Update

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 Once upon a time , someone asked me if I would be happy working a job that was not at the university. Since my position at the university closed in 2020, I found myself doing exactly that— working in jobs not at the university. It has been a very difficult transition.  Recently, things shifted quickly and in unexpected ways. The short version is that I am leaving the hotel which I am currently working, having taken a position at another.  The longer version of the story is that I stopped by to see my good friend and former GM at his new hotel. While I was visiting with him, one of the owners came out and introduced himself and we got to talking. After a few minutes, he said he wanted me to meet his brother. Our conversation turned into a job interview and 48 hours later I accepted a new position as front desk, manager and assistant operations manager. After some negotiating, we reached an agreement and I start my new position on April 9. It’s a much nicer hotel and these...

"Why do we need the Holy Spirit?"

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A student asked, “God sent Jesus to fulfill all the promises of God to man. What is the need of the Holy Spirit? If we have Christ Jesus, why do we need the Holy Spirit?”

Jesus actually answers these questions in John 14 (just one place among many we could consider). First, we learn that Jesus Himself asked the Father to send another Helper, the Spirit of Truth (14:15-17a). This Helper, the Spirit of Truth, is sent of the Father in Jesus’ name (14:26), and is not of the world (14:17b). Second, Jesus makes it clear that the Helper will abide with us, not leaving us as orphans (14:17c-18). Third, Jesus makes it perfectly clear, “I will come to you,” reinforcing the unique relationship of what we call “The Trinity.” Jesus helps us understand that the Holy Spirit will teach, bring to remembrance all He has taught (14:26).

Jesus elaborates further on the special ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 16. First, if He does not go away, the Helper will not come (16:7). Second, when The Spirit does come, He will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness and judgment (16:8-11). Also, when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide in all truth, speaking only what He hears from the Father (16:13). The overall purpose of the Holy Spirit is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ (15:14).

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