Christian Living

John Owen said, as he set out to write his classic treatise on the Holy Spirit, that he found it, 'A work too great and difficult for me to undertake and beyond my ability to manage to the glory of God, or the good of men, for who is sufficient for these things?' Alasdair Heron called the Holy Spirit 'the most elusive and difficult of all themes in Christian theology'. 'Truly, ' writes Simon Ponsonby, 'attempting to write a comprehensive study, which is accessible, biblical, theological, historical and practical, on the Person and Work of the Spirit, feels a little like climbing the Everest of Christian belief.' And yet he has done just that. Marshalling the prolific references in Scripture; the metaphors of wind, water, oil, fire and dove; the multiplicity of terms, types and titles; the many insights from the church fathers, reformers and more recent theologians, Simon Ponsonby presents us with a dynamic and accessible picture of the One who is God with us, working in and through us, shaping us into the character of Christ and equipping us for the adventure of serving others. The result will stimulate both head and heart, as it presents a dynamic picture of the One who is God with us, working in and through us, shaping us into the character of Christ and equipping us for the adventure of serving others.

A great challenge to get out of the spiritual comfort zone to find a fulfilled and fulfilling faith. In response to a deep crisis of faith in the West, Johannes Hartl encourages readers to reject a feel-good Christianity, superficial answers and shallow conceptions of God, but instead to grasp hold of genuine faith and rediscover a sense of wonder.

Life is messy. Just look at the Old Testament story of Joseph. He was tossed in a pit, wrongfully imprisoned, forgotten, and dismissed. But Joseph's story contains an audacious promise: Whatever mess you face, God will use it for good. He did for Joseph, and he will for you. Trust in him.