October 29, 2023
Greetings and blessings to all of you. When Jesus was no longer to be present on earth physically, He promised the Holy Spirit to be sent as God’s own presence within us. And because we have this divine presence in us, we are never abandoned. There were times that Jesus let us know about the Holy Spirit. Recall the Spirit that had descended as a dove to Jesus at His baptism (John 1:32). Remember Nicodemus. He had been told of the need to be born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5). Then we have the woman at the well in Samaria. She was told that those who would worship God acceptably must worship in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:24) Jesus promised that one day the Spirit would be granted to all believers. (John 7:39). In the OT the Spirit of God came upon individuals somewhat sporadically and temporarily for example “Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him and although he (Samson) has nothing in his hand he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat.” (Judges 14:6) In Acts 2:38 it says, “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.” The Spirit of Truth have come to those who are truly Born Again. Did you know that The Spirit will not indwell the people of the world? Why? Because they choose not to receive Him. To the Jewish people who did not accept Christ as the Son of God, Jesus told them “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.” (John 8:39-47) Jesus spoke very strong and direct words to this group of people…it was obvious they worship only God and not Christ who was standing in front of them. We as believers should understand that we as the people of God can only absorb so much. However, with the Holy Spirit in us “He will teach us all things.” How did those men write the New Testament? Like the prophets of old, they were moved by the Spirit to write Scriptures. And…The Spirit will also remind them of things previously seen and heard. Matthew and John will later write The Gospels of Jesus life; it will be vital for them to be able to recall accurate details of what they witnessed. (John 14:26) Let’s begin asking ourselves… Is the Holy Spirit working fully in our lives? If not- why not? And what are we going to do about it?
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC