Showing posts with label Pentecost. Show all posts

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Pentecost

John 7:37-39
The promise of the coming Spirit

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

By this - He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; [1]

During the Feast of Tabernacles, there was a daily ceremony involving water. Each day, the priests and the people would joyfully make their way to the pool of Siloam. Using a golden pitcher, water was drawn, taken back to the temple, and poured on the altar of burnt offering. The words of Isaiah 12:3 were then sung: "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

On such an occasion, Jesus used the opportunity to extend a wonderful promise. He invites those who thirst to come to Him and drink. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” v.37

Those who believe in Jesus will have "rivers of living water" flow from their hearts. V. 38

The apostle John explains that this promise concerns the Holy Spirit who calls gathers, enlightens, sanctifies and keeps us. “…this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive.” V. 39

Today, Jesus invites all the thirsty to come unto Him.

1. An Invitation – It’s a simple invitation. Jesus simply says, "Come."

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come; buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. - Revelation 22:17

We’ve been raised to know that nothing comes free. Everything comes with a price tag involved. If you want something, you must work for it. You must save for it. You may purchase only what you can afford. But in the LORD’s economy, when it comes to your salvation the price has been paid in full. Better yet, it’s been paid when you could not.

The Lord gives an invitation. It is available to all.

2. Availability - "If any man thirsts let him come"

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. - John 6:37

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. - 1 John 5:1;

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. - Romans 10:13

3. Access - The way is open to Jesus! His well is never dry. If you will only come to Him, He will demonstrate His great saving power in your life. He loves you more than you could ever know.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Christ longs to save you. He longs to restore you. He longs to repair all that is broken. All He requires is that you come to Him

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29.

In the story of the Passover - The blood of the lamb could not save until it was applied to the doorpost. Any family could have slain a lamb and eaten the flesh, but only when the blood was applied was there safety to those abiding in the house - Exodus 12:13.

So, it is with your salvation! Only the Blood of Jesus grants salvation to the human soul. Only by the work of Christ does the Spirit perform His work.

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22;

Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19.

At the Spirit’s bidding, Christ is inviting you to come to him to be satisfied. He offers you – that great exchange – God’s mercy and forgiveness purchase at the cost of His own Son! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!

Today is Pentecost. It is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit promised by the Savior. What does Jesus mean when He says that He will send the Spirit? The Spirit is your comforter, an advocate.

As an advocate, he is your defense attorney. One who speaks for a defendant before the judge in a court of law. As Jesus promises the comforter will come this can only be good news for you. It is the Spirit Himself, which will plead your case before the mercy seat of God.

The Savior rules upon His throne. The Spirit stands as your advocate to defend and sustain you. The Advocate, the Spirit of truth, convicts the world with respect to sin, righteousness, and judgment.

He stands for you to intercede and plead your case before the Father. All is well. The Spirit has come as promised by the Savior.

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Sunday, May 21, 2023

Pentecost Series A

Pentecost

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

(28 May 2023)

Series A

Numbers 11:24–30

Acts 2:1–21

John 7:37–39

The Risen Lord Jesus Pours Out the Holy Spirit

The Lord took “some of the Spirit” that was on Moses “and put it on the seventy elders” of Israel (Numbers 11:25), and they “prophesied in the camp” (Numbers 11:26). In the same way, our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost — the 50th day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the 12 apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:2–4, 11). The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners. From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear our pastors “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) and “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

John 7:37–39

Rivers of Living Water

John 7:37

Ἐν δὲ τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ μεγάλῃ τῆς ἑορτῆς εἱστήκει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ ἔκραξεν λέγων• Ἐάν τις διψᾷ ἐρχέσθω πρός με καὶ πινέτω.

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

John 7:38

ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμέ, καθὼς εἶπεν ἡ γραφή, ποταμοὶ ἐκ τῆς κοιλίας αὐτοῦ ῥεύσουσιν ὕδατος ζῶντος.

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

John 7:39

οῦτο δὲ εἶπεν περὶ τοῦ πνεύματος οὗ ἔμελλον λαμβάνειν οἱ πιστεύσαντες εἰς αὐτόν• οὔπω γὰρ ἦν πνεῦμα, ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐδέπω ἐδοξάσθη.

Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘Pentecost ’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Pentecost

The Risen Lord Jesus Pours Out the Holy Spirit

The Lord took “some of the Spirit” that was on Moses “and put it on the seventy elders” of Israel (Numbers 11:25), and they “prophesied in the camp” (Numbers 11:26). In the same way, our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost—the fiftieth day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the twelve Apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:2–4, 11). The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners. From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear our pastors “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Time in the Word
May 22 - 27 2023
Preparation for next week, the Day of Pentecost

Collect for Pentecost Eve: Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Pentecost Day: O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Collect for Pentecost Monday: O God, who gave Your Holy Spirit to the apostles, grant us that same Spirit that we may live in faith and abide in peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Collect for the Holy Spirit: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Monday, 22 May 2023—Psalm 104:24, 27–28, 30; antiphon, Liturgical Text—On the Day of Pentecost, we focus our attention on the Holy Spirit and His role in establishing the Christian Church. The antiphon is a portion of an ancient prayer to the Holy Spirit: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise celebrating the wonders of God’s creation. But it is careful to direct our attention not so much to the creation, but to the Creator. The portion of the psalm used in the Introit proclaims that the Holy Spirit, too, with the Father and the Son, was involved in the creation, especially of man, into whose nostrils God breathed the breath (Spirit) of life.

Tuesday, 23 May 2023—Psalm 25:1–15—This psalm of David makes an excellent prayer for daily use. It first contrasts godly (the one who trusts in God) with the ungodly. In verses 4–11, we consider our sins, especially as contrasted with the righteousness of God, and pray for forgiveness and spiritual renewal, trusting in the mercy and steadfast love of the Lord. Verses 12–15 deal with sanctification—godly living—asking for guidance, instruction. The closing verses of the psalm, though not appointed for next week’s reading, brings the plea full circle, as, once again, we pray for deliverance from suffering and from persecution by our foes, those who are opposed to the Lord and to those faithful to the Lord.

Wednesday, 24 May 2023—Numbers 11:24–30—Because the task of caring for the children of Israel was overwhelming, the Lord instructed Moses to appoint seventy men as elders to assist him. For some unknown reason, two of them, Eldad and Medad, failed to present themselves at the tabernacle for commissioning. Yet, the Spirit rested upon them, also. Some of the others thought that they should be stopped from prophesying, proclaiming the Word of the Lord.

Moses exclaims, Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them! Though pastors are appointed to fulfill certain tasks in the Lord’s Church, all Christians are called upon to give witness to the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15) by proclaiming the Word of God, as opportunities are presented.

Thursday, 25 May 2023—Acts 2:1–21—The Epistle reading for the Day of Pentecost is, as you might imagine, the account of the giving of the Holy Spirit on the first Day of Pentecost, and the establishment of the New Testament Church. This special gift was given to the disciples in the early Church for two main reasons: to testify that these men were speaking by the authority of God (for only God could grant such a gift in fulfillment of prophecy), and in order to proclaim the Word of God to people of many different tongues. Since the New Testament had not been written down yet, it also could not be translated yet. In our day, the written Word of God, the Bible, fulfills both these purposes, delivering the truth of God in a language which we can understand.

Friday, 26 May 2023—John 7:37–39—Jesus foretells the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit will be fully poured out upon the Church, causing living waters to flow out from their hearts, that is, all believers will be empowered to testify to the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation which comes through Jesus Christ alone.

Saturday, 72 May 2023—The majestic Hymn of the Day, Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (LSB #497), was written by Martin Luther. In addition to writing catechism hymns for each of the six chief parts of Christian doctrine, Luther wrote this one to help remember the third article of the Apostles’ Creed. The chief teaching of the Christian faith—the doctrine of salvation by faith rather than works—is clearly proclaimed throughout this great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The Holy Spirit has brought you to faith, and by Word and Sacrament, He will continue to keep you in the one true faith.

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Pentecost - Series C

Genesis 11:1–9

Acts 2:1–21

John 14:23–31

Collect for Pentecost – O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace

Following the flood, Noah’s descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Genesis 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Genesis 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Acts 2:1-21

Acts 2:1

Καὶ ἐν τῷ συμπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς πεντηκοστῆς ἦσαν [a]πάντες ὁμοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό,

on the 50th day they were together in one place. Pentecost is first fruits festival. Liked will have emphasis on the temple as his gospel.

Acts 2:2

καὶ ἐγένετο ἄφνω ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἦχος ὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας καὶ ἐπλήρωσεν ὅλον τὸν οἶκον οὗ ἦσαν καθήμενοι,

and came suddenly from heaven a roar like carrying wind violent filling the whole house where they were cathedral-ing.

