Podcasts about that spirit

Pastor Sara Millard concludes our “Life in the Spirit” series with “Spirit Empowered Mission”. What is God's call for us? How can we answer the call? The Spirit Empowered Jesus. That same Spirit lives in us? That Spirit empowered Peter, and it empowers us. Are you a temple of the Holy Spirit? Will you listen and obey the Spirit? Click to view this week's passages: Luke 4: 18-19, Matt 28: 18-20, Acts 1: 3-8, Acts 2: 1-6, 17-21Date: 08.09.2024Please send prayer requests to prayer@bridgeman.org.au or on our website: www.bridgeman.org.au/prayer/To contact Bridgeman Baptist Community Church please email hello@bridgeman.org.auIf you would like to give at Bridgeman Baptist Community Church please go to www.bridgeman.org.au/giving/Please view our Click to view this week's passages: Matt 7: 15-23, John 5: 22, Rom 8: 1Date: 12.06.2024Please send prayer requests to prayer@bridgeman.org.au or on our website: www.bridgeman.org.au/prayer/To contact Bridgeman Baptist Community Church please email hello@bridgeman.org.auIf you would like to give at Bridgeman Baptist Community Church please go to www.bridgeman.org.au/giving/Please view our Sermon List if you would like to order from our back catalogue, please email if you would like to order from our back catalogue, please email bridgemedia@bridgeman.org.au

With the Holy Spirit, nothing we can face is impossible to overcome. Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~ I've got spirit, yes I do, I've got spirit how about you? If your answer is a resounding no, no I do not have spirit, then maybe YOU need a pep rally! I love a good pep rally. Growing up I went to quite a few. One of the many hats my Dad wore was guidance counselor for our small town High School. He was in the middle of everything which meant a lot of times I was too. Friday night football games, homecoming parades and pep rallies are something special in a small town. We may have been small, but we had spirit! We were Lumberjacks for life and we bled black and gold. On Friday's in the Fall, before a big game, we would gather in our highschool court yard for the pep rally. It was AWESOME. The band played the theme song from the movie Rocky, Gonna Fly Now. All the classes gathered, cheerleaders cheered, the football players were in their jerseys, rifles and flags were being thrown in the air and we were pumped up! We were ready to put the beat down on the other team, or at least have some fun trying. I miss those days. In this game of life, don't we often need a good pep rally? Our feet hit the floor at the start of each new day and before we even move the proverbial ball forward, we get sacked, pushed back and time is running out on the clock. Even IF the brass section of the band belted out those classic first notes of ‘Gonna Fly Now', it wouldn't make one bit of difference. Game over. I'm done. I'm crawling off the field. I'm tired. If that's you today, remember what is true. God is NOT done with you. The game is still ON. There's a position on the field just for you. Even with all the challenges you may be facing, if you feel you've lost your spirit, your strength has failed you, the pom poms have left the field and no one is cheering you on, you're still in the game. God has you in this quarter of life for a purpose, for such a time as this. Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Paul begins this letter to the church in Philippi remembering them with joy and thanksgiving. He's excited to think about all God has done, is doing and wants to do in their lives and through their church. He is pepping them up a bit. He's cheering them on and reminding them there has never been the slightest doubt that God, who started a great work IN them, would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the day Jesus appears. That pep talk of truth is for you today as well. God's not done with you. He gets excited thinking about you. He loves you so much. There is MORE for you, even if you're in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. But Lori, I am tired. I can't. I'm sidelined and limping and there is no way I can win. I thought you might say that, so here's the other truth you need to hear. Zechariah 4:6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. When by grace through faith, you have placed your trust in Jesus, the SPIRIT of the living God dwells IN you. By THAT spirit and through His perfect strength, you can do anything God has for you to do. It's more than you could ever ask for or imagine. That's the truth! So let me ask it again this way, do you have THAT Spirit? With it, nothing is impossible, even if the game of life is tied and you're down to the final seconds of the game, keep going. One day those trumpets will sound, how cool would it be if they played Gonna Fly Now?? I'm cheering you on! I'm Lori Cline.

In Romans 8, Paul taught that those who belong to Christ are not of the flesh, but of the Spirit, which dwells in each of us.If Christ is therefore in us, our bodies are still dead, subject to the corruption of sin and death, but our spirits are alive, because Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us!And if we are led by the Spirit of God, we are the sons of God!The Holy Ghost is in us, animates us, moves us, prompts us, guides us into all truth, convicts us, inspires us, and comforts us! Thereby, we are led by the Spirit of God as His Own sons!Before, we were in the grip of a spirit of bondage unto fear, a spirit of doom and impending judgment for our sins, and death and hell.But Christ, by His dying for us, has delivered us, we who through fear of death were all our lifetimes subject to that spirit of bondage.But having saved us, we have been given the Spirit of Adoption, that is, the Spirit of Christ, the natural perfect Son, that Spirit that now leads us as though we were natural sons, the adopted sons of God our Father.By that Spirit dwelling in us, we can now cry, Abba, Father!We are knit to God through Jesus Christ by His Spirit dwelling in us, and leading us, more and more, to behave and think and act like Christ, the well-beloved Son.This provides us a closer bond then can ever exist between natural sons and their earthly fathers, and thus we partake of Christ as regards our sonship, even though by nature we were not God's children.Paul next declares that the indwelling Spirit of Adoption bears witness with our own spirit, that we are the children of God!That Spirit within us convinces us of what God has promised us!

1. One of the slides from Tim's sermon today read, “People will choose a low level of chronic anxiety & stress, even though it's more withering, over temporary acute pain that deals with the root cause.” What is your initial response to this idea? If you agree, why do you think people seem to operate this way? How true does it ring for you personally? Where have you seen this principle at work in yourself? If you're aware of ways in which this has been true for you, but in which you have also eventually dug into those root causes, what motivated you to delve into that space of temporary acute pain? Once you did so, how “worth it” has that work been? Do you wish you'd done it sooner? Never done it at all?2. Tim talked about his observation that the process of deconstruction & reconstruction often leaves us without a sense of hopefulness and without a strong belief that God is still working in our world, and that the Spirit of God is still living, active, and taking us somewhere good. Take a moment to reflect on this idea. Have you gone (or are you going) through a process of deconstructing & reconstructing big pieces of your faith's foundation? If so, how relatable is this observation? Where is your own sense of hopefulness right now? How easy or difficult is it to believe that God is at work in your world and that the Spirit of God is living & active & taking you somewhere good? Now, rethink this idea relative to someone you know and about whom you care. Do you believe that God is at work in theirlife? That Spirit of God is leading them somewhere good? Is it easier or harder to believe in God's active role in that person's life than it is to believe in it in your own? Why do you think that might be? 3. Nearing the end of his sermon, Tim said that we all have to have to make the same choice into which Nicodemus was being invited: We'll have to decide if we're going to draw our lives not merely from a clear-eyed assessment of the mess we've made in the world, and, instead, let go of a life we've gotten used to in order to endure the acute pain of new birth. This, Tim said, is the way to let a new kind of fully alive life be born into our lives. It's also the way to transmit to the coming generations a sense of hope, and a faithful expectation that God actually can show up and make a difference in our broken world. How does this very significant invitation sit with you? How willing do you feel to “let go,” delve into the painful process of examining root causes, and find a new kind of eternally alive life? How realistic or do-able does that actually seem? Where might you begin?

