The goal is to begin a more complete look at who the Holy Spirit is, and how his work has changed through the years. Today, we only spend time with a survey at the Holy Spirit as he appears in the Old Testament, but it is foundational in knowing how he continues working today.

First, we spend time in a fun interview with Isaac, from our Summer of Kids series. Enjoy this very short interview, and feel free to send more questions for Isaac for future chats.

There are three distinct eras for the Holy Spirit. The other 2 will be covered at a later time.

* The Holy Spirit in the old testament

* From Bethlehem to Pentecost.

* The Holy Spirit Since Pentecost.

Our episode today only deals with... 1. The Holy Spirit In the Old Testament

Old Testament writers teach there is only one God. All other gods are false, and idols. They are nothing. The purpose of the spirit was to Reveal God through the prophets, speaking to them in many and varied ways.

The title used is: Spirit of the Lord, (or Spirit of God). The Hebrew term is "Ruack Elohim". Ruac, is the same as its Greek counterpart, Pnuma. The word has a three fold meaning. wind, breath, or spirit, where spirit implies having intelligence.

Wind. As it is used most often in the old testament, relates to being mysterious, or powerful. Genesis 8:1; Exodus 14:21.

Breath. Often is used as, breath of life as in Genesis 6:17. Breath that's given or taken by God. At other times when connected to men,. It relates to emotions, or impulses.

Another kind of breath is mentioned in connection with men, Nephesh. The difference is that nephesh is natural to man, and ruach is supernatural of god. . Ruack in man is always on loan from god. Breath, ruack. Belongs to god alone. Think of it as Yahweh in action.

* The spirit shows up as a Violent, invading force.As wind, it makes the Grass wither, and flower fade. Isaiah (40:7. Wind can't be organized or tamed. The spirit raises up ordinary men to do great works. Judges 3:9,10; Judges 6:34. As for Samson's strength, it was not his own, but borrowed from the spirit. Judges 16: 20 When he disobeyed, his power was removed.

* Prophets were inspired by the spirit.Breath and word go hand in hand. Psalm 33:6Messages were given to speak through prophets. But the spirit could be temporary, and reject the one it fell upon, as in when leaving king Saul. A dangerous thing, since in the case of king Saul, an evil spirit was allowed to control him in place of the Spirit of God.The spirit showed itself in various ways. Through dreams, interpreting dreams, visions, dance,. Ecstasy, etc.

Its purpose wasn't just private, it was to communicate. It would call out false prophets,, as it spoke truth,

* ServantProphets self identify as servants through the spirit, God was revealed, and his servant equipped. The spirit inspired men to foretell events, good or bad.

* KingCertain kings were counted as prophets. David was. Saul was then was rejected when he disobeyed. The kings link through David was not consistent, but kings were expected to uphold God's law, and closely consult prophets. David's line was not lost. It ended in Jesus fulfilling the law.

* PeopleThe Spirit only came on special people. Prophets, kings, leaders, a person anointed for a purpose. The spirit was not bestowed on the common man. It might come upon the people as a group, but not individually. The Spirit could come and go, given on condition of obedience.The spirit pointed to a hope, to a new covenant where the spirit comes to stay.

* Creative spirit.The Holy Spirit wasn't so much linked to creation, but relationship to God. Here are the few times the Spirit is linked to creation...

* the spirit was moving over the chaos.