Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
Basil the Great lived and worked in a most contentious age – between the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). At issue was the Christian revelation of God. Basil’s opponents were the semi-Arians, Sabellians, and the Pneumatomachi (Spirit-fighters), all of whom denied the equal divine nature of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son, thereby denying the doctrine of Holy Trinity.
Continue reading “Basil – On the Holy Spirit”
I was recently asked for a service for the installation of pastor for Pentecostal churches. After some research, I discovered that there are ordination services, but I could not find a service for pastoral installation. So, I have prepared one. Please feel free to use at your discretion.
Continue reading “Service for the Installation of a Pastor”
The third article of the Nicene Creed simply states, “We believe in the Holy Spirit.” Such a brief statement would lead one to believe that fourth century pneumatology was under-developed. However, Athanasius presents a well-developed theology of the Holy Spirit. His reputation as the champion of Nicene Trinitarianism is secured with his On the Incarnation of the Word and Letters to Bishop Serapion. Athanasius’ Trinitarian theology does not appear in a vacuum, but was developed to answer challenges to the apostolic tradition as stated in the Rule of Faith. The wide acceptance of Athanasius’ work by his contemporaries suggests that he articulated and clarified a received Trinitarian theology.
Continue reading “Letters to Serapion: Athanasius on the Holy Spirit”