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak Boleng in Labuan Bajo, Diocese of Ruteng, Indonesia. Isaiah 61: 1-2a.10-11; Rs psalm Luk 1: 46-48.49-50.53-54; 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24; John 1: 6-8.19-28 A JOYFUL SUNDAY OF ADVENT    Our meditation on this third Sunday of Advent has the theme: A Joyful Sunday of Advent. As we say that this sunday of Advent is a joyful celebration, we do not mean to dismiss other Sundays especially during this Advent, as the unhappy Sundays. The essence of all liturgical celebrations is a joyful spiritual experience, because it is here the encounter with God and believers occurs. It is how the faithful together participate in the sharing of the Word of God and the Holy communion with the Lord.   This saying of the joyful Sunday or the Latin word gaudete has a historical background and is meaningful to strengthen our expression of faith. The practice of making the 3rd Sunday of Advent special began in the 10th century, on which the Church has been making the liturgy a special sign of joy through the opening antiphon that underlines the sense of "rejoice in the welcoming the Savior". This joyful expression is taken from the Letter Saint Paul to the Philippians (Phil 4,4-5). This is reconfirmed by the choice of Mass liturgical readings which also contain the expression of joy. The meaning of all this is that the arrival of the savior is at hand, therefore, the preparation of the whole Church is to be joyful and in great anticipation.   The question is therefore, what kind of our joy as the people of God? Is it a party where we gather to eat and drink, to have fun and all the festivities? Obviously the joy of this Sunday gaudete is not intended  to be in this way. The one to be welcomed by the whole Church is Jesus Christ, the Messiah and savior of mankind, therefore, our joy is definitely spiritual in nature and meant for a renewal of life. This gaudete Sunday gives us at least three points on the significance of joy in our faith.   The first is our sense about going beyond all the transient joys of this world. This refers to the source of eternal joy which is the Holy Spirit who has been living in us from the moment of baptism and through all the sacraments we regularly receive. That Spirit teaches us all truth, and He renews us to be steady and ready to receive the Lord's return on his birthday in this Christmas and His second coming.   The second is on our faith to become stronger and more joyful if it contains true prayers and sense of gratitude. People who pray, give praise and give thanks are the ones who rejoice. And the third is about the promise that is always proclaimed during Advent on the arrival of the Light, our Savior. This Light comes to meet us and illuminates our lives. This helps us to abandon our life in darkness and fear. Thus we have these  three important reasons to rejoice as we approach the celebration of this Christmas.   Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus Christ, make us bearers of Your words of truth and mercy. Help us to be witnesses of joy to our neighbors. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of the Father ...     --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/media-la-porta/message

Peter and John had walked with Jesus for years. This day the walked into the temple. The same temple that had been there all their lives. Same temple. Same time of day. Same Peter. Same John. Same gate. Same lame man. It was an everyday, ordinary kind of day. Except there was a new Spirit at work within them. That Spirit was leading them on an adventure into the life of the Kingdom of God. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cchristophergreen/message

Peter and John had walked with Jesus for years. This day the walked into the temple. The same temple that had been there all their lives. Same temple. Same time of day. Same Peter. Same John. Same gate. Same lame man. It was an everyday, ordinary kind of day. Except there was a new Spirit at work within them. That Spirit was leading them on an adventure into the life of the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for tuning into Sermon Segments Podcast featuring Pastor Daniel D.  Fluellen, Sr. Today's message is titled "Time to Get Rid of That Spirit" taken from Luke 13:10-17. Listen and Be Blessed. 

We need a sound mind.  Our website: www.PastorTodd.org To give to this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give A few resources... Survival Food LINK: https://mypatriotsupply.com/?rfsn=5774972.922545e Real Money–Gold & Silver Kirk Elliot PhD LINK: http://kirkelliottphd.com/pastorTodd/?mibextid=Zxz2cZirk We encounter the expression sound mind in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (KJV). The original Greek word translated “sound mind” here is sophronismos, and it appears in the Bible only this one time. In other Bible translations, the word sophronismos is rendered “self-control” (ESV), “self-discipline” (NIV, NLT), “discipline” (NASB), “good judgment” (GW), and “sound judgment” (CSB). These various interpretations seem to convey different meanings. What exactly does sophronismos mean? And what is Paul referring to when he tells Timothy that God has given us the spirit of a sound mind? Paul is writing to Timothy from prison. Knowing the time of his execution is drawing near, Paul pens Timothy this profoundly intimate letter filled with love, concern, and encouragement. Timothy would need courage and determination to carry on the enormous responsibility of his calling to lead the church in spreading the gospel. In the preceding verse, Paul reminds Timothy of the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit and encourages him to “fan that gift into flames” (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul knows Timothy will need to counter his natural tendency toward quiet timidity by remembering that the Spirit of God lives within him. That Spirit will empower Timothy with boldness rather than fear, and with love and a sound mind. Timothy will rely on God's Spirit to enable him to do whatever God requires. Timothy, being filled with God's Spirit of love—the defining characteristic of Christians—will be capable of loving God and loving others. And Timothy will possess God's Spirit of a sound mind. The influence of the Spirit of God is required to produce a genuinely sound mind. The sound mind Paul speaks of is a mind under the control of God's Holy Spirit. In the sense of self-discipline, the word sophronismos denotes careful, rational, sensible thinking. Having a sound mind requires a thought process based on the wisdom and clarity that God imparts rather than being manipulated by fear. Today, as in Timothy's day, fear is a driving force in the world. Fear inspires the news headlines, motivates advertising campaigns, and stirs up social media frenzies. Fear is one of Satan's favorite devices to confuse our minds, cause irrational thoughts, misunderstandings, and derail us from the will of God. For this reason, the Word of God encourages us to cultivate a healthy, renewed mind that can process right-thinking based on God's truth: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). A sound mind is a stable, healthy mind. A healthy mind is linked to our attitude and outlook as believers. A sound mind is not overly concerned with the cares and problems of this life but is set on God and His Kingdom (Colossians 1:1–2). A sound mind is alert and sober, focused on the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13). A sound mind recognizes who we are in Christ, and does not depend on human wisdom and strength (2 Corinthians 10:3–5). A sound mind is guarded through prayer and purity: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:6–8). A sound mind stabilizes our entire inner world. When Paul says God has given us the spirit of a sound mind (or self-control, discipline, and sound judgment), he doesn't mean we'll be able to train harder, eat better, or study more. Paul recognizes that God's Spirit yields obedience, right living, and moral judgment. From the inside out, the Holy Spirit reshapes and transforms not just how we think, but who we are.

