Finishing “Life in the Spirit” Bible study
One of the main purposes of my visit to Korea this time was to attend the “Life in the Spirit” Bible study in person. The original title of this study is “Living by the Holy Spirit.” Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been participating in it online every Thursday morning. The lectures were graciously taught by Professor Bonchul Bae. Professor Bae specialises in church history and approaches the doctrine of the Holy Spirit from a historical perspective.
Within the modern church, the movement of the Holy Spirit is caught in a conflict between two major theological errors. One is unrestrained emotionalism that deviates from Scripture, and the other is dry traditionalism that, while emphasising Scripture, denies and distrusts the power of God as revealed in the Bible. I believe House Churches have a calling to present a biblical and gospel-centred movement of the Holy Spirit amid these two extremes. However, even within House Churches, perspectives on the Holy Spirit can differ depending on denominational doctrine or personal experience. I believe Professor Bae’s “Life in the Spirit” Bible study offers a resolution to these differences.
Up until now, discussions on the Holy Spirit have often come from a systematic theology perspective, making it difficult to align when emphases or understandings differ. However, this “Life in the Spirit” Bible study allowed me to understand comprehensively how the emphasis on the Holy Spirit has developed in different eras through a historical lens. The pastors who participated also unanimously said that Professor Bae’s outstanding teaching helped them grasp what a biblical and balanced view of the Holy Spirit looks like.
“Life in the Spirit” Bible study is not just theoretical—it was a beneficial time that offered practical help on how to apply this teaching in the context of real-life ministry through in-person lectures.
I hope that the “Life in the Spirit” Bible study will be officially offered as part of the House Church's life studies curriculum. This is because the spirit of House Church, which is the restoration of the New Testament church, cannot be realised apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, I expect it will bring spiritual vitality to the parts of House Church that could become dry even while engaging in practical living and service. Professor Bae has also promised to support the inclusion of “Life in the Spirit” Bible study in House Churches.
I plan to organise and prepare the materials I’ve learned so far so that “Life in the Spirit” Bible study can also be launched at Sydney Crystal Church.
Word of the week
Some people read the Bible through a mobile phone app during service. However, when you read the Bible through a phone app, it is difficult to focus on worship, and you may fall for other temptations on your phone. To help you focus on worship, try carrying a Bible and using it.
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이동주 2025.05.24 20:18
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One of the main purposes of my visit to Korea this time was to attend the “Life in the Spirit” Bible study in person. The original title of this study is “Living by the Holy Spirit.” Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been participating in it online every Thursday morning. The lectures were graciously taught by Professor Bonchul Bae. Professor Bae specialises in church history and approaches the doctrine of the Holy Spirit from a historical perspective.
Within the modern church, the movement of the Holy Spirit is caught in a conflict between two major theological errors. One is unrestrained emotionalism that deviates from Scripture, and the other is dry traditionalism that, while emphasising Scripture, denies and distrusts the power of God as revealed in the Bible. I believe House Churches have a calling to present a biblical and gospel-centred movement of the Holy Spirit amid these two extremes. However, even within House Churches, perspectives on the Holy Spirit can differ depending on denominational doctrine or personal experience. I believe Professor Bae’s “Life in the Spirit” Bible study offers a resolution to these differences.
Up until now, discussions on the Holy Spirit have often come from a systematic theology perspective, making it difficult to align when emphases or understandings differ. However, this “Life in the Spirit” Bible study allowed me to understand comprehensively how the emphasis on the Holy Spirit has developed in different eras through a historical lens. The pastors who participated also unanimously said that Professor Bae’s outstanding teaching helped them grasp what a biblical and balanced view of the Holy Spirit looks like.
“Life in the Spirit” Bible study is not just theoretical—it was a beneficial time that offered practical help on how to apply this teaching in the context of real-life ministry through in-person lectures.
I hope that the “Life in the Spirit” Bible study will be officially offered as part of the House Church's life studies curriculum. This is because the spirit of House Church, which is the restoration of the New Testament church, cannot be realised apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, I expect it will bring spiritual vitality to the parts of House Church that could become dry even while engaging in practical living and service. Professor Bae has also promised to support the inclusion of “Life in the Spirit” Bible study in House Churches.
I plan to organise and prepare the materials I’ve learned so far so that “Life in the Spirit” Bible study can also be launched at Sydney Crystal Church.
Word of the week
Some people read the Bible through a mobile phone app during service. However, when you read the Bible through a phone app, it is difficult to focus on worship, and you may fall for other temptations on your phone. To help you focus on worship, try carrying a Bible and using it.