Acts 2:3

καὶ ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός, καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν

appeared to them divided tongues of fire resting on each of them.

Where was the fire? On their tongues. Miracle of preaching. See Isaiah 6; See also the Easter 7 gospel; "I give them my word"

Acts 2:4

καὶ ἐπλήσθησαν [c]πάντες πνεύματος ἁγίου, καὶ ἤρξαντο λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις καθὼς τὸ πνεῦμα ἐδίδου ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αὐτοῖς.

all were filled with the holly spirit and they began to publicly preach as the spirit gave them phlegm.

Acts 2:5

Ἦσαν δὲ ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ κατοικοῦντες Ἰουδαῖοι, ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔθνους τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν•

now there were living in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from all nations. Jews dispersed from throughout the world. Some included children of the proselytes.

Acts 2:6

γενομένης δὲ τῆς φωνῆς ταύτης συνῆλθε τὸ πλῆθος καὶ συνεχύθη, ὅτι [f]ἤκουον εἷς ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ λαλούντων αὐτῶν•

when this sound happened, the crowd came together and was puzzled because each heard them preaching in their own dialect.

Acts 2:7

ἐξίσταντο δὲ καὶ ἐθαύμαζον λέγοντες• Οὐχ ἰδοὺ πάντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι;

They were confused and amazed wondering right here and now in this present time and space are not all these speaking Galileans? They are standing outside/beside themselves because of the preaching.

Contrasting Peter's denial and his preaching we see the miracle of faith and preaching. The Holy Spirit has driven this into their hearts.

Acts 2:8

καὶ πῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν;

how do we hear each in the dialect into which we were born.

Acts 2:9-11

Πάρθοι καὶ Μῆδοι καὶ Ἐλαμῖται, καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν Μεσοποταμίαν, Ἰουδαίαν τε καὶ Καππαδοκίαν, Πόντον καὶ τὴν Ἀσίαν, 10 Φρυγίαν τε καὶ Παμφυλίαν, Αἴγυπτον καὶ τὰ μέρη τῆς Λιβύης τῆς κατὰ Κυρήνην, καὶ οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες Ῥωμαῖοι, 11 Ἰουδαῖοί τε καὶ προσήλυτοι, Κρῆτες καὶ Ἄραβες, ἀκούομεν λαλούντων αὐτῶν ταῖς ἡμετέραις γλώσσαις τὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ θεοῦ.

dialects north, south, east, west. They heard the content. They stood in ecstasy literally "they stood outside of themselves."

Acts 2:12

ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες καὶ διηπόρουν, ἄλλος πρὸς ἄλλον λέγοντες• Τί θέλει τοῦτο εἶναι;

perplexed they were asking what does this mean?

Acts 2:13

ἕτεροι δὲ διαχλευάζοντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Γλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν.

others mocked saying because they are filled with new wine.

Refer back to Jesus' first miracle in John 2 this is the new wine of salvation.

Acts 2:14

Σταθεὶς δὲὁ Πέτρος σὺν τοῖς ἕνδεκα ἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπεφθέγξατο αὐτοῖς• Ἄνδρες Ἰουδαῖοι καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες Ἰερουσαλὴμπάντες, τοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω καὶ ἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου.

standing up with the eleven Peter lifted up his voice, men of Judea and those gathering in Jerusalem, let this be known, listen to what I say

Acts 2:15-16

οὐ γὰρ ὡς ὑμεῖς ὑπολαμβάνετε οὗτοι μεθύουσιν, ἔστιν γὰρ ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας, 16 ἀλλὰ τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ•

these are not drunk but what was written by the prophet Joel.

Acts 2:17

Καὶ ἔσται ἐν ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις, λέγει ὁ θεός, ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες ὑμῶν, καὶ οἱ νεανίσκοι ὑμῶν ὁράσεις ὄψονται, καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ὑμῶν [p]ἐνυπνίοις ἐνυπνιασθήσονται•

and it will be in the last days says God, I will pour out my spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, young men see visions, old men will dream dreams,

Acts 2:18

καί γε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους μου καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας μου ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν.

on my servants both men and women I will pour out my spirit and they will prophesy.

Need to focus on "prophesy" preaching, proclamation, liturgy, prayer.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘Pentecost ’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Pentecost

God’s Use of Language” is the theme for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Genesis 11:1-9] God uses language to confuse the world. In the Epistle, [Acts 2:1-21] Language us used to understand the Gospel. In the Gospel [John 14:23-31] Language is used too witness to Christ with the help of the Comforter.

