Do you ever feel like God is distant?
I know I do. There are days when I sit down to read the Bible and pray, and God just feels far away. The truth about the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit can feel more like a concept than a reality.
If you’ve ever had days—or even seasons—like that, you’re not alone. The question is: what do we do when God feels distant?
We’ve had some great questions about the Holy Spirit come through the comment cards during this series. I’ll try to address some of them here in the eNews as we work our way through. My prayer is that this helps us grow in our knowledge of God—Father, Son, and Spirit—and also grow as his followers together.
What gender is the Holy Spirit? Why do some people call the Spirit “it,” “she,” or “he”?
I recently read a theologian who consistently referred to the Holy Spirit as “it,” which made me think more about this question.
“What I am saying is reasonable and true.”
That line from Acts 26:25 has stuck with me over the past few weeks. As Paul makes his defence of the gospel before King Agrippa and Festus, Festus accuses him of being out of his mind. But Paul calmly replies, “What I am saying is reasonable and true.”
Have you ever thought that before? I know for myself, many times I’ve remained silent when talking to my friends about Jesus because they might think, I’ve lost my mind. And that’s exactly what Festus thought of Paul! But Paul’s words have been a real encouragement to me: the gospel is both reasonable and true.
'Most evangelicals have an uneasy relationship with the Holy Spirit. They know, of course, that he is part of the Trinity, and that he is somehow essential in the sanctification process. Yet many relate to him in the same way they relate to their gall bladder: while glad he’s in there, they are not quite sure how to engage with him.' 1
That quote got me thinking—what is our relationship with the Holy Spirit like? […]
The situation in Gaza is devastating.
For some time, I’ve felt the need to write something about the unfolding tragedy in the region. The reason I haven’t spoken or written about it until now is that I haven’t felt confident I could do justice to the complexity of the issues—or the depth of feeling they provoke.
But I’ve come to realise, through the thoughtful prodding of brothers and sisters, that silence is not a faithful response.
Jesus Offers Life to the Full
Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10–11)
Jesus offers life in relationship with God—the life we were created to have. A life of purpose, peace, unconditional love, and real hope—knowing that one day we’ll be reunited with our Heavenly Father in his glorious, eternal kingdom. Life with Jesus truly is best.
