Lesson Seven & Eight
Summary Statement:
We believe in God the Holy Spirit, giver and renewer of life, sent to guarantee our promised future. The Spirit convicts concerning sin, enlightens to the truth, awakens to repentance and faith, regenerates sinners, and unites believers to Christ, making them partakers of the divine nature. By the Spirit's indwelling, Christians enjoy God's presence and fellowship. By being filled with the Holy Spirit, Christians are divinely empowered for witness and ministry. As they bear the fruit of the Spirit and exercise spiritual gifts, believers edify the Church and bear witness to God's kingdom.
We believe God's mission is to redeem a people for himself from every tribe, nation, and language and to restore creation for his glory. As the Father loved the world and sent his Son, and the Father and the Son sent the Spirit, the Triune God sends the Church into the world to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and seek God's justice and reconciliation in the world.
Journal Questions
Reflect on the following questions through a physical or digital notepad.
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In what ways are you aware of the Holy Spirit's involvement in your life?
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How can you better honor the Holy Spirit in your life?
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Is there anything the Holy Spirit has been addressing in your life that requires your greater attention?
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God's motive for redemption was love: "For God so loved the world, that he gave..." This provides us with the model of what our motive should be in advancing the mission of God. In light of that, what are some hindrances that affect your personal commitment to the mission, and what can you do to resolve them?
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As ministers of reconciliation, we all are called to go, pray, and give. Which one is the Holy Spirit emphasizing to you now, and what will you do about it?
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Profound concern for human suffering marked Jesus' ministry and resulted in transformative liberation. Consequently, justice and reconciliation should characterize our participation in God's mission. What aspect of this part of God's mission is the Holy Spirit calling you to engage in at a deeper level?