“Pentecost” is a Greek word, meaning fifty. The Jews celebrated Pentecost as a harvest festival. Later, it was used to celebrate the giving of the Law on Sinai and the birthday of Israel. Christians celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of Missions and global evangelism.

Collect for Pentecost Eve – Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty God, You bless the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper the work of farmers and all those who labor to bring food to our table. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth in abundance and proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 30 May 2022—Psalm 104:24, 27-30 The antiphon is an ancient Liturgical Text — The Psalmist marvels at the grandeur and the detail, the perfection and completeness of God’s work in creation - verse 24 sums it all up.

Tuesday, 31 May 2022—Psalm 143— David had reached the end of the line; no more reserve or resources (vv.3-4). But in a desperate situation one refuge remains: God Himself (vv.5-12). “O Lord…teach me…deliver me…lead me…bring me out of trouble”

Wednesday, 01 June 2022—Genesis 11:1-9 – The Old Testament lesson is the story of the tower of Babel and the confusion of language. Too many languages was confusing and construction of the great tower was stopped. There was a loss of unity from a lack of the Holy Spirit. The people desired to build for themselves a tower, and altar unto themselves. There was a centrifugal power of an evil spirit at Babel – it scatters.

Thursday, 02 June 2022—Acts 2:1-21— The Epistle lesson is the entire story of the events of Pentecost. Pilgrims from every corner of the globe had descended upon the city of Jerusalem to celebrate. On that day Christ was preached to the nations and the nations were brought to the church. Pentecost is not the birthday of the church – it existed well before the feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of missions when the church is reminded that we are to go out into the world with the message of the Gospel. The Savior Himself predicted the events of Pentecost. Look up Matthew 24:14. The gospel was preached to the nations on the first Pentecost. For centuries the gospel message has encircled the globe. It has been preached on every continent. But specifically on September 15, 2001 from the National Cathedral in Washington DC the message of Christ and Him crucified was beamed literally around this planet through radio and television as the world watched and listened. Some may ask, “When will the end come?” Pentecost gives us the answer. The end will come - when the last pagan is converted.

Friday, 03 June 2022—John 14:23-31— In the gospel lesson Jesus reminds us that love and obedience are linked. How can we trust, love and obey? By ourselves we can not do it. Thus the Counselor is sent from the Father. Both the Father and the Son are involved in the sending of the Spirit. The Spirit reminded these early disciples of everything Jesus had said and done. Thus when their message went out, as they recorded the words and actions of Jesus in written form they became literally God breathed and inspired. They became the Sacred Scriptures because the Spirit directed these men over a period of some twenty years to write 27 books that in reality make up one book – the New Testament. These books, together with the Old Testament, have one doctrinal viewpoint, one moral standard, one plan of salvation, one program for the ages.

Saturday, 04 June 2022—Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13 The Hymn of the Day is “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord”(LSB #497). This majestic hymn was written by Martin Luther, 1483-1546 and was no doubt written as a children’s hymn so that his students could memorize and understand the 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed. The chief teaching of the Christian faith - the doctrine of salvation by faith rather than works is clearly delineated throughout the course of this great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The Holy Spirit has brought you to faith He will continue to keep you in the one true faith.

Sources:

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Pentecost

John 7:37-39b

Quenching Your Spiritual Thirst

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the living water of life, which quenches spiritual thirst! In Him you are satisfied. Only in Him is satisfaction guaranteed!

Anyone who has ever traveled in desert regions – be it Death Valley, the Sahara, or the Australian Outback – can only imagine the plight of a person who has run out of water! Having sufficient water is a yearly concern where Henry lives. They hope for snow in Flagstaff; as melted snow flows southward into Phoenix in the form of water.

Physical thirst is not a problem for us. Although our drinking water may be chemically treated there is still plenty to go around. Even in the midst of an occasional summer’s drought we still have had enough to drink!

Jesus speaks of another kind of thirst – a spiritual thirst – one which cries out for purpose and peace. This type of thirst – the one of mind and heart certainly needs to be quenched. For we cannot survive merely on water alone! This morning’s passages from Holy Scripture leads us to ponder this question; what are you going to do about satisfying your own spiritual thirst?

I. To do something about it, you first must realize that there is a true spiritual thirst. This is not easy. Most folk don’t recognize a true genuine spiritual thirst. That doesn’t mean that there have been some who have seen the need for God and have thirsted after Him. We need such people to model after. Such a man was our own Pr. Wyneken, who associated restlessness with a thirst for God.

