Category Archives: Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit and spiritual clout

Luke 18:1-30.   How much spiritual maturity does it take to enter the kingdom of God?  Jesus told his disciples not to rebuke the parents who brought even infants to him for his blessing.  He said “to such belongs the kingdom … Continue reading

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the age of the Holy Spirit

Luke 17:11-37.   Jesus heals ten lepers, and only one comes back to give thanks.  Jesus takes note that this man is not a Jew, but a foreigner – a Samaritan.  His point is that the Jews should have recognized that … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit, the law, and the gospel

Luke 16:1-17:10.   The rich men of Jesus’ day had created a religion that mocked the purposes of God.  They narrowly defined the law into traditions amenable to the rich alone, then forced strict obedience to that narrow tradition.  But Jesus … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit draws the lost

Luke 15.   In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners.  In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)].  … Continue reading

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renouncing all for the Holy Spirit

Luke 14.  Genuine discipleship is free to all by God’s grace.  It is bought by the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross, and offered freely to all by those who proclaim the gospel of the kingdom (24).  But we … Continue reading

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The Holy Spirit of disunity

Luke 12:49-13:9.   The Holy Spirit does not always bring peace and unity.  Because he answers to the Son, whose kingdom he is setting up in this universe, he assists in dividing families and bringing discord.  His goal is not peace … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit empowers kingdom seekers

Luke 12:13-48.   Luke had just recorded Jesus’ warning to his followers that they would be brought before the authorities and questioned because of their faith.  He told them not to be anxious because the Holy Spirit would give them the … Continue reading

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enemies of the Holy Spirit

Luke 11:37-12:12.  There are two kinds of religious person: friends of the Holy Spirit, and his enemies.  The Holy Spirit ministers through his friends – people who stand up for the truth about Jesus Christ – even if they are … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit’s other gifts

Luke 11:1-36.  Jesus told his disciples to expect the Father to give them the Holy Spirit.  He is not reluctant, but eager to do so (5-13).  From this gift of an intimate relationship with God flows other gifts – and … Continue reading

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how the Holy Spirit manifests

Luke 10:25-42.  Luke puts together two stories from Jesus’ life in which the messages seem to be complete opposites. In the first story, Jesus explains to a lawyer that devotion to God is not enough.  In order to inherit eternal … Continue reading

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