Good day dear friends.
I received word of the death of Mr. Ernie Brown of Trinity UMC in San Antonio. Please hold Jeannette, his wife, and his children in our prayers. May the Lord bring comfort to them in this time.
We continue our celebration of Pentecost and the coming of God's Holy Spirit. Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Find John 1:33. In this passage there is a reference to the Holy Spirit. What role is the Holy Spirit playing in this particular passage? Now, let’s go to John 14:26 and read there what God shows the disciples through these words. God’s Holy Spirit has always been present, but it is in Acts that we see a more specific disciple-friendly way of God’s Holy Spirit moving among us.
Here is John 1:33 "I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'"
In this passage the Holy Spirit marks the identification of Jesus to John the Baptist. The Holy Spirit came down as a dove and descended on Jesus. This passage also says that Jesus "is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit." John knew his limitations and calling, but he also recognized the calling and power of Jesus.
John 14:26 "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you."
This verse is among those that caused Church patriarchs to divide Luke-Acts and to place the Gospel of John in the middle. In this verse, Jesus is explaining the Holy Spirit and His role in life.
1. The Holy Spirit is an Advocate for us.
2. The Holy Spirit, a person, comes in Jesus' name.
3. The Holy Spirit, will teach us everything.
4. The Holy Spirit will remind us of all that Jesus has said to us.
As was mentioned Sunday in the sermon, Paul understood the Advocate nature of the Holy Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us in our prayer time, especially during those times of prayer when we're prayed out or think we can no longer pray. Sighs, moans, groans, even thoughts, are sufficient to offer up our prayers for the Holy Spirit understands them and lifts them to the Lord. Jesus knew that God would send His Holy Spirit in Jesus' name. In other words, He would not be a stranger. He would know the disciples and the disciples would know Him. If we are, or are striving to be Jesus' disciples, He will know us and we will know Him. If we are Jesus' disciples, we will learn that which we need to know to serve God because the Holy Spirit will teach us. And the Holy Spirit is a Comforter because He reminds us of what Jesus wanted us to know.
May it be our focus today to share with all that which we know we have through God's Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: Come, Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the Loving, Living God, fall afresh on me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
PS Be in prayer for those who are traveling today and tomorrow to annual conference.