As he witnessed the spiritual need in our community he would sacrifice whatever the cost. He incessantly became poorer in order to make others rich. He suffered the greatest inconvenience in order to bring other peace with God and meet the spiritual needs of others. He became a reassuring messenger of God for many. But again, such a man with such keen understanding is rare indeed.

A. The spiritual leaders of Jesus day were unaware of their own spiritual thirst.

1. The verses just in front of our text describe Jesus’ verbal encounter with Temple leadership at the feast. They just could not see Jesus to be the only one to give us purpose and peace and so they rejected Him as the one who could help and heal.

2. Self-righteousness prevented them from quenching spiritual thirst. They did not grasp the meaning of Jesus words! Oh that we could see in them that there is salvation and life!

“They said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?” (Vv.35-36)

B. We are not always aware of our own spiritual thirst.

1. Smugness and self-satisfaction prevent us from saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

2. We think we do not need to grow in grace and in the meaning of God in our lives.

Transition: When we see that God has not yet filled every area of our lives, when we yearn for forgiveness, when we desire to be the kind of persons God would have us be – it is then, and only then, that we are experiencing spiritual thirst!

II. Jesus tells us how to quench this thirst.

A. Jesus made a great claim in impressive circumstances.

1. The libation of water had rich associations for the people of Jesus’ day. For example Moses and the rock of Horeb. The children of Israel had been wandering in the desert for three days without water. Moses struck the rock and the water flowed.

When they arrived at Marah they had water, but it was undrinkable. It was bitter. So the LORD directed Moses to a tree which he cast into the waters, when, at once, they were made sweet. The Lord provides for those which are His own.

But a rebellious Israelite shall fare no better than a rebellious Egyptian. The LORD himself is the great Physician. If we are kept well, it is he that keeps us; if we are made well, it is he that recovers us. He is our life and the length of our days. Let us not forget that we are kept from destruction, and delivered from our enemies, to be the Lord's.[1]

In every trial we should cast our care upon the Lord, and pour out our hearts before him.

2. Jesus proclaimed Himself as the source of salvation and the means of quenching spiritual thirst.

3. Coming to Jesus quenches such thirst, by believing in Him!

B. Jesus takes the initiative in quenching our own thirst.

1. By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost He quenched the people’s thirst. “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” - Acts 2:37 -41

2. The Spirit comes to us in Word & Sacrament.

a. To make Christ’s cross a living reality. The cross changes everything. The cross of Christ is the center of salvation. It is the crucial point, the place of convergence where everything about the gospel comes together. If you interrogate Christian faith and ask, “In one word, how does God save sinners?” the response of a healthy faith will be instantly and confidently to pick out the Cross.

The apostle Paul knew this. When he said he “resolved to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

b. Through these gifts the Spirit shows Jesus in the middle of our struggles. Jesus shows up in the middle of our storms, our situations, and our struggles. He is not absent. He remains present to guide you through any trouble. He encourages you to take your needs, burdens, joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. As the Savior has promised to answers each petition

c. He comes to assure you of His gracious concern for you. Hope is what sustains us as we persevere, remaining steadfast in times of trial and discouragement. Hope is not wishful thinking or passive waiting. The Christian hope is trust in God in Jesus Christ. It is the confidence that God is faithful, that He will complete what He has begun. It is also, therefore, that confident expectation which waits patiently; eager for God's purposes to be fulfilled

In Genesis 12:1-2, we meet Abraham, the great Father of the faith and pioneer of the spiritual journey which ends in Jesus. God’s directive was simple, “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land I will show you (Genesis 1:11).

Trusting in God’s promise, Abraham began a journey. He had no GPS, no itinerary, no maps, no named destination, no hotel accommodations along the way.

He knew where he was, but his destination was wherever God was going to lead him. Abraham traveled with a great deal of trust in divine providence. For he knew that the LORD would direct him. Likewise for you; the LORD orders your days and directs each step.

III. The Spirit enables us to be channels of living water for others.

A. We can tear down walls of hatred and prejudice. As St. Paul teaches, “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-15

B. We can be fountains of goodness to others until the fountain wells up into life everlasting, when we shall never thirst again!

