Excursus: The Holy Spirit (Part 2)
Pastor Jerry Koller

• All call the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth

• The Helper, in verse 16, is the Spirit of Truth in verse 17.
• The Spirit of truth is received.
• The world cannot receive Him because it does not see Him or know Him. (see Ephesians 2:1-2)
• The Spirit is the down payment on our salvation. (see Cor. 1:21-22)
• One cannot be in Christ and not have the Spirit in them. (see Romans 8:9)

• John equates the “Helper” with the Spirit of truth. They are one in the same.
• He will come because Jesus said He will send Him.
• He will come from the Father.
• He will testify about Jesus.

• The word guide has to do with teaching or giving guidance.
• He will not speak on His own initiative. (see John 12:49)
• While Father, Son, and Spirit carry out different roles or functions, they are united in plan and purpose.
• He will disclose to you what is to come. He will not deviate from the plan.

References to “Helper” in John’s Gospel (4x):
• The word helper is a translation of the Greek word paraklétos, from which we get our word paraclete.
• This word did not enter the English language until the 1400’s and it is seldom used outside a theological context.
• Basically, it means someone who comes to one’s aide, such as a legal assistant, an intercessor, or a friend called into a court of justice to plead someone's case or stand by them like what we would call a defense attorney.
• John takes this commonly used word and expands upon its meaning by associating it with God the Holy Spirit.

• The word “another” means another of the same kind; another of a similar kind.
• The Holy Spirit, is “another” of the same kind as Jesus—one who is personal, one who is divine.
• He will continue the work of Jesus

• The phrase “in my name” means that the Spirit comes in the name of Jesus Christ thereby keeping the Son’s presence with.
• As Jesus represents the Father, the Spirit represents the Son.
• It is He who will continue the work Jesus started.

• This is the third time we see reference to the Triune God.
• Prior to Jesus, God’s people would not have understood that He is One God in three persons.

• It is to their advantage that He leaves them because if He didn’t, the Holy Spirit would not come in the way God had planned.
• Jesus’ ministry was limited to a specific place and time.
• His leaving meant he could live, through the Holy Spirit, in every believer throughout the world.

• What John presents is foundational. We see a clear picture of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Spirit.
• We have seen the Spirit is received.
• He is given by the Father and the Son to all who believe in Jesus’ name.
• He is the seal or down payment on our salvation, and He dwells in all who believe.
• He is the one who helps us bear fruit to the glory of God.

mission café
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe

worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary
• If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive.

children’s worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room
• Ages 5 years old through 5th grade
• Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information.

men’s bible study
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café
• Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information.

church office open
Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm

theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.

women’s craft group
Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room
• Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.

coming soon
• Women’s Book Study | Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Classroom 2 | Starting 9/22
• Theology Class Resumes | Wednesdays| 7:00-8:00pm | Classroom 2 | Starting 9/23
• Pumpkinfest | Saturday, 10/31 | 6:30-8:00pm | FBC Gym

• The Bocock Family upon the loss of Gail Peacock (sister-in-law of Joyce Bocock).
• Alyssa Newell has been diagnosed with Lupus. She has an appointment in September to discuss a management plan; pray that the treatment options are successful.
• Joyce Bocock has a large hematoma in her thigh which is causing a significant amount of pain and making it difficult for her to walk.
• Marge Benham has a lump on her shoulder that has been found to be cancerous. She will have radiation and surgery this summer and the doctors are confident this is treatable and beatable.
• Dylan Goff's fiance, Taylor, who is recovering from a stroke and will probably have a procedure done to repair a hole in her heart within the next few weeks.
• Bruce Ferguson is recovering from a procedure to prepare his prostate and bladder for radiation. Pray that everything heals properly.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com