Becoming Church—Pentecost
Acts 2: 1 – 4 “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” NLT
The month of May is already upon us and that will bring us to the day of Pentecost. Not only will we go through the experience of Pentecost, but this month will also bring us the glorious ascension of Jesus, and a celebration of the Holy Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
As we have worked our way through the book of Acts during April, we will continue to do so for most of May. We will continue to look at what the early church was and how it operated, in an effort to see the church as it was intended and to emulate it in Spirit and in value to our community.
The Holy Spirit was and is the key to the success of the church. Those who believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah are genuinely filled and provided with the great Advocate in order to fulfill God’s will for the church in this world. The way in which we access that Holy Spirit and allow ourselves to be moved in love for our neighbor will greatly change the way the world views God. Many view God as judgmental, temperamental, and often-times hypocritical. This is not a view that comes from the Holy Spirit but a worldly experience with people who claim to be representatives of Christ in the world.
How can we take Jesus at his word and become one with the Spirit, and move with genuine passion and love for our neighbors in order to show them what God really looks like? It will take more than once a week in worship celebrations. It will take discipline, faith, and trust in a God that we know loves us. It is up to us to experience this God and show the world who he is, and sometimes use words.
I pray that this month will bring you to a time of great reflection. I pray that your reflection leads you to a place of repentance and change. God is willing to love you, and in doing so, love the world as well.
– Pastor Mike
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