Pastor’s Corner “The Life-Giving Gift”

Earlier this week I read these words from John Stott about our need for the Holy Spirit:

Without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, even impossible. There can be no life without the life-giver, no understanding without the Spirit of truth, no fellowship without the unity of the Spirit, no Christlikeness of character apart from his fruit, and no effective witness without his power. As a body without breath is a corpse, so the church without the Spirit is dead.

Thus, the importance of Pentecost! Pentecost is the day we celebrate the empowering, unifying, life-giving gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. This gift, however, is intended for the whole world. That’s why Peter quotes the prophet Joel in his first Spirit-inspired sermon (“I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…”), and why he closes his sermon by saying, “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” (Acts 2:38).

The ultimate answer to the death-dealing sickness in our culture is for people to release their harming attempts at control (repentance) and to surrender to the authority of Jesus (baptism), so that their separation from the Father is ended (forgiveness) and they can receive the life-giving, re-creating breath of God (Holy Spirit).

As the people of Immanuel, we have received this gift of the Holy Spirit to empower us to offer these gifts to our family and friends, neighbors and co-workers, and those of other cultures we have yet to meet. That’s why our Mission Statement emphasizes the presence of the Spirit sending us out to offer Refuge, Reconciliation, and Renewal in Jesus:

We cultivate a Spirit-filled family that goes into our communities and the world to offer Refuge, Reconciliation, and Renewal, inviting everyone to experience life with God the Father in Jesus Christ.

Come ready to give thanks to our Father for this gift of the Spirit that we have received through Jesus, and ready to be renewed in sharing this life with others.

And come ready to picnic! Remember that there will be food and fun for all immediately after the second service, rejoicing in the unity that the Spirit provides. Wear clothes appropriate for the warmer weather — and add something red in honor of the Holy Spirit!

Your Pastor in Christ,