The Doctrine of the Trinity #God #HolySpirit #trinity

In this sermon, Kyle Cunningham begins by acknowledging the challenging and mysterious nature of the topic of the Holy Spirit. He notes that Christians have often ignored or minimized the role of the Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit can be a divisive topic that has led to divisions within the church. Cunningham states that the goal of this sermon series is to gain a better understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and how the Spirit can impact our lives in practical ways.

Cunningham then lays out two foundational doctrines about the Holy Spirit that he believes have the broadest agreement among orthodox Christians. The first is that the Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal force or energy. Cunningham points to various passages in Scripture that ascribe personal attributes to the Holy Spirit, such as speaking, directing people, having relationships, and experiencing emotions. He argues that the Holy Spirit must be a person in order for believers to have a personal relationship with Him.

The second foundational doctrine is that the Holy Spirit is God. Cunningham notes that some Christians have viewed the Holy Spirit as merely an extension or manifestation of God the Father, but he counters this by highlighting passages that distinguish the Holy Spirit as a unique person within the Trinity. He explains that the doctrine of the Trinity - that God is one being in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) - is an essential Christian belief, and that denying the full deity of the Holy Spirit undermines this Trinitarian understanding of God.

Cunningham contends that these two doctrines about the personhood and divinity of the Holy Spirit are vitally important for several reasons. First, they are foundational to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which is a core belief about the nature of God. Second, they are essential for understanding the Holy Spirit's role in salvation and the regeneration of believers. Cunningham explains that the Holy Spirit enables us to believe the gospel, indwells us, and begins the process of sanctification, transforming us from the inside out.

Finally, Cunningham argues that a proper understanding of the Holy Spirit as a personal, divine being is crucial for maintaining unity within the church. He laments that Christians have often allowed disagreements about the Spirit to divide rather than unify the Body of Christ, despite the fact that Scripture speaks of the Spirit as the "bond of peace" that should bring believers together. Cunningham expresses his hope that by gaining clarity on the identity of the Holy Spirit, the church can find greater unity.

In conclusion, Cunningham encourages the congregation to approach this study of the Holy Spirit with openness, humility, and a willingness to be shaped by what the Scriptures reveal. He emphasizes the importance of worshipping the triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and asks the congregation to pray for the Spirit's help in understanding His person and work more fully. Cunningham then leads the congregation in a time of worship, inviting them to respond to the truths they have heard about the Holy Spirit.

Overall, this sermon lays a crucial doctrinal foundation for understanding the Holy Spirit as a distinct, divine person who is essential to Christian faith and experience. Cunningham's emphasis on the Spirit's personhood and deity, and their implications for salvation, spiritual growth, and church unity, provide a strong starting point for the congregation to dive deeper into the mystery and power of the Holy Spirit.

Date: 4.8.24

[kimberHD]

He was OK until he started to lie, by saying the apostles formed the canon of scripture. The apostles themselves do no such thing, their successors, the bishops of Catholic Church did.

[soy]

the bible has not one singular mention of a holy trinity.