Excursus: The Holy Spirit (Part 1)
Pastor Jerry Koller

God’s people, in the Old Testament, did not have an understanding of a Triune God.
• God’s people were monotheistic—the belief that there is only one God.
• This is displayed in the Shema.

It was Jesus who began revealing and teaching about the Godhead, the Trinity. It was Jesus who first introduced to God’s people the Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, the primary Greek word for spirit is “pneuma”which is used 300 times. It has multiple meanings.
• It is used in reference to the immaterial part of manthat thinks, feels, or decides.(see John 4:23)
• Another meaning has to do with a temperament or a mood. (see John 11:33)
• Another meaning has to do with immaterial beings, such as angels, demons, or unclean spirits. John doesn’t use this word this way in his Gospel.
• It can refer to a movement of air, a breath from the nostrils or mouth, or the wind itself. (see John 3:8)

It is used in reference to the third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.
• What may be emphasized at times may be His personality or character. (see John 20:22)
• Sometimes the emphasis is on His work or power. (see John 16:13)
• When used in reference to God the Holy Spirit, it never is used as an impersonal force that lacks what we view as human qualities.

Even before Jesus began teaching about the Trinity, this truth was visually and audibly illustrated when Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized. (see John 1:32-33; Matt. 13:16-17)

While pneuma is used 3 times in this passage, twice it is used in regard to the third person in the Godhead.
• There is a contrast being drawn between flesh and spirit.
• There is also a transition that is made.

• Those things Jesus has been teaching about Himself are spirit and life.
• Jesus said the flesh profits nothing. There is not anything a person can possibly do that can lead to eternal life.
• It is the Spirit who gives life.

In the wilderness, when Moses struck a rock in Horeb, water came out. The people drank. Their thirst was quenched. That water preserved life. However, the people eventually became thirsty again.
• Jesus tells the people that He can provide living water to those who believe in Him.
• As such, those who believe will never thirst again.

We worship one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit.

All three persons are actively involved in God’s plan of redemption.

What was true about the Holy Spirit back then is still true today.

Before anything was created, God existed. Father, Son, and Spirit had a plan to redeem a people for Himself. Are you a part of that plan?

If you are in Christ, you have been drawn by the Holy Spirit and have been sealed in Him as a guaranteed that what God has begun will be completed.

mission café
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe

worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary
• If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive.

children’s worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room
• Ages 5 years old through 5th grade
• Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information.

men’s bible study
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café
• Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information.

church office open
Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm

theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.

women’s craft group
Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room
• Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.

• The Bocock Family upon the loss of Gail Peacock (sister-in-law of Joyce Bocock).
• Alyssa Newell has been diagnosed with Lupus. She has an appointment in September to discuss a management plan; pray that the treatment options are successful.
• Joyce Bocock has a large hematoma in her thigh which is causing a significant amount of pain and making it difficult for her to walk.
• Marge Benham has a lump on her shoulder that has been found to be cancerous. She will have radiation and surgery this summer and the doctors are confident this is treatable and beatable.
• Dylan Goff's fiance, Taylor, who is recovering from a stroke and will probably have a procedure done to repair a hole in her heart within the next few weeks.
• Bruce Ferguson is recovering from a procedure to prepare his prostate and bladder for radiation. Pray that everything heals properly.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com