The Holy Spirit never intended to occupy the center stage in the life of the church. Yes, He is the dynamic behind every Christian life. That is His role; that is His ministry (cf. Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 5:18). However, when He is thrust into the limelight by man, such is not in accord with the will of God as revealed in Scripture. Our Lord Jesus Christ is to have the preeminence in all things (cf. Col. 1:13-18). The Spirit’s ministry focuses upon revealing the Lord Jesus Christ and in exalting Jesus before all (cf. John 15:26; 16:13-15)… When people talk more about the Spirit than the Lord Jesus Christ, such an orientation points to error in the church.
— John Napier, Theologe und Pastor
Related Bible passage: COL.1.18
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Church & Congregation
Occasions: For Reflection
John Napier
John Napier ist ein evangelikaler Theologe und Pastor, der nach seiner Promotion am Dallas Theological Seminary im gemeindlichen und akademischen Dienst in den USA sowie in Australien wirkte. Er wurde insbesondere durch sein Werk Charismatic Challenge bekannt, in dem er eine klassisch cessationistische Haltung vertritt und die Abgeschlossenheit des biblischen Kanons hervorhebt. Bibellesern vermittelt sein Werk eine theologische Einordnung geistlicher Gaben und betont die alleinige Genügsamkeit der Heiligen Schrift gegenüber erfahrungsorientierten Strömungen.
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo