His Surprising Presence
By Peter Roennfeldt
The Holy Spirit is evident and active in the New Testament. We marvel at the events of Pentecost and His work in and through the early church. But where was the Holy Spirit in the times before?
The 90 devotional readings in this book explore the over 120 references to Spirit in the Hebrew Scriptures. Discover how He created and sustained; led people to repentance; gave spiritual gifts and commissioned; inspired speeches and writings; taught and encouraged; was grieved and rejected; and how He dwelt in people—transforming, empowering and sanctifying. You might be surprised when—and sometimes, with whom—the Spirit was present.
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Book reviews:
“Never before have I encountered a book that goes through the Old Testament references to the Holy Spirit in such a comprehensive manner. Those who read it and reflect on it will be blessed.”
Dr Laurence Turner
Principal Lecturer Emeritus in Old Testament, Newbold College of Higher Education, England
“In Peter Roennfeldt’s reflections on all 123 Old Testament references to the Holy Spirit, you will discover that all roles and functions of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament are already impressively revealed in the pages of the Old. This Spirit led God’s people in the past and wants to guide, teach, transform and triumph in our lives today. These daily meditations will encourage you to grow your walk with the Lord and give Him space to change your thinking and behaviour.”
Dr Jiří Moskala
Professor of Old Testament Exegesis and Theology Dean, Andrews University, United States of America
“In His Surprising Presence, Peter Roennfeldt takes his readers through a practical study of the presence of the Spirit of God in the Old Testament. Peter has a knack for delving into the historical and cultural context of the Scriptures and bringing you to the practical. In a comprehensible manner, he guides you through each Old Testament mention of the Holy Spirit, concluding his 90 studies in this book with an application question that nudges you towards the implications for how you live. This book is enlightening, pastoral and practical, enabling you to have what DL Moody called ‘shoe leather faith.’ This is a great read!”
Mike Harder
Author and president, Concentric Global
“The Holy Spirit’s story in the Old Testament is God’s story—how God created and ‘breathed’ the world and humanity into existence, and then led those the Spirit ‘came upon.’ The Spirit brought challenges, warnings, prophecy, encouragement and surprises with grace and justice. Peter Roennfeldt shares the background, giving context and meaning to these stories. The Spirit uplifts our Saviour, brings us to salvation and refreshes us, and you will be blessed reading this book.”
Glenn Townend
Lead administrator, South Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists, Australia
“This presentation of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is done with skill, passion and a thorough understanding of this person of the Godhead and His work through the ages, but easily understood and available to everyone. Dr Roennfeldt has found an interesting and engaging way of showcasing the Holy Spirit’s presence where it is not common to look for and see it.”
Dr Danijela Schubert
Author, theologian, lecturer, Australia