Easter shows God's power and purpose through Jesus life, death & resurrection but it also shows you the power and purpose available to your life! The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives and empowers you. That Spirit connects us to the very mind and heart of Christ! Easter is meant to be lived out in everyday moments of every day of our lives in our everyday relationships! God wants Easter to give you Purpose and Power for your life now!

It's that time of the year again! Festive bells, sparkly lights, caroling, visiting with friends and family, walking in the snow (or maybe on the beach?), and dreaming of good things to come. For this special episode, we're embracing as much of the season as possible. Let's call it "Solstimas".  You'll hear from a plethora of festive musical guests, who generously offer up their seasonal favourites.GUESTS: (2:56) Andy Maize - The Grinch That Stole Christmas………………..(5:14)  Lisa Sabino - "2,000 Miles" (performed by Skydiggers) / "Same Old Lang Syne" (Dan Folgelberg), "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" (John Lennon & Yoko Ono)……………….(8:57) Stephen Stanley - "Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees" (Elvis Presley)……………….(15:37) Ethan Deibert - "Run, Run Rudolph" (Chuck Berry)……………….(16:45) Koralee Tonack  - "25th of December" (Everything But the Girl)……………….(18:34) Alan Matheson - "Silent Night, Lonely Night" (Ron Collier)……………….(21:18) Emily Deibert - "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (performed by Zoey Deschanel and Leon Redbone)……………….(23:00) Steve Wright - "Fairytale of New York" (The Pogues)……………….(24:49) Simon Paradis - "Christmas is Coming" (The Payolas)……………….(26:30) Tim Vesely - "Es ist ein ros entsprungen" (performed by Daniel Taylor)……………….(29:00) Seth Feldman -"O Holy Night" (performed by David Phelps)……………….(31:34) Ryan Myshrall - "Christmas Time" (Salsoul Orchestra)……………….(36:58) Josh Finlayson - "If We Make it Through December" (Merle Haggard)……………….(38:51) Connie Kostiuk - "Shchedryk" (Performed by Pink Martini)……………….(41:37) Richard Wolfe - "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (performed by Cat Power)……………….(43:44) Tomás Cassanelli - "Cancion de Navidad "(Silvio Rodriguez)……………….(45:17) David Kitching - "Song for a Winter's Night" (Gordon Lightfoot)……………….(48:23) Julian Taylor - "That Spirit of Christmas" (Ray Charles)……………….(50:50) Tim Falconer - "Tournament of Hearts" (The Weakerthans)……………….(54:44) Marnie Grey - "Tshekuan Mak Tshetutamak" (Groupe Folklorique Montagne). Marnie also chose "Friday I'm in Love" (The Cure), "Moon and Tree" (Blue Rodeo), "Take Me Home Country Roads" (performed by Mountain Man), and anything by the Killers :)……………….(58:24) Mike Downie - "A Penny More" (Skydiggers) / "The Lonely End of the Rink" (The Tragically Hip)……………….(1:05:44) Ron Deibert - "Winter"Support the showA Morning Run Productions ProjectMusic Buddy is nomated for a 2023 Canadian Podcast Award for "Outstanding Music Series", and "Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for a Series". Many thanks to the Canadian Podcast Awards, and congratulations to all the Nominees! You can see the full list of Nominees at canpodawards.ca Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host) The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie KostiukEmail: jane@musicbuddy.caInstagram: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastTwitter: @janegowanTikTok: @musicbuddypod

YOU HAVE AN ANOINTING | Preaching Aug 21   INTRO   Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”   BUT what does that really mean. What is God's standard for Fathering? If you have my history or my wife's history…   Psalm 68:5-6 “A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads the prisoners with singing.   We bear witness   EVEN IF YOU HAD A GOOD FATHER, GOD IS PERFECT   When I inquired about His heart for today He reminded me: 

INTRODUCTION Because you're confronted with it each Sunday, it might be easy to think that our musical style is high up on the list of important Christ Church distinctives. In actuality, it's further down the list in importance. Not unimportant, but not of first importance. You could hang around for a good while without knowing the first thing about our eschatology, which actually looms large over much of what we do around here. This text is an instance of both distinctives being woven together, providing an opportunity to highlight why we worship the way we do, and what that has to do with the end of the world. THE TEXT The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David... (Zech. 12:7-13:3). SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Zechariah, along with the other later prophets, encourage the returning exiles in the work of rebuilding Jerusalem. Though enemies threatened the work, those dwelling in tents wouldn't be more vulnerable than those in the more secure habitations (2:7). Jehovah would defend His people; the feeblest would be like David in the height of his greatness, and the house of David would be as God, an angelic warrior of the Lord (2:8). With such a warrior within her, no enemy shall overcome this New Jerusalem (2:9). Upon the house of David, God's spirit of grace & supplication would be poured out; they would look upon a pierced Warrior-God, whom they pierced, and greatly mourn Him (2:10, Cf. Jn. 19:37). They'd mourn as Judah had once mourned for the death of good king Josiah (2:11, Cf. 2 Kg. 23:29, 2 Chr. 35:22-25). Every family & household––royal & priestly, great & small, husband & wife––would mourn (2:12-14). In that day, a cleansing fountain would rain down on the house of David, cleansing sin & all uncleanness (3:1). This fountain will wash away both idolatry & false prophecy (3:2-3). THE