Again, we arrive at our question for this morning. What are you going to do about spiritual thirst? Jesus is the answer, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink!” In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Words- 1,475
Passive Sentences -7%
Readability -74.6%
Reading Level-6.3

[1] Matthew Henry Commentary Exodus 15 https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Exod/Bitter-Waters-Marah-Israelites

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Pentecost Series B

Pentecost

Series B

Ezekiel 37:1–14

Acts 2:1–21

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15

The Holy Spirit Brings the Dead to Life by the Righteousness of Christ

In returning to His Father by way of the cross and resurrection, Christ Jesus sends “the Helper” to His Church, that is, “the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father.”

The Spirit testifies of Christ and glorifies Him, by taking what is His and declaring it to the world in the preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (John 15:26; 16:7, 14).

He convicts the world of sin by the word of the Law, He forgives sins and justifies sinners by the Word of the Gospel, and He bestows the faith that says “Amen” to this righteousness of God (John 16:8–11).

Therefore, the Lord pours out His Spirit on the apostles, that by their preaching, the Spirit should be given to His entire Church. As the multitudes are gathered from all the nations by “this sound,” that is, by the preaching of “the mighty works of God” in Christ Jesus, so does God the Father pour out the Spirit of His Son “on all flesh” (Acts 2:6, 11, 17).

The Lord God breathes upon the slain, and so shall they live; for so the Lord has spoken, and He shall do it (Ezek. 37:5–14).

Pentecost -John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day bu the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation;

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15:26 - Ὅταν ἔλθῃ ὁ Παράκλητος ὃν ἐγὼ πέμψω ὑμῖν παρὰ τοῦ Πατρός, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας ὃ παρὰ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐκπορεύεται, ἐκεῖνος μαρτυρήσει περὶ ἐμοῦ

26 ‘When the Advocate* (comforter, Paraclete, not 'helper') comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of the truth who comes forth from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.

Paraclete - one called to testify, intercessor, one who stands besides, called to convict,

- I will send..."the One (who proceeds) from the Father."

Jesus is the Spirit of the Son - see Romans 8:9; Galations 4:6; 1 Peter 1:11

Western Christians, rightly understand this passage to imply a double procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son.

15:27 - καὶ ὑμεῖς δὲ μαρτυρεῖτε, ὅτι ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστε.

27 You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

This is what made the twelve unique/special. With the apostolic witness comes the Spirit. Every Christian is a "witness" yet this is unique as they have been with Christ from the beginning...

On Pentecost celebrate what is special and what we have.

16:4a- ἀλλὰ ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν ἵνα ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἡ ὥρα αὐτῶν μνημονεύητε αὐτῶν, ὅτι ἐγὼ εἶπον ὑμῖν.

4 a But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.

4b-ταῦτα δὲ ὑμῖν ἐξ ἀρχῆς οὐκ εἶπον, ὅτι μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἤμην.

4b 'I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.

"because I was with you" you have everything you need, you lack nothing, like the older son of the prodigal

16:5 - νῦν δὲ ὑπάγω πρὸς τὸν πέμψαντά με, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐρωτᾷ με Ποῦ ὑπάγεις;

5 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?”

Thomas had asked in John 14, "we don't know the way..."

At His death, Jesus went to the Father, three days in death. At the Ascension they returned in joy. Context he is talking about His death. Press hard where Christ is present...

16:6 - ἀλλ’ ὅτι ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν, ἡ λύπη πεπλήρωκεν ὑμῶν τὴν καρδίαν.

6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.

Which things are giving them sorrow? His going away, his death, their doubt/fear? All of it. See Matthew 17:23 remember this is an unbroken discourse going back to chapter 14

16:7 - ἀλλ’ ἐγὼ τὴν ἀλήθειαν λέγω ὑμῖν, συμφέρει ὑμῖν ἵνα ἐγὼ ἀπέλθω. ἐὰν γὰρ μὴ ἀπέλθω, ὁ Παράκλητος οὐ μὴ ἔλθῃ πρὸς

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate/Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

ESV - "it is to your advantage", KJV - "it is expedient" - my death is for your good -

16:8 - καὶ ἐλθὼν ἐκεῖνος ἐλέγξει τὸν κόσμον περὶ ἁμαρτίας καὶ περὶ δικαιοσύνης καὶ περὶ κρίσεως•

8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about* sin and righteousness and judgement

- "convict" - This is the Spirit's work through the Law.

- ἐλέγξει - convict, bring the proof, get the better of, expose, See John 15 - Jesus is at center with the Spirit's conviction.

"Christ's Spirit must not only comfort, but also through th eoffice of the Law 'convict the world concerning sin' [FC SD V 11}

Advocate's proving the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (Verse 8) may have been a key in what set the early followers of Jesus apart as a radically transforming faith:

Vv.9-11 is summery of the Spirit's work - pointing to Christ.

