Well here we go, we're at it again. That was the beginning of a Jody song we would sing as we marched to in the Army. But this is not the Army. My point is that I continue to hear misdirected references in prayers. So indulge me - please.
Most every Christian would agree that there is one God, the Father, Jesus, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They are One but not so what is their purpose and relationship?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him" - John 3:16-17
So who is the Son? It's Jesus! Correct. Then who is the Father? He is the Creator God. Right again!
"I [Jesus] am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." - John 17:11
So Jesus and God the Father are "one" but not the same. Jesus is not God the Father and God the Father is not Jesus. We will address us being one a bit later.
Many religions acknowledge the existence of Jehovah God. [Jehovah is a Latinization of the Hebrew יְהֹוָה Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton [5 letters] יהוה (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. The Tetragrammaton יהוה is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God's name in Christianity., [source Wikipedia] Much of the world understands that, but stumbles at the idea of Jesus, the Son and the Spirit.
“For God [Jehovah] so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
Of course, you are well aware of that verse. Affirming that Jehovah God sent His Son - Jesus suggesting the He had authority over the Son. In fact, our faith hinges on that fact.
As a Christian, you know all about Jesus. Born in the flesh as a baby. Died on the Cross for our sins. Rose on the third day as our Savior and Redeemer. Ascended into heaven. Is at the right hand of the Father and makes intercession for the saints perpetually. He is our Brother, the first born among many, our Lord and also our high priest.
"This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." - Hebrews 7:21-26
So that is Jesus. What about the Spirit? God sent [again suggesting authority] the Spirit as a deposit in every believer sealing the promise God the Father has made to everyone who has placed their faith in the work of the Son.
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14
The purpose of the Spirit in addition to Sealing us and Helping we Christians, also Convicts of the world of its sin.
"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me" - John 16:7-9
"the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me [Jesus]." - John 15:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things" - John 14:26
"the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." - John 14:17
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak" - John 6:13
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27
So who do we pray to and who is interceding for us?
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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