Who and Why is the Holy Spirit?
Covid-19, enemy or gift?
This seems like a no-brainer.
Of course it is an enemy that is causing the whole world to go to war against it.
It has caused a major disruption of our "normal" lives; caused loss of income; cost billions of dollars; caused death; and made us fear for our future. Enemy? Absolutely. And so we must battle on.
Isolation and social distancing are two of the tools being used to fight. We do our part as front-line workers become our heroes as they fight for us and keep us safe.
But a gift? Seems like the thought of a virus on the rampage is not much of a gift. Especially not a gift to those who have lost a loved one or unable to be with those loved ones who are in hospital or in nursing/retirement homes. Many are facing financial hardship. Others are working from home while trying to be a parent to their children without break. And for us grand parents, we struggle with not being able to hug our grandchildren. Still others are alone or in difficult relationships.
Ok, enough already with the bad news. My intention isn't to make you feel lower than a snake's belly but to offer you some GOOD NEWS! It's PENTECOST!!! Why don't I hear shouts of Hallelujah???
Well ok, Covid-19 is not a gift but perhaps it is responsible for us to stop our rat race life-style and consider what things are really important to us; or God wants us to take time to contemplate our faith or lack of faith in God. Has God historically used tough times to get our attention. Yes.
I happen to think that God is using this time to turn our hearts toward Him; that we might know his heart and just how much he loves us and wants us with him forever.
Pentecost is timely. It proves to me once again how God has provided by His amazing grace, to reach out to humanity... once with the gift of His Son, and this time by the gift of His Spirit.
So, I think it's important to find out a few answers about this Gift and why "he" is so important to be in our lives, especially when we are facing such unprecedented times.
Please look at the who and why questions about the Gift of the Holy Spirit and just maybe as you learn from the scriptures and reflect, we might hear the sound of "hallelujah" from the angels of heaven and the believers on earth.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Past, Present and Future... GOD
Pentecost will be celebrated this coming Sunday, May 31. It is based on the out-pouring of God's Spirit into the lives of each of Jesus' disciples. God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit make up the existence of God. Each are revealed within the scriptures so that we might know God, His person, His work and His will. Each person of the Trinity is to be received by faith.
God's Seal That We Forever Belong To Him
The Spirit is God's seal that you are forever His, signed, sealed and ready to be delivered.(Ephesians 1:13) "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."
Why the Holy Spirit?
Teaches and reminds
(John 14:26) “But the Advocate, (God's spokesperson) the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of
everything I have said to you.”
Testifies The Truth About Jesus
(John 15:26) “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send
to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will
testify about me.” (Jesus)
Giver of Good Gifts
Believers receive wonderful gifts through
the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
“If you then,
though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much
more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” The
Spirit distributes gifts “just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Life Giver
(Romans 8:11) And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Application
Our Ever-present Helper
(2 Timothy 1:14) Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Our Prayer
Our Walk
Paul encouraged believers to “walk in the
Spirit”—keeping in step with Him and applying Scripture in daily living
(Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:14). The Spirit who is good and holy desires to lead
us in God’s good and holy paths.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Announcement
Please join Diane and I in this coming Sunday's video as we celebrate Pentecost with virtual communion from our home to yours. Please prepare your own elements and we will lead you in this special time of worship with special music, prayer and scripture. Although physically apart, remember that believers in Christ are united spiritually. The Spirit who lives in me also lives in you. HALLELUJAH!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment