the Spirit-filled Man. He promises to send the Spirit upon his followers.

Examines the Spirit in creation, the Spirit coming upon kings and prophets, and promises of the Spirit coming upon the Messiah and all believers (1 Samuel 10, 16; Numbers 11:16-17, 25; Joel 2:28-32; etc.)

Briefly explore very foundational concepts about the Holy Spirit -- a spirit is a being without a body, the term Holy Ghost, Hebrew  rûach, "wind, breath, mind," and Greek pneuma, "wind, breath, air."

Briefly explains the author's approach to studying the Holy Spirit and his power.