HOUSE OF DAVID It isn't a stretch to say that David is the central character of the Old Testament. His reign is the crescendo of the OT narrative, and after his reign, Israel falls into a sad decline. The centuries after David are filled with nostalgic yearning for that Golden Era. The prophets foresee that Davidic glory returning. Later Psalmists are both students & conservators of David's musical brilliance. Zechariah is no exception to invoking Davidic imagery. He uses the term “house of David” because of how laden it is with historic significance, liturgical bearing, and Messianic meaning. The historic significance which is used here is to remind the exiles of David as Israel's champion. The House of David was the undisputed Royal household, so it would be quite natural for the regathering Jews to look there for God's deliverance. But Zechariah also draws out one of David's other significant contributions. David brought musical worship into a prominent part of the religious life of Israel. His preparations to build the temple were motivated by an insight that is expressed throughout many of the Psalms: behind God's command for burnt offerings, was a greater desire for contrite sacrifices praise (Cf. Ps. 51:16-17, 69:30-31). One of David's most important episodes was the building of the tabernacle of David on Mount Zion, in order to bring the Ark of Covenant to a permanent resting place. This tabernacle wasn't identical to the one which the Levites offered animal sacrifice in (that was in Shiloh, and later in Gibeah). This tabernacle of David, in the stronghold of David, in the city of David was full, not of the smoke of burnt offerings, but with the sound of Psalms. Zechariah's prophesies that the Spirit of true prayer would return to the lips of David's household. Finally, we cannot miss the Messianic hope latent in this reference to David's house. God's promise to David was that he would not fail to have an heir sit on the throne (1 Ki. 2:4). Zechariah picks up on this promise and foretells that David's house would arise like the avenging Angel of the Lord; a real  boon of hope to the feeble regathering exiles then dwelling in Jerusalem. The Messianic promise was that David's Son would conquer all enemies, wash all the people, cleanse them from their idolatry & false prophets. This Messianic Angel would be pierced in the battle, but still He would wash the entire house of David & Jerusalem clean. A SERVICE OF SONG Zechariah expresses the Messianic promise as a renewal of a spirit of grace and supplication. This Spirit would rest in a particular way upon the house of David. Matthew Henry makes a wonderful comment on this passage: “When God intends great mercy for his people the first thing he does is to set them a praying.” It's no small matter that a large portion of our worship service is comprised of spoken & sung prayers. An enterprising 5th grader might tally up 19 prayers in our service. This is a service of prayer. We bring our supplications to the Lord, and it is fitting that we do so with glorious music. The casual air of our age has led many to misinterpret what it means to come before the throne of grace with boldness. We slap indie-band chord progressions on the lyrics of a High School cheerleader's diary, and think it a worthy offering to Royal David's heir. We come boldly, not impudently. Singing is a peculiar feature of the Christian faith. We owe that heritage to David. When God sets out to grant revival and reform, it is always accompanied by His Spirit. That Spirit energizes us, to come by the blood of David's heir, to bring our pleas to the Father. It does no good just to have songs. We must have the Spirit. And if we have the Spirit, we will also recover the singing of Psalms with joyful reverence (Ps. 105:2, Eph. 5:19, Jam 5:13). WEEKLY RENEWAL OF AN ETERNAL COVENANT Weekly worship in the Lord's house shouldn't be viewed as merely an activity to entertain religious people. Rather, this is a weekly ratification of a vow which God made to David. But that vow is older than even David. It was a covenant more ancient that Moses. It predated Abram. God's covenant mercies existed long before the bow was hung in the sky for Noah to behold. For the covenant of grace was in the heart of God even before He promised a skull-crushing heel to the Serpent. Christ gathers up all these iterations of the covenant of grace in himself, and by Him we order our service to follow that pattern of covenant renewal. He calls us by His Word. He convicts us of our sin, commanding us to confess our sin. He consecrates us as His own, by His Word preached. He communes with us in a feast of bread & wine. He commissions us to walk in our covenant duties by covenant grace. Our worship is the dawning of New Covenant glory (Jer. 31, Ez. 36:25-27) FOLLOWING A DAVIDSON TO CONQUEST The worship of the saints isn't a peripheral aspect of Christian faith. The Son of David has bought the world. The kingdom is His. Look on Him who was pierced. We now sing His praise. We render worship to him. Are there idols in your own heart? The Goliath-slayer will not tolerate mixing praise for idols with His praise. Are you besieged by great enemies? The Lord pours out His Spirit of grace and supplication. So call upon God to deliver. The mighty, Angelic Messiah, the Christ, the Lord's anointed Messenger shall conquer all His enemies. He conquers by filling the house of David with David's songs. Bending before the rightful King, singing His praise, is how we overcome. A Davidson has taken up the world's government by taking His rightful place upon the Israel's throne. We worship & serve Him, and this praise shall crescendo until all His many enemies fall. Our worship each Sunday foretells the end of the World: Jesus shall reign.

