On our Journey Through John, we are moving forward at one chapter per week. Click here for the reading schedule if you’d like to follow along. This week’s featured conversation partner is Dr. Mark Powell of Pepperdine University who will share insights into John 16.
About Dr. Mark Powell
Mark Powell is a professor of theology at the Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee. He also serves as a shepherd at the Sycamore View Church of Christ. Mark has authored several books including Centered in God: The Trinity and Christian Spirituality (2014), Papal Infallibility: A Protestant Evaluation of an Ecumenical Issue (2009), and a forthcoming volume with Dr. John Mark Hicks and Greg McKinzie (Spring 2020) that will put forth a theological vision for Churches of Christ.
I am so glad to hear such a great discussion of the Holy Spirit. We should never be afraid of the Holy Spirit but welcome Him as a friend, constant companion, teacher and comforter. What is to be afraid of?? To deny the power and presence of the Holy Spirit is blasphemy. When you think about it having this kind of relationship with the Holy Spirit is what defines a christian and separates us from the people who are merely acting “religious”.
I also really enjoyed hearing we need to be who we are genuine and not some high pressure salesman. It is liberating to realize it is God that will do the work in them if they are receptive …. it is such a source of peace when you have someone you love who is not a believer. I always thought that even Jesus the actual word of God made flesh would do miracles and teach in a village and some believed and some did not. Could there have been a better evangelist than Jesus… so when our loved ones still have a hard heart even though we give it our best efforts….we are guiltless.
Thanks Joe! Glad you’ve enjoyed the exchange. It’s been great for me.
Off topic, are you playing guitar at the intro to these messages, Mark?
In fact, the background music is all me. I recorded my own jingle. I appreciate you noticing. 🙂
I suspected as much. Been meaning to ask for awhile now!