God the Holy Spirit Honor

Missionary Activities - Bible Studies

Requirements

1. Understand how the Bible describes the Holy Spirit as one of the three distinct persons of the Trinity. (2 Corinthians 13:14; Matt. 28:19; John 16:14-15)

   Answer: The Bible treats the Holy Spirit as a person, not a force. 2 Corinthians 13:14 mentions the grace of the Son, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Spirit. Matthew 28:19 commands baptism in the name of the three. — The Trinity is not three gods, but three persons in one divine essence. The Council of Nicaea (AD 325) formalized this doctrine against heresies such as Arianism. Adventists affirm the Trinity as fundamental belief no. 5, basing it on more than 100 direct biblical texts.

2. Know whether or not the Holy Spirit took part in the creation of the world. (Genesis 1:1-2)

   Answer: Yes, the Holy Spirit took an active part in the Creation. Genesis 1:2 says: 'The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters'. The Spirit worked together with the Father and the Son in the creation of the world, demonstrating the collaborative work of the three persons of the Trinity from the beginning. — The Hebrew word 'ruach' (spirit/breath) appears from the second verse of the Bible. Other texts confirm it: Psalm 33:6 (by His breath/Spirit), Job 26:13 (by His Spirit He adorned the heavens). The Trinity is presented as early as the first chapter of Genesis with 'Let us make man' (1:26).

3. Define how the early Christians identified the Holy Spirit as a distinct person in the Godhead. (Acts 5:3; 13:2; 15:28)

   Answer: The early Christians treated the Spirit as a person: Acts 5:3 shows Peter accusing Ananias of lying to the Holy Spirit (one can only lie to a person). Acts 13:2 shows the Spirit speaking: 'Set apart for me Saul'. — Lying, speaking, and deciding are the actions of persons, not of forces. Acts 5 shows that Ananias 'lied not to men, but to God', equating the Spirit with God. Acts 15:28 shows decision-making authority - only persons decide. These texts were key in the theological debates of the first centuries of the church.

4. Know the promise made by Jesus in John 14:16-17.

   Answer: In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises to ask the Father for another Counselor (Paraclete), the Spirit of truth, who would be with the believers forever. The world cannot receive this Spirit because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, but the disciples know Him because He dwells with them. — 'Paraclete' (in Greek) means 'one who is called alongside to help' - also translated as Counselor, Advocate, or Comforter. 'Another' (allos) implies another of the same kind, equal to Christ. The promise was fulfilled 50 days after Passover at Pentecost (Acts 2).

5. Explain what the mission of the Holy Spirit is in the work of saving people. (John 16:7-11)

   Answer: The mission of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin (for not believing in Christ), of righteousness (Christ returned to the Father), and of judgment (Satan has been judged). He works in people's hearts, awakening spiritual conscience and drawing them to salvation through Christ. — To convict (from the Greek elenchō) means to expose the truth until the person acknowledges it. The Spirit does the inner work that humans cannot do - only He touches the conscience. In evangelism, praying to the Spirit before preaching is a historic practice, based on this specific mission.

6. Memorize and recite Galatians 5:22-23.

   Answer: Galatians 5:22-23: 'But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.' Memorize the exact phrase and recite the 9 fruits of the Spirit by heart. — The 9 fruits of the Spirit show mature Christian character. Unlike the 'gifts' (specific empowerments), the 'fruit' (singular in the original) is a single reality with 9 facets. Memorization allows it to be used as a periodic spiritual self-assessment and in natural evangelistic conversations.

7. Share with a friend what a person needs to do to receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 5:32)

   Answer: Acts 5:32 teaches that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. To receive the Spirit one must: repent of sins, believe in Christ, be baptized, and obey the commandments. — Acts 2:38 adds: 'Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'. A sincere request is also essential (Luke 11:13). The Holy Spirit is a gift - not earned by merit, but God grants it to those who seek Him in sincere obedience.