Engaging with the Holy Spirit: Real Questions, Practical Answers

by Graham A. Cole

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2008

Overview

Despite the growth of the charismatic movement and Pentecostal churches, people still have questions—and even concerns—about the person and work of the Holy Spirit. These real questions are the focus of this book, which seeks to sequentially address six crucial questions that affect a person’s relationship to the Spirit: • What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? • How does a person resist him? • Ought we to pray to the Spirit? • How do we quench the Spirit? • How do we grieve the Spirit? • How does he fill us? Each chapter is devoted to one question and challenges readers about their relationship with the Spirit and about Christian living in general. Readers are also given key elements for thinking theologically and implications for their belief and behavior. This book is reader-friendly and full of solid, reassuring answers.

Contents

Top Highlights

“the genuine believer cannot be plucked out of the Father’s hand—as Jesus taught (John 10:29” (Page 30)

“Moreover, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not being angry with God” (Page 32)

“How is this story relevant to our question? God is a God not only of ends (objectives) but of means (processes to get there). Paul had the Word of God to assure him that all would be saved and yet he issued a warning. That warning becomes the very means by which the divine promise comes to pass. Let me suggest that the warning passages in the New Testament function like that in the genuine Christian’s life. It is the genuine Christian who is troubled by them. The outsider is not.” (Page 31)

“Spirit praying in believers for believers (Rom. 8:26). However, there are no examples of biblical characters praying to the Holy Spirit and there are no commands to pray to the Holy Spirit.” (Page 57)

“to speak of the Spirit’s mediatorial role when Scripture accents that of Christ is distinctly unhelpful.” (Page 63)

Product Details

• Title: Engaging with the Holy Spirit: Real Questions, Practical Answers
• Author: Graham A. Cole
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Holy Spirit
• Resource ID: LLS:NGGNGHLYSPRT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T04:45:58Z

About Graham A. Cole

Graham A. Cole is Anglican Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School, Birmingham, Alabama. Previously he served as professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and principal of Ridley College, Melbourne. He is the author of God the Peacemaker (NSBT), Engaging with the Holy Spirit, He Who Gives Life and numerous articles in periodicals and books.