The world is wrong about sin...confessing that Sin is not genetic; it is not inherited; it does not alienate us from God - does not create a chasm between us and God.

The truth about sin is that God is unshakeably, constantly, eternally our friend. Nothing, not even our sin breaks God's bond and loyalty to us.

It is noteworthy that Jesus says "sin" has to do with the matter of belief. The Spirit teaches us that sin at its heart is not a matter of actions or morality, but has to do with whether and how we will receive and believe in the Son as the one whom God has sent into the world.

John the Baptist testifies to the arrival of the Son with the words "Here is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"(1:29). Later John says, "This is the judgment, that they did not believe in the one whom God sent (3:18).

Sin stands exposed precisely at the opportune moment of decision between faith and unbelief. Jesus says that it is always for us the moment of that decision (Greek kairos; see 7:6). The Spirit's role is to bring Christ present for us and so to face us with that point of decision and faith.

16:9 - περὶ ἁμαρτίας μέν, ὅτι οὐ πιστεύουσιν εἰς ἐμέ.

9 about sin, because they do not believe in me;

- In the final analysis, sin is unbelief and the refusal to trust in God

16:10 - περὶ δικαιοσύνης δέ, ὅτι πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα ὑπάγω καὶ οὐκέτι θεωρεῖτέ με

10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer;

The world is wrong about righteousness.

Righteousness (being in right relationship with God) is not about paying debts owed to God; it is not about fulfilling obligations to God.

The truth about being in right relationship with God (i.e., "righteousness) is that while nothing ever breaks God's bond with us sometimes even the best of friends have to apologize and make up.

Jesus says, the Spirit convinces us about "righteousness," which has to do with Jesus returning to the Father. That Jesus is at the point of returning to the Father is the signal that the role of Jesus in his sending and mission has been completed. Righteousness has to do with Jesus' testimony that all that the Father has given him to do has been accomplished in his death and resurrection. The glory of the Son has been truly seen. God's righteousness has been made known in God's love and sending of the Son. Now the Spirit will be present to continue to convince the disciple community that this is true.

16:11 - Ἔτι πολλὰ ἔχω ὑμῖν λέγειν, ἀλλ’ οὐ δύνασθε βαστάζειν ἄρτι

11 about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned/judged Jesus as sacrifice is offered and given to the Father

The world is wrong about judgment.

Judgment is not about being condemned eternally; it is not about being forever cut off from God.

The truth about judgment is that living in the light means bringing faults and failures out into the open where they can be healed. Judgment is not about condemnation; it is about telling the truth, healing and reconciliation.

The Spirit convinces us about judgment, and that judgment is precisely that in the actions of the Trinity the ruler of this world has been condemned. If there is then any judgment, that judgment has to do with all that would not believe that what God is about in the Son is to show God's love and to bring that abundant life to those whom the Son has chosen and for whom he has given his life as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. "For God sent the Son into the world, not for the purpose of standing in judgment over the world, but in order that through him the world might be saved" (3:17).

Now that issue of judgment has been met. Salvation has indeed come in the fulfillment of the Son's mission. Now the Spirit has come to make good on that promise and to continue to convince those who hear the witness of the Son that this is indeed good news and true. Such conviction is also the invitation to join in that witness which is indeed for all the world to hear -- to become agents of that same convincing for those "other sheep" for whom Jesus also died and was raised, to the end that all may be one, even as the Father, Son and Spirit are one in purpose and mission.

16:12 - ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ἐκεῖνος, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας, ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν ἀλήθειαν πᾶσαν• οὐ γὰρ λαλήσει ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ, ἀλλ’ ὅσα ἀκούει λαλήσει, καὶ τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

12 ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot carry/bear them now. 1 Corinthians 2:6, 10-12 Spirit of Christ = Spirit of truth

16:13 - ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ἐκεῖνος, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας, ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν ἀλήθειαν πᾶσαν• οὐ γὰρ λαλήσει ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ, ἀλλ’ ὅσα ἀκούει λαλήσει, καὶ τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

13 When that one comes, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare/message to you the things that are to come.

16:14 - ἐκεῖνος ἐμὲ δοξάσει, ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λήμψεται καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare/proclaim it to you.

