How can I tell the difference between the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit and the accusing attacks of Satan? Some thoughts: 1. The Holy Spirit puts His finger on a specific sin I have committed, something concrete I can own and confess, but the accusations of Satan are vague and simply demoralizing. 2. The Holy Spirit shows me Christ, the mighty Friend of sinners, but the devil wants me spiraling down into negative self-focus. 3. The Holy Spirit leads me to a threshold of new life, but the devil wants to paralyze me where I am. 4. The Holy Spirit brings peace of heart along with a new hatred of sin, so that I bow before Jesus in reconsecration, but the devil offers peace of mind with smug relief, so that I fold my arms and say, “There, that’s over with.” 5. The Holy Spirit helps me to be so open to God that I allow Him to control the conversation, but the devil tempts me to take off the table certain questions I just don’t want God to talk to me about. We are thankful for our dear Friend, the Holy Spirit.
— Ray Ortlund (b. 1949), Pastor, Theologe und Autor
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Temptation & Struggle, Guilt & Forgiveness
Occasions: Encouragement, For Reflection
Ray Ortlund
Ray Ortlund (* 1949) ist ein US-amerikanischer Theologe, Alttestamentler und Pastor im reformiert-evangelikalen sowie anglikanischen Raum, der unter anderem am Trinity Evangelical Divinity School lehrte und die Immanuel Church in Nashville gründete. Er steht für die theologische Verbindung von biblischer Lehre mit einer gelebten Gemeindekultur der Gnade, Barmherzigkeit und geistlichen Erneuerung. Für Bibelleser verknüpfen seine Auslegungen und Schriften theologische Reflexion mit einer seelsorglichen, auf Christus zentrierten Alltagspraxis.
All quotes by Ray Ortlund (67)
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