Biola Broadcaster - 1972-05

THE MINISTRY OF By LLOYD T. ANDERSON HOLY SPIRIT, A PERSON

apart from Him. Keep in mind, there is only one place, the Bible, where we can learn the truth about the Holy Spirit. It is little wonder either for this Book is literally Cod-breathed. No Christian doctrine is perhaps more misunderstood than that of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, peo­ ple take their ideas from others whose concepts are not based on Scripture. It is sad but true that many who preach about the Holy Spirit do not conform their state­ ments to the Bible. Too many false things are being taught, most of which are based completely upon emotional experiences rather than Scripture. Emotions are not our teachers on any subject. This is a sure road to delusion and fanati­ cism. Nerves may carry sensations but they do not possess intelli­ gence. The fact that one happens to be in earnest does not help mat­ ters. He can be sincerely wrong for, "There is a way that seemeth right into a man, but the ends thereof are the way of death."

In these days the ministry of the Holy Spirit is being much discussed. Our basis for this study is Romans 8:16 and 26. Here we are told that as born again children of Cod, “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit." In verse 26 we see that the third member of the Trinity is the One who helps us through the trials of life. Spiritual life for the believer be­ gins with the Holy Spirit's regener­ ating energy. It is likewise contin­ ued through His unfailing ministry, only to be climaxed by His won­ derful resurrection power through Christ. We are as dependent upon Him as a baby is upon its mother. The Holy Spirit not only brings us spiritual birth, but also He is the abiding principle and power of the Christian life itself. When a baby is born it may survive the mother's death. Not so in the spiritual realm. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is absolutely indispens­ able. There is no communication of divine life to a human being

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