How does God bring His Word into our lives? The answer by the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit the Word was revealed and written. By the Spirit the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. By the Spirit the Word roots itself in the hearts of sinners and produces fruit. Calvin recognized long ago that the Holy Spirit is the bond of union between believers and Christ. Jonathan Edwards said that the Spirit is the sum of all Christ bought for His people with His precious blood. How precious then is the Spirit, and how important to know Him and His ways! In this book, a team of pastor-theologians uncover the rich biblical teachings about the work of the Holy Spirit. How was the Spirit involved in the human life of Jesus Christ? What is a spiritual person? How does the Spirit open the mind of sinners to trust in Christ? What does it mean to serve God in the power of the Spirit? How does the Spirit’s sovereign work relate to our responsibility in evangelism? These questions and more are addressed in this book. “Geoffrey Thomas is known and respected far and wide for his love for the doctrines of grace and warm-heartedness as a pastor. I am grateful to have known him over the years and to be invited now to commend this festschrift with its helpful essays illustrating the importance of the Holy Spirit’s work in saving sinners, in promoting their holiness and spiritual growth, and in supplying biblical preaching past and present.” — Maurice Roberts “Geoff Thomas is a Reformed statesman—one of the remarkable figures in the modern church who is truly committed to Reformed ecumenicity. For that reason alone, this tribute is appropriate. You will note that men from a number of church backgrounds (both credo-Baptist and paedo-Baptist) have contributed to this birthday present. Those readers who know Geoff have found much pleasure and edification in his company, and all who read these articles will find the same.” —Joseph Pipa, president, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, South Carolina “What better way to give thanks to God for the gracious work of the Holy Spirit in and through a dear father and brother in Christ than by directing hearts and minds to grow in delight in and reverence for the Holy Spirit? This diverse collection of essays challenges us to search the Scriptures to know the Spirit, see His work, and stand in wonder and worship before the triune God.” — William VanDoodewaard, associate professor of church history, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Authors
Originally from Wales, Dr. Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr Thomas returned to the USA in 1996 where, in addition to his work at the seminary, he serves as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R). His interests include the music of Anton Bruckner, Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler as well as a passion for good coffee. He has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Ellen and Owen.
