Biola Broadcaster - 1972-05

Job 33:4 testifies, “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life." This refers to the creation of man. It is in line with the truth taught in Genesis 1:26 and 27 where God reasons, “ Let us make man." The word is plural and re­ fers to the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is also related to the sustenance and preservation of God's material order of things (Psalms 104:29, 30). This indicates that the life and fertility even of the ground continues through the action and reaction of the Holy Spirit. He is the Author of the an­ nual revival in nature. What a won­ derful thought! He alsq shrouds nature in death (Isaiah 40:7). Even the seasons of the year are under His control and power. The Holy Spirit is also active within the sphere of God's king­ dom in Israel. He had much to do with the success and progres of the Lord's chosen people. Again and again He came to their rescue. They were not, nor have they ever been, left to themselves. When the tabernacle was being constructed the Spirit endowed certain men with skill and craftsmanship to carry out the divine design and plan. Later, He was the one who raised up judges to give His people deliverance from their enemies. When King Saul was chosen to be King it was said that the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him. Likewise, at the tragic close of his life, we are told that the Spirit of God departed from Him. This is always the sad and tragic problem with sin. God, however, was plan­ ning for David to become his suc- cesor. Shortly thereafter we read that the Holy Spirit, having left Saul,

came mightily upon David. He looked out for the interests of His own people. They were given the advantage of His supernatural wis­ dom and ability. Prophecy goes on to reveal that there is a day coming when Israel will finally and permanently be restored to her land, becoming the head of the nations (Isaiah 32:15, 44:3). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is associated with these di­ vine blessings. Doubtless, we have often wondered what will change the stoney, rebellious heart of un­ belief in the midst of the people of Israel toward Jesus Christ. For 20 centuries this mood has re­ mained unchanged. God's answer is that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts (Ezekiel 36:26, 27; 37:14). What tremendous things there are to which we can look for­ ward in confidence and assurance. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT In studying about the Holy Spirit we see His tremendous work and ministry throughout the ages of time. Some people have the idea that it is only since the New Testa­ ment Church that He has been ac­ tive in the world. Nothing could be further from the truth. Tracing His services through the pages of the Bible we are shown how the Holy Spirit, co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent with the other members of the Trinity, has had His specified areas of outreach throughout the world. In Joel 2:28 and 29 we find a significant prophecy concerning the Holy Spirit. The Scripture ref­ erence is quoted by Peter in Acts 2 during his message on the Day of Pentecost. The partial fulfillment occurred at that time. The com-

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