God, Part 7

Shawn critiques the use of myths and fables within religious communities, highlighting examples from Mormonism and Christianity to showcase how myths are perpetuated as truths to strengthen faith and community identity. He encourages critical examination of these beliefs, while also promoting his television network for pastors to teach the Bible freely and without financial burden.

The teaching by Shawn emphasizes the importance of seeking truth over perpetuating myths that aim to bolster faith through questionable means, like selective interpretation of scientific facts, often leading to "cheap faith." Shawn argues that genuine faith should rely on the essence of belief and the spiritual significance found in one's relationship with Christ, not on sensationalized stories or fabricated symbols.

The Holy Spirit is not a distinct person but rather a gift from God, representing His power and essence, similar to how a man's spirit is not separate from himself but is his essence. Capitalizing "Holy Spirit" in translations has influenced beliefs about its personhood, yet scriptural context shows the Spirit as God's influence rather than a separate entity, akin to terms like "spirit of truth" and "spirit of error," which refer to influences rather than persons.

The teaching argues that the Holy Spirit is not a separate person but rather the power, breath, and influence of God, as demonstrated through scriptures indicating that it operates as God's instrument rather than existing as an independent entity. It posits that calling the Holy Spirit a distinct being contradicts the biblical depiction of it as an extension of God's essence and influence, utilized to fulfill His will and inspire believers.

The teaching emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not a distinct person within a Trinity, but rather the power and presence of God expressed through various biblical metaphors such as liquid and wind, guiding believers to fulfill God's purpose. It further explains that the interchangeable use of terms like "the spirit of Jesus" and "the Holy Spirit" signifies the Spirit's role as the mind and power of Christ, not as a separate entity, but as a manifestation of God's influence in guiding believers and reflecting Christ's nature.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not depicted as a separate person within the Trinity but rather as a gift from God, highlighting that scriptural references and early Church practices predominantly associate the Holy Spirit with God's presence and power rather than a distinct entity. He argues that the absence of worship, personal greetings from the Holy Spirit in epistles, and early Church interpretations indicate that the Holy Spirit functions as an extension of God's influence rather than being a co-equal member of a triune Godhead.

Shawn emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and Jesus Christ in Spirit and in truth, with the hope that followers from different faiths like Mormons, Buddhists, and Muslims will join. He critiques a church's decision to excommunicate members for questioning financial practices, suggesting such actions are emblematic of a problematic current church age.