How do we partner with the Holy Spirit? A conversation with Matt Anjilivelil

In this conversation we discuss the various ways that we can partner with the Spirit to help us transform into the image of Christ.
1. You have written a series called Drawing Near to God. What made you create this study series?
2. How long did it take you? What have you learned from writing this series? What is different?
3. You talk about how the way you teach can impact someone’s thinking, perspectives, etc. How do you see that playing out?
4. Do you want to give a quick overview of your series?
5. This is by far the first complete study about the Holy Spirit in a series. What were your thoughts when you included this in your series? Can you share more about the Spiritual Formation group that you mentioned earlier.
6. I am sure you have used the series to study the Bible with someone. How has that been?
Matt Anjilivelil (pronounced an-jili-vel) has been a Christian for almost 37 years, baptized in the campus ministry. He has served in secular ministry roles in Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Denver. He was part of the mission team to Amman Jordan in 1990 and then in 1999, he along with his wife Sandy and two kids moved to Kuwait to start the church. He led the church for 7 years, while holding a fulltime job. He has worked in the supply chain space for 30+ years. He has been married to Sandy for almost 29 years and they have three adult children including their son-in-law. They have served as shepherds for the campus ministry and young professionals for many years.
For more information on the study series email Matt at [e-mail]

[@JTXRP]

I love this conversation this is a missing piece that is so crucially missing from the ICOC and many churches. I reached out to him on email for the study series. you could pit it on a google drive link, make it public and put in the comments?

[@smdeal]

Thanks Kyle. Enjoyed Matt's perspective. Grace has taken me places committment never could (Titus 2:11-14). I tried for years to change by shear force of will to no avail. I found that Grace had the power not only to change my actions but also my desires. When I fix my eyes on Jesus and the cross, I try like crazy to obey because my sin is why Jesus had to die, but when I fail, and I do fail, I do not feel condemned (Romans 8:1). It is the Holy Spirit that reminds me daily of Christ (John 14:26) and the grace that has been poured out on me in abundance! Thanks again.

[@michelewalcoff4955]

I so appreciate this conversation. I have been questioning how to move forward studying the Bible with women after all my years of reliance on First Principles. Thank you both. This conversation is the Holy Spirit encouraging me! He’s been doing that more & more lately as I “cede control” (that I never really had) to Him. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@valbrown5949]

Wow! Thank you. Very important piece after a spiritual de-construction .

[@fordse2002]

Yup, this one's a multi-watch for sure!

[@kalmenchia]

wow ... "failure brought me here", Matt , for me i still hate and struggle in my failure today, that make me most of the time feel and see that how i am so imperfect no matter what i tried especially what I did in the past was keep unseating Holy Spirit to work in my lives, make me doubt myself and then keep having the "feeling" how "others" seems to look down on me, the risk and fear of letting others know my vulnerable side is what matters to God that can get Holy Spirit to work! God took care about perfection so we can focus in relationship, that is powerful !!!

[@robinwadsworth9775]

Thank you so much for this!! I feel so sad at times because my boys were in teen and campus ministries during the time that the church labeled them as “unspiritual” if they didn’t look like the cookie cutter “good” kids. ( one was in a rock band, one played high level sports) They weren’t encouraged for their amazing strengths….Some in leadership didn’t look at them with loving, grace filled humility, but focused on sin. Thankfully they came through that as wonderful, loving adults, and this new relational focus on God gives our whole family hope!

[@josefinamasadao-haas2205]

Self-help, diy, self-propelled Christianity. We put our faith in our system, our spiritual resumés, our "wisdom", our study series...rather than on the Spirit. So glad we are starting to unlearn this. In working on my garden, I saw this truth: we plant the seeds, till the soil, water them but ONLY God, can make things grow.😊

[@dianefrisone5998]

Wow. Incredible!! Your study series is amazing!!!!

[@sherisilver4639]

Another healing discussion which helps pull me further away from my rigid thinking. So so refreshing; thank you!

[@maxinemckoy6423]

Hello, Can someone please share where I can find the series Drawing Near to God?

[@TruthTraumaTheology]

If you email me I can it sent to you