The number of occurrences of sexual assaults is staggering. At least 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. More staggering than the prevalence is the damage done to the victim. The effects […]
In Acts 19, we see that Apollos and some Ephesians became followers of John the Baptist and received his baptism. They knew that John pointed beyond himself to Jesus. They probably knew not only of Jesus’ life and ministry, but also about his death and […]
Tongues Prove the Spirit to the Jews In Acts 10, the Spirit falls on Gentiles while Peter is speaking. This experience with the Holy Spirit is attested to by tongues and followed by water baptism. Again, note the lack of a particular sequence. It is […]
The Samaritans and the Spirit In Acts 8, the Samaritans believe the gospel that Philip preaches, and then they are baptized. However, they do not receive the Holy Spirit until Peter and John lay their hands on them. The discussion between charismatic and non-charismatic is […]
Pentecost Is a Prophecy-Fufilling Event The experience of the Spirit on Pentecost is a fulfillment of the prophecy of John the Baptist concerning the one—Jesus—who would baptize in the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11, Mark 1:6, Luke 3:16, and John 1:33). This promise is also stated […]
The Holy Spirit Introduces Himself Acts records an exciting period in the life of the church. It is obvious that Luke saw the Spirit as living and active, as the missional emphasis of the Holy Spirit’s ministry is seen distinctly in Acts. The book is […]
Who the Holy Spirit Is Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do? Answering these questions requires discussing “pneumatology”—or the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is God. In Matthew 28:19, […]
Faith Rests on Knowledge According to Calvin, in conversion the mind is renewed to appreciate the message of the Incarnation and to apprehend the gratuitous promise by Spirit-given faith, and the will is renewed in such a way that the person turns to God in […]
Legal vs. Evangelical Repentance Immediately after developing his robust definition of faith in InstitutesIII.2.ii, Calvin discusses repentance and grace in III.2.iii. He makes a distinction between “legal repentance” and “evangelical repentance.” Legal repentance is the view that says, “Repent, and IF you repent you will […]
The Holy Spirit’s Work Calvin’s defines faith not in terms of a book accredited by the Spirit; rather, faith has Christ as its object and is enabled by the Spirit’s work of illumination. Illumination plays a key role in Calvin’s doctrine of faith, especially in […]