Slideshow for this message is available  John 15-16 Introduction So remember we are in John 15 which begins what is traditionally called the Olivet Discourse. You want to know why it's called that? Remember how John 14 ended. Jesus said, “Arise, let us go from here.” Where were they arising from?They were in the upper room partaking in the Passover meal.Judas had already gone to betray him. And they arose and went into the garden of Gethsemane. The garden of Gethsemane was located near the Mount of Olives.And so on the way to Mount Olivet, Jesus spoke to them these words. Hence the Olivet Discourse. Now do you remember the very specific point to this discourse? Jesus has warned them that he is going to go away. He is going to depart.He will no longer be with them. And of course that is creating all sorts of anxiety and fear in his disciples who were anticipating a coronation ceremony following the triumphal entry. And Jesus is providing them resources that will stabilize them in the coming storm. First he said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” In other words I'm leaving but I'm coming back. Second he said, “I am leaving you a helper. The Holy Spirit will come who will point a spotlight back on all that I said and did.” Third from last week, “That Spirit will empower you. If you stay connected with me as the vine, all the fruits of the Spirit are available to you.There is real power available to you to help you in this coming storm.” All this was intended to help comfort them and provide spiritual resources as they adjust to the impending departure of Jesus. But they are going to need spiritual resources for something else: the impending persecution. Jesus introduces a concept here for the first time: I'm departing because people hate me and you are going to discover that people will also hate you. You can imagine a disciple asking the question, “Why would they hate us?” Jesus is going to answer that question in our passage today. Jesus says, “Let me give you four reasons why you will be hated.” Here's the first: What Jesus is saying is that you are collateral damage. You just happen to be in the line of fire.They weren't shooting at you. They were aiming at me and you happen to be in the way. Their hatred of you is a derived hatred. Jesus is describing the clashing of values. Value clashes always go both ways.The world doesn't value what we do and we don't value what the world does.It's both ways. And what is it that you accept? Well Christians accept the fact that Jesus is King. It's right there in the text. We accept that Jesus is the master. What happens when the world discovers that this is what you believe? They hate you. Now of course, from a logical point of view this is a crazy response. A Christian is simply living out of a belief that Jesus is the Master of All. That he is God. Like actually God.And so as God, he created the bizarre world of quantum physics.He created the awe inspiring world of molecular biology. Out of his being flows the trillions and trillions of petawatts of power that pulses through the universe. I mean, he's God. And so if that is true, well there are pretty significant implications that make sense for a Christian.Out of that basic premise, flows the very logical act of submission. By nature of who he is, I need to organize my life around the realities he creates. He gets to call the shots. He gets to make statements concerning what is good and evil. He gets to make absolute statements about meaning and design and purpose. And so if this all-powerful, all-knowing God says for example, husbands love your wives, wives submit to your husbands, pornography is sin, marriage is designed to be between a man and a woman rather than between a man and a man or a woman and a woman, don't love money… we do it. Who am I to contest that? The logical thing is to submit. It's not my opinion.It's not perhaps even the way I would want it.But given these realities. What does it matter what I want? If my premise is true, that Jesus is God then all my opinions must match his opinion. It's no different that submitting to a law of gravity.If I submit to gravity and kind of shy away from dangerous activities am I being hateful and unloving? Am I imposing on other people's freedom? How dare you suggest that people who jump off bridges are doing something they should not do? Who do you think you are? Do you think you are better than me? What makes you think your perspective is any better than mine? You are so narrow minded and intolerant. You are so incredibly bigoted. And of course you are feeling falsely accused. “Why are you upset at me? I just think that living dangerously around cliffs will end up hurting me.” I'm just submitting to a law that is greater than I. It's the same irrational response that erupts out of entitled shoppers who takes out their frustration at checkout lady, “What do you mean you close in 10 minutes? Do you even want my business?What do you mean you don't accept returns after 90 days?You are a crook.” The checkout dude doesn't set the store hours. The store clerk doesn't set the return policy. He literally has ZERO decision making influence. And yet the poor 19 year old kid has to absorb all the wrath as if he PERSONALLY made that rule. That's exactly what happens to us who identify with Jesus. Why are you blaming me? If you haven't noticed these ideas kind of come in a package that has been around for several thousand years. It's not like I personally came up with the idea of gender, sex, and marriage.It's not like I was in the back room thinking up a new religion and invented a place called heaven and hell. I had nothing to do with these ideas.I'm just the clerk. I make $8.25/hr. Do you want to talk to the manager? You see, we are guilty through association. Jesus says, “All these things they will do on account of my name.” You will bring trouble upon yourself by following King Jesus. So they will hate you for what you accept. There's a second half of this. They will also hate you because you don't value what they value in the way they want you to. He says, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own.” But they can tell you don't value what they value so they hate you. When the social pressure expects participation but you withdraw, there is disdain. But don't worry, that is to be expected because, “You have been chosen out of this world.” Your home is elsewhere. This is a common theme in the NT. Remember in 1 Peter 2 Paul calls the believers he's addressing sojourners and exiles. 1 Peter 2 A sojourner, a stranger, an exile is someone who for some reason has been displaced from his homeland. He can't enjoy the land because everything he loves isn't there. I've spent some time in the Middle East, Ukraine, India, and China and in all these countries I've had experiences where I've been the only one at a table who spoke English. And everyone is laughing and having a great time and speaking things I don't understand. And I realize, I don't belong here. This isn't my home. This could never be my home. The music is different. I just can't understand the music. It doesn't sound pleasant to me. The food they eat is all so strange. My favorite meals are not there. They don't speak the right language. I can just barely get by. None of the jokes make sense to me. The way they dress is so strange. I just doesn't feel comfortable in their clothes. Why? Because I'm a foreigner. I'm a sojourner in a land that is not my home.And is this not exactly what it is like for a believer?We live in the world, but we don't value the same things as the world because this world is not our home. The palate of a Christian is entirely different. The music of heaven is different. The vocabulary and the language of heaven is different language. The joy and laughter of heaven is different. The clothing of heaven is different. And when the world looks at us not laughing at their jokes, not dressing provacatively like they do, not loving money and power the way they do, not indulging in substance like they do, not speaking crassly like they do, they say, “Oh you think you are better than us? You think somehow the way you do things is better than the way we do things? You don't belong here. Leave.” Why do they hate? They hate what you reject. Jesus tells us to reject the world, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” That is uncomfortable to someone who loves the world. You see the problem? There's a line being drawn in the sand. Is Jesus King? Is Jesus Lord? If you say yes, there are implications.Because that means anyone not with Jesus is a member of the society of rebels, and this society of rebels has a really hard time tolerating those who are in joyful allegiance to the king of kings to whom all loyalty is due.Period. That's the problem. So they will hate you because of what you accept. And they will hate you because of what you reject. And what this should do for us is create in us a relief. There will always be places where our faith horribly clashes with the current set of moral standards. And we can take a deep breath because even though it feels like their hatred is directed toward us it really has nothing to do with us. That's a very liberating concept.If they don't like it, it's not personal. That's very comforting especially if you are people-pleasers by nature. Those who preach Jesus' gospel and live in progressive conformity to his own life and teaching will attract the same antagonism that he did. So they hate you because of me. And why do they hate me? Because of the law. I point to the law. The Law condemns the unrighteous and therefore can be very uncomfortable. And Jesus points to the Law. Let's see how he does that. In other words, Jesus forces them to reckon with the law. You see the human tendency is to see the law and say, “Yeah, that guy over there should obey this.” We tend to think we are pretty decent law keepers.Or we hear the law and we find reasons why it doesn't apply to us. We find excuses that justify our infractions. Have you ever checked out of the store and the clerk didn't scan an item or didn't charge you for something he should have? And what does your mind tend to do. “Well, that's their fault for not making sure to charge me. They are a huge company and I give them tons of business.” But that's breaking God's law. That's not loving your neighbor as yourself. That's not thinking of others as more important than yourself. That's dark thinking. Somehow we've rationalized it. Or how about this - I'm risking something a bit sensitive here. Please know, I'm not trying to aggravate a deep hurt. I know there are some in the room here who have committed adultery. If that's you, I want you to mentally raise your hand. Now keep in mind, Jesus says, “If you so much as look at a woman with lusting eyes you have committed adultery with her in your heart.” Okay, well if you are going to pull out that card, then I'll answer yes with an asterisk. No. He's not using hyperbole. That's literally the definition of adultery to God. You see by adding the asterisk we escape the law. But Jesus takes away the asterisk. In the presence of Jesus, we are condemned. We are exposed. You see Jesus was the light.If the lights in the house are off you can't be blamed for not cleaning the dirty floors.But as soon as the light comes on you have no excuse. He was the revealer of dirt. He was the exposer of excuses. The light scatters the roaches. Remember the lawyer that came to Jesus and said, “What must I do to have eternal life?” And Jesus, knowing the game he was playing, said, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.” And what was his response, “All these things I have kept from my birth.” He really thought that. He believe that. He had a way of reading the law that approved him. The law told him. Jesus showed him. “You claim to love God with all your heart. You don't love God. You love money. Give it all away. See? You never loved me.” Jesus was the very enfleshment of the law, the complete fulfillment of the law. You can avoid the confrontation of words on a page by simply not reading them or twisting them in your favor or both.But you can't avoid a person. By looking at Jesus you now see what loving your father and mother really looks like. You see Jesus showing what it really looks like to not give false testimony. You watch him go back into the store and pay for what was overlooked. You really understand what a life lived without hate really looks like. And so by comparing his true love with your pathetic love you realize that what you thought was love was no love at all. That's what Jesus means when he says in verse 22, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.” In Christ was perfection. Christ was the law fulfilled.It was lived out in the most beautiful and startling way.The perfect blend of truth and grace. Perfect love. And when we see it, just by being in the presence of it, it creates in us a sense of guilt. Just seeing it aggravates that internal voice of condemnation. For example, I find myself occasionally looking at somebody who is in far better shape then me. You look at them and they've got 7% body fat and the muscles are all toned and they can run a sub six minute mile without blinking. And just by being in the presence of that type of athlete, it condemns me. Their mere presence becomes a standard of comparison against which I fall short.It's a mirror into my own lack of discipline.And so of course, what comes out of my heart? I find a way to judge and condemn. “Oh, all you ever do is just spend time in the gym. I bet you use steroids. You probably waste all your money on supplements. You are so vain. You are so into yourself.” You see what I'm doing with those comments. I'm casting shade to avoid condemnation. I'm taking away the possibility of virtue. It's character defamation. If I can destroy the character of the witness, I can destroy the power of his testimony. But you know why they couldn't destroy Jesus' character? Because of the miracles. That's what he references in verse 24. “If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.” It would be nice to say this guy is a lunatic. It would be nice to condemn him as a liar. But since he performed miracles?! The only option left is that he is Lord. And they hated him for it. They despised him for it. It's not logical. It's like blaming a mirror for reflecting light. How dare you show me who I am! How dare you suggest that a hair is out of place! How dare you reveal that my hair is a mess and make me feel bad about it. Jesus is a mirror and he's hated for it. That's why it says, “They hated me without cause.” And in quoting Psalm 69, which is a Messianic Psalm that anticipates the suffering of Messiah, they are condemned from their own book. So they hate you because of me. They hate me because of the law. What did Jesus say, “I am the way, the TRUTH and the life.” Some get a little confused as to why this section is dropped in here. But here's what this verse addresses. Someone might be thinking, “Well if Jesus goes away, won't the hatred of him go away with it? I mean if Jesus is not present then the object of their hatred will no longer be present to aggravate. Correct? Why will the hate continue if Jesus is the true object of their hate?” It's a good question. Here's the answer. What's at stake here is not a person, per se, but truth itself. And that truth will continue on in Jesus' disciples. Truth, by its nature, can't be destroyed. Try all you want, truth is like sword that is hard and sharp and it will slice anything that gets in its way. It's not up for debate. You can't negotiate with it. You can't manipulate it. For example, you can sneak a brownie so nobody knows. You can lie and tell everyone that it wasn't you and get away with it. But guess what?You ate the brownie and those calories are going to make their way onto your body.The truth is going to be read back to you on the scale. The truth is that brownie is gone. The mirror will reflect back the truth and you can't escape it. The proof is in the pudding. And in this case, the proof is not in the pudding. The proof is in the disciples.The truth now resides in them.You can take Christ from the disciples but you can't take Christ out of the disciples. The person of Jesus has so changed the disciples, His Spirit now resides in them, the reality of who he was has so infiltrated the very core of who they were, they now embody Christ. It's in the name itself. The name Christian means little Christs. That's why this section on the Holy Spirit is dropped in here. The Spirit of Truth will bear witness about me through you. You will become my mouthpieces.You will become my witnesses.The truth of who I am now actually resides in you through my Spirit. And because it's truth, it will continue to condemn all those who do not submit to it. Truth is always offensive to those who are