FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

along to the third member of the Trinity. According to Jesus, “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26). This 2,000-year legacy continues as, through the tutelage of the Holy Spirit, we blessedly receive the teachings of Jesus. My preaching would be flat and ineffective were it not for the Spirit’s anointing and amplification. Whether you’re teaching others or learning for yourself, pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit would provide inspiration and clarification as you study. He counsels— The Greek word used for this role, “paraclete,” is rendered Counselor, Comforter, or Helper, depending on the translation. “It is used as ‘one who stands alongside’ as a lawyer, particularly for the defense.” 2 “ Wait a minute Preacher,” one might question, “didn’t you say in Chapter 3 that Jesus was the one doing that?” In a sense, yes. He is also referred to as a paraclete, yet His role is different. “He (Jesus) is the Christian’s advocate with God, pleading his case before God; the Holy Spirit is God’s advocate, pleading His case before our hearts.” 3 How magnificent it is that the Holy Spirit can both instruct the mind of the seeker and console the heart of the sorrowful. He calls and sends— Isaiah said: “Come near me and listen to this: The Sovereign Lord has sent me, with his Spirit” (Isaiah 48:16). The prophet’s task of going before a rebellious and disobedient people would be impossible to accomplish were it not for divine marching orders. And even in this Old Testament period when the Holy Spirit was not yet permanently residing within God’s people, the third Person of the Godhead gave strength to carry out the job. Centuries later, after the coming of Christ and the birth of the church, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them ….’ The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit . . .” (Acts 13:2, 4). Nearly three decades ago, I received a call to enter full-time, vocational Gospel ministry. No person came to me and said I ought to

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