16:15 - πάντα ὅσα ἔχει ὁ Πατὴρ ἐμά ἐστιν• διὰ τοῦτο εἶπον ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λαμβάνει καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

15 All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare/message/preach it to you.

Time in the Word - Pentecost

Time in the Word

May 17-22, 2021

Preparation for next week, the Feast of Pentecost

This coming Sunday is the Festival of Pentecost. It is obvious that the theme is on the Spirit. In the Gospel lesson, the Spirit causes living water to flow from the heart. The dead are made alive by the Spirit in the preaching of the Word (Old Testament lesson). The disciples are emboldened by the Spirit to speak in languages which foreigners could understand (Epistle lesson). In the Psalm there are references to the Spirit who creates and renews creation. The hymn of the Day is a prayer for the Spirit to come upon the church.

Prayer for the Seventh Sunday in Easter: O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father, for You live and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Pentecost: O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper, we implore You, the work of farmers, grant them seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruit of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving. May we see by this noble vocation that with Your help they feed the world. And cause all those who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with both honor and respect; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for the coming of the Spirit: Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

For blessing on the Word: Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 17 May 2021—Psalm 104:24, 27-28, 30—The antiphon is a liturgical text, “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Alleluia.” The Psalmist refers back to the week of creation. When He had finished all that He had made, not only was the Lord satisfied but it was very good indeed. All that the Lord commands, creates, and sustains is very good indeed. On the Feast Day of Pentecost we see that the Lord is serious concerning His Word going out throughout the whole creation. Persons are converted; believers are sustained and strengthened in the faith as the Lord uses His Word for these purposes.

Tuesday, 18 May 2021—Psalm 139:1-16; key verse, verse 17—“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” This psalm verse reminds us that God’s words, thoughts, and actions are all connected and closely related. The Lord made a promise to send His Son and acted in time. He made a promise to redeem and save the world and so He did. He promises to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. The events of Pentecost affirm that the Lord is serious about the promises He makes and keeps. Everything concerning your salvation, witness, and walk is linked to the Lord’s promises and the fulfillment of them. The Psalmist affirms what the Lord has done.

Wednesday, 19 May 2021—Ezekiel 37:1-14—The Spirit through the preached Word raises the dead. Ezekiel preaches the Word to the dry bones of Israel and they come to life. Ezekiel is a prophet to the exiles in Babylon. This lesson comes from the section of the book that predicts a restoration of Jerusalem and its temple. He sees the Hebrews in exile as dead in hope because they are separated from the holy city and temple. God commands Ezekiel to preach to the dead bones and the Spirit brings life to the bodies and then the Spirit to the bodies. Through the preached Word, the Spirit of God brings new life and hope to a defeated, exiled people.

Thursday, 20 May 2021—Acts 2:1-21—The Spirit gives power to witness in foreign languages. On Pentecost the disciples receive the Holy Spirit and Peter explains the happening. Luke gives an account of the Spirit’s coming upon the gathered disciples in Jerusalem on Pentecost accompanied by a mighty wind and tongues of fire. Then the reaction of the crowd is given – the disciples are accused of being drunk. Peter responds by explaining the experience as fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that at the end of the era the Spirit would come to all. The overall purpose of the event is salvation for all who call upon God. The Spirit gave the disciples power to speak in the languages of the people assembled in Jerusalem, that all peoples might hear the Gospel. The prophecy of Acts 1:8 is beginning to be fulfilled.

Friday, 21 May 2021—John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15—The Spirit produces living water in believers in Christ. Believers in Christ are given the Spirit. On the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus is in Jerusalem disputing with religious leaders as He taught in the temple. At the end of the Feast, Jesus invited the thirsty to come to Him and drink. Out of the hearts of believers in Christ will come the living water of the Spirit.

Saturday, 22- May 2021— Luke 11:13;1 Corinthians 12:13; John 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:14—The hymn of the Day is “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord” {LSB 497}. In this much loved hymn, we pray that the blessings of the Spirit would sustain the Christian in his walk and life.

Morning Prayer Reading Schedule

May 17 Monday 139 Ephesians 2:1-10

May 18 Tuesday 140 Philippians 2:1-11

May 19 Wednesday Open

May 20 Thursday Open

May 21 Friday Closing Chapel

Catechism Review: Office of the Keys & Sacrament of the Altar

Sources:

Illustration "The Day of Pentecost." from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, © WELS Permission to use this copyrighted item is limited to personal and congregational use.

Saturday, May 27, 2023

John 7:37-39The promise of the coming Spirit

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Sunday, May 16, 2021

John 7:37-39
The promise of the coming Spirit