unwilling to submit. Truth is the ultimate judge, isn't it. A witness in court stands before the jury and gives his testimony. A testimony is evidence. It's then the job of the jury to determine whether or not it's true.Does it makes sense.Does it add up? Is it coherent with the other evidence? But truth is above any jury. Truth just is. Truth comes from God himself. Truth is God. He is the way the truth and the life.It comes from beyond this world, from outside the space/time continuum. And because of that you have to give up your right to judge whether it is right or not. You are not the judge over truth. The truth becomes judge over you.Truth is the ultimate verdict.You have no choice but to submit to it. You have to heed. You can't question it. So why does the world hate Jesus? They hate you because of me. They hate me because of the law. They hate the law because of truth. And finally: You see all of this points to an intrinsic blindness. The ultimate problem here is spiritual blindness. They CANNOT SEE THE FATHER. They don't know him. They have no relationship with him. That's the problem beneath the problem.That's the rotten root.There's a severed optic nerve that connects the mind to the heart. If suddenly they COULD see the outline here would instantly be inverted. If they knew the father, if they could see the father, well they would love his truth.And if they loved the truth well then they of course would love the law because the law is truth. And if they loved the law which is truth, well then of course they would love Jesus since he is the fulfillment of the law which is truth. And if they loved Jesus, well then they would love all his followers as well. The problem is spiritual blindness, inability to see the Father. What is Jesus saying? Persecution is coming.You can't escape it because they are blind.They are swinging wildly, thrashing and jabbing with a sword. They are like wolverine whose trapped in a barrel. You'd love to free the poor guy but if you do, it will come thrashing out of the barrel thinking you are the enemy. It doesn't understand. It doesn't understand that you are trying to help. It can't see the true problem. Yes, persecution will come. It always does. It reminds me of the passage in 2 Tim 3. 2 Timothy 3 This is the lot of all who desire to be followers of Jesus - lights, testimonies and witnesses. I want you to imagine being a disciple and hearing the words of Jesus. You want to talk about emotional whiplash. Sunday you thought you would be ruling on a throne with the most powerful political and spiritual leader in world history.Now Thursday and this same guy says he's going to die and it's very likely you will die a martyr's death. And here's what he leaves you: “Take heart. I have overcome the world. I go to prepare a place for you. The helper will come. He will give you his power and fruit.” When all comes crashing down, remember these truths.Do not fear. That was an adjustment. That's the ammunition that the creator of the universe gave them to walk into martyrdom. These must be powerful truths. Don't downplay it. Application Now what about us? America is not a hotspot for persecution but there are many areas of the world where active persecution is a very present reality. If you are not familiar with this website opendoor.com, I'd encourage you to spend some time here. Some of the content from this site is actually on our missions wall outside in the foyer which we'd also encourage you to take some time and soak that in. On this site you will find a sort of heat map that describes the current countries in the world that experience the most persecution and it ranks them from most to least persecuted. And this is important for us to think about. Hebrew 13:3 tells us, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (Heb. 13:3 ESV) If you are not familiar, 11% of our church budget goes toward missions.And this year we were able to give tens of thousands of dollars away to help brothers and sisters around the world who are taking the gospel into persecuted areas.We support missionary families from four different parts of the world. All of these families are in persecuted areas. But in addition as a church this year we've been able to give toward projects with trusted partners from all over the globe. And I thought it would just be encouraging for you to see where some of this money went. We gave $7500 toward COVID relief in Bangalore, India as well as $2500 toward a church building project in southern India, $650 toward a education project, $65,000 toward the building of a seminary in Nagaland that will reach into those dark red countries of Nepal, Bhutan, Mynmar. Here's a progress report we just received from them. It's exciting to be part of several ministries in India that are all running full tilt. In the Americas we were able to give $2500 toward some shade in a church plant in Mexico and $5000 toward a scholarship program for pastors in a Latin American seminary we have a partnership with. We were also part of a cool translation project in China were we are able to give $5000 to translate a series of counseling works into Chinese: In fact all these great biblical counseling resources for pastors who are laboring in underground churches: We also gave some money toward a church planting project in Mongolia. You will get to meet our missionary to Mongolia, Sheika and his wife Haka in just a few weeks. He's coming here to preach. A rather unexpected relationship developed this year with pastors who were fleeing from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Afghanistan just this year surpassed North Korea in being the most persecuted country in the world. We were able to help with pastoral training and accommodating some basic food, shelter from underground Christian churches who were taking in refugees.One of their biggest needs was for Bibles. And so we gave them $1500 to purchase many, many Bibles to hand out. Here's a full report of what we gave this year just in one time gifts: This report details everything we just mentioned plus $12,000 we spent to over a dozen individuals to all over the world for short and long term trips, gifts to Mission Aviation Fellowship, local outreach here in the valley and more. So we say all this because we want to make the point that we stand in solidarity with those who are actively being persecuted even tortured and martyred for the name of Christ. These are our brothers and sisters and we pray for them. We pray that the Holy Spirit would minister to them as they carry forward the name of Christ and bear a unique hatred of the world. Closing Song Now we are going to close with a song that comes out of Psalm 146 . And Psalm 146 is my favorite Psalm.I've told some people that and they laugh at me.They kind of raise an eyebrow, saying there are better Psalms, in their opinion. Why is that your favorite Psalm? Well listen, I'm more in love with this Psalm that I was even two years ago. You are not going to budge me. One of the main reasons I love this Psalm is that it doesn't whitewash the hardships of life. Listen, the world is filled with sorrow. There is no promise of ease for the Christian. Persecution might be your lot. You will be hated. All those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. There are consequences for being a follower of Jesus. The Psalm acknowledges that. Listen to it. The Psalm begins with the Psalmist coming off the hook. I mean he is just coming unglued with Praise. There's so much radiant heat from being confronted with the beauty of God, there's this just this rolling boil of joyful worship. Psalm 146 So there's the rolling boil. There's the worship just exploding off the pages. But it's not because of people or circumstances. Because those can be taken away from you. He says, if you are happy today because you just got promoted or got some money or purchased your first house, or found that perfect match, be warned.Sorrow is just around the bend, because these things don't last. They will be taken away. Let's put our hope in something solid. Something eternal. Something TRUE. Here it is. This God, who calls the trillions of stars of the universe into existence with a WORD will actually come to minister to those who are hated by the world. He keeps faith forever. His promises NEVER fail. And what are those promises that that the persecuted can hold onto? Isn't that beautiful? So beautiful. Let's stand and proclaim the praise of God!

