The God Who Draws Near
After reading the book The God Who Draws Near, post an initial thread to include the following (use separate bolded section titles or paragraphs to break up the post showing where each point is addressed):
Approximately, what percentage of the book was read in preparation for this discussion?
According to Haykin in his introduction, what is “true spirituality”?
How does he defend that working definition in his introduction?
Why do you agree or disagree with his definition and defense of the definition?
In chapter 3, Haykin argues, “The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit has this one indispensable genuine mark then: it is Christ-centered . . . .” Do you agree or disagree with his development of this argument? Why or why not? Use Scripture throughout this response.
Sample Solution
Approximately, what percentage of the book was read in preparation for this discussion? I read roughly 75% of The God Who Draws Near by Michael A.G. Haykin in preparation for this discussion. According to Haykin in his introduction, what is “true spirituality”? Haykin defines "true spirituality" as a state of being that involves a reciprocal relationship between God and humans, where one seeks to love God, serve Him faithfully and passionately long after His presence while also seeking to share the Gospel with others who have yet to come into saving knowledge of Christ (Haykin 2018).
How does he defend that working definition in his introduction?
To support his argument, Haykin draws from Scripture: specifically 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 and Proverbs 3:5-6 which both encourage us to seek wisdom from above (God). He points out that true spirituality rests on the understanding that all spiritual disciplines are centered around the Person and work of Jesus Christ — equipping people with the power to be more effective witnesses for Him (Haykin 2018). This leads him further suggest that there must be an intentional effort towards living holiness through cultivating joy-filled obedience toward God's commands since our faith should lead us closer towards Him rather than away from Him.
Why do you agree or disagree with his definition and defense of the definition?
I agree with Haykin's definition because it captures foundational biblical principles within Christianity such as loving God with all your heart (Deut 6:5) and following His will rather than our own desires — something we can only do when we humbly submit ourselves under His authority (Rom 12:1–2). Furthermore, I believe it is necessary to strive after holiness if we want our lives to be pleasing unto Him; thus leading us down paths which bring peace even amidst life's most difficult circumstances as James 1:2–4 reminds us.
In chapter 3, Haykin argues, “The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit has this one indispensable genuine mark then: it is Christ-centered . . . .” Do you agree or disagree with his development of this argument? Why or why not? Use Scripture throughout this response. 400 words.
I agree with Haykins' assertion that the ministry of The Holy Spirit is centered around Jesus Christ because scripture makes clear references regarding its imperative nature in regards to our spiritual walk—John 14:26 teaches us how important The Holy Spirit is for guidance not just spiritually but emotionally too; Acts 5 tells us about Ananias & Sapphira who lied about money given toward church offerings were struck dead by The Holy Spirit; additionally Romans 8 says how nothing can separate believers from Gods love no matter how hard they try due to their protection through The Holy Spirits indwelling--all these facts point back directly towards Jesus' redemptive work on earth along side/throughout history! We also see examples like Pentecost where followers were empowered by tongues fire sent down them directly from heaven--this demonstrates powerful manifestations connected both again goes back into same vein without whom none those aforementioned things would ever been possible!