Pastor Lou

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.  This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. 

– The words of Jesus in John 14:16-17

THE LIVING SPIRIT

On June 8, the Church celebrates Pentecost and remembers the event that has been regarded as the birthday of the church, the giving of the Spirit to followers that enabled those first disciples to 'go into all the world.’

The roots of Pentecost are in the Jewish festival of Shavout, the 50th day — of which the Greek word 'Pentecost' is a translation. Shavout is the 50th day after the beginning of Passover ; the Christian Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter.

FIRE. The presence of the Spirit of God is often symbolized in the Bible by fire. Moses, for example, saw a burning bush from which God called to him(Exodus 3:2-6). In the New Testament, Pentecost fire is said to have "rested" on each of the believers gathered together (Acts 2:3).

Many believers talk of feeling something like an electrical current or a burning sensation when they have encountered God. For example, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, attended worship service one Sunday evening. The comments of Martin Luther on the book of Romans were being read. John Wesley spoke of feeling his heart "strangely warmed".

The flame of faith inside a believer is likely to start a fire heart of others when the message is shared. The fire of the Spirit in a single person can kindle a fire within many others. The desire to speak about the love of God can lead others to the wholeness that comes with salvation.

UNITY. When we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, we may remember Who gave power and unity to Christ's followers. In the variety of tongues spoken and understood, Pentecost celebrates the reversal of the tower of Babel to a new unity, the healing of divisions, and the removal of barriers separating people (race, language, nationality, etc. ) . So, it is a time to unite in joy, love, communion and worship. Like the first Christians we are "all together in one place" (Acts 2:1, NRSV).

On Pentecost Sunday, this year we also will celebrate the confirmation of three of our young people. The Spirit of God continues to live and inspire. May that Spirit rest upon these who are affirming their faith … and us.

Let us be blessed by the gift of this Spirit,

Pastor Lou