# Introduction Here we are on the last Lord's Day of the year, during the sermon part of Consecration, the part of our liturgy which focuses on setting us apart to the Lord. Consecration belongs with our sanctification; we are being conformed into greater Christlike holiness and transformed into greater Christlike glory. There has maybe been no greater test of my sanctification this past year than following the Snohomish Health District on Twitter. Hold that in mind for a moment, because it connects to it being the day after Christmas, the day after our feasting over the Incarnation of God's Son. Perhaps today is a tough day because you spent most of your energy getting ready for, and hopefully then enjoying, your day yesterday. Often, when a big event is done, it's tempting to want to be *all* done. What you may need is comfort, consolation. Because the Lord is the one in charge, He decides when we are done, and when He has more for us to do. The SnoHD knows that the last couple *years* have been tough for people (not self-aware enough to consider how they have played a part in that). But to help us out, they've been sharing every week under the hashtag #WallpaperWednesday images of snowflakes or sunsets or cozy couches with some sentimental comment like a cat poster. Last Wednesday's wallpaper was [a cup with a peppermint stick in a festive setting with the words “comfort and joy.](https://twitter.com/SnoHD/status/1473700295381299222?s=20)” No source or reason for either, just an exhortation to share comfort and joy with others rather than your (usual) jerk self. You can see what a *test* that could be. True consolation, not as in a second place prize, but as comfort, the easing of grief and burden and pain, only comes in the Savior, Jesus Christ. He must be named, He must be believed. There is no other hope. Jesus is called “the consolation of Israel” in Luke 2. He was identified by a man named Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, in the passage following the angelic army choir celebrating Christ's birth. In this advent season we've looked at the Annunciation, the Magnificat, the Birth in Bethlehem, and the shepherds receiving the good news of great joy. The next paragraphs happen a little more than a week and a month later. We're *post* Christmas. God is *still* in flesh, and yet there is a ways to go. As in the previous messages we'll look at the story, a doctrine, and a use. # The Nunc Dimittis - Luke 2:21-38 All the law is being fulfilled by Joseph and Mary. They name their son Jesus, they have him circumcized at the right time (eight days later), and they present their first-born at the Temple (according to Exodus 13:2), while making Mary's purification offering forty days after the birth (according to Leviticus 12:6). The turtle-doves were a poor man's option, confirming that Joseph was not wealthy in worldly terms. At the Temple they were met by a man named Simeon. Luke identifies Simeon as “righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (verse 25). It is somewhat unique that the Spirit was upon him, and the phrase “consolation of Israel” is definitely unique. Consolation is a cognate of the well-known Greek word *parkletos*. The comfort of Israel is not a phrase found in any other passage; Anna, in the next paragraph, calls Jesus the “redemption of Israel.” In Jesus Isaiah's words ring true: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). The part that really stands out is verse 26: > It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” Though not identified as a prophet or a priest, nor necessarily as an old man, the impression is that Simeon had been given special, supernatural revelation by God, and had been *waiting* for a long time. The same Spirit took Simeon to the Temple on the right day, the day when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus. Simeon knew right away. > he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, > > “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, > according to Your word; > for my eyes have seen your salvation > that you have prepared in the > presence of all peoples, > a light for revelation to the Gentiles > and for glory to your people Israel. “Now…you are letting…depart” in Latin is *nunc dimittis*. It's the third of the hymn-like sayings in Luke, after Mary's Magnificat and Zechariah's Benedictus. Simeon needs nothing else, he's ready to go. Salvation is for the world. Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), and this “light” is for two things: 1) "revelation to the Gentiles," bringing them understanding, and 2) "glory to your people Israel." The Messiah is from the line of David; He's a Jew. He will reign over the house of Jacob (Luke 1:32-33). He will be a help to His servant - Israel (1:54), from the God of Israel (1:68). Jesus is the Cornerstone for all who believe, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile (Romans 1:16). And, not all of Jesus' people received Him at His first coming (John 1:11). Simeon will tell Mary in a moment that Jesus is a watershed and yet that doesn't change the promises. The light will spread in the church until the fullness of Gentiles comes in and then a future generation of Israel will repent and receive Jesus as Lord (Romans 11:25). Joseph and Mary marveled (2:33), and Simeon prophesied directly to Mary about the future end of her baby's life. Simeon has no word for Joseph. > “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (34-35) These are effects of the cornerstone metaphor, though Simeon doesn't specifically refer to Jesus as the stone as other passages do (think 1 Peter 2:4-8). But those who are built on the rock rise and those who stumble over it will fall. This exposure continues today, among Jews and non-Jews. Men, no matter how much they imagine, are not the judges of Jesus. When they put themselves in the judge's seat they show which side they're on. Their hearts are constantly being revealed. The next paragraph concerns a prophetess named Anna, of the (lost) tribe of Asher. She had dedicated her life to service after becoming a widow, perhaps 60 or more years. She also was brought at the right time by the Spirit to see Jesus and when she recognized Him, she “began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Israel” (2:38). There's not much reason for Luke to mention Anna other than to corroborate that some did recognize and rejoice. God did not leave Himself without witness, and two witnesses was the minimum (Deuteronomy 19:15). # Doctrine - Providence We believe that God is sovereign, and the doctrine of providence means that He has decided every element of every event, the timing and the agents and the outcome. It's called *providence*, His protective care. From Chapter 5 on Providence in the Westminster Confession of Faith. > God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, (Hbr 1:3); direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, (Dan 4:34-35; Psa 135:6; Act 17:25-28; Job 38-41); from the greatest even to the least, (Mat 10:29-31); by His most wise and holy providence, (Pro 15:3; Psa 104:24; Psa 145:17); according to His infallible fore-knowledge, (Act 15:8; Psa 94:8-11); and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, (Eph 1:11; Psa 33:10-11); to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy, (Isa 63:14; Eph 3:10; Rom 9:17; Gen 45:7; Psa 145:7). In this passage in Luke 2, it is not mere coincidence that Simeon comes to the temple on the same day, or that Anna had been there serving. Jesus was born in “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). He will later be delivered over and crucified by the predestined plan of God (Acts 4:28). This redemption was at “the proper time” (1 Timothy 2:6). # Use - A Christmas Call to Consolation The previous uses have been what you should practice: faith, praise, expressible joy. This is a call to what you should receive. Come and get it. Just as joy is related to salvation, so consolation is related to providence. There are hard providences. Simeon was both excited, and exhausted, waiting to see the Messiah. Anna may not have been a witness without having been a widow. Mary was the most blessed, and also the difficulties of traveling and delivering a baby were the *least* of her burdens. They would soon be told to escape to Egypt. They would receive reports of baby boys two and under being slaughtered by Herod. She watched many reject her Son, and then watched Him be crucified. She was favored by God, and yet a sword pierced her heart. Remember Romans 8:28. Remember that Jesus Himself is redemption and consolation. In Him we have forgiveness for our sins, in Him we have eternal life, in Him we have hope, in Him we have glory. He has also sent His Spirit to dwell in us, to seal us for an eternal inheritance. That Spirit is the Paraclete, the Comforter. Do you have to wait? Have you lost something, someone, that hurts so much? Simeon was ready to die, it seemed to him that it was time to be done. You might, in God's providence, not be done yet. Christmas is a call to persevere, to keep going, under God's providential care. But this promise and *peace* only come from Christ. They do not come from a new app, a better relationship, a profitable business, a more healthy body. Those can be part of good things given by God, but He alone can comfort your soul. When you get sick. how long you're sick. When the world is crazy, and when it has much common grace. # Conclusion We are staring down the final days of this calendar year. We are waiting for the second advent of the Son, the reign of the King forever. We live by faith, we see glimpses of the connections by providence, and we seek to walk in the strength of His Spirit. He continues to reveal our hearts. May we be blessed by Him. ---------- ## Charge The light of Christ has come. You have His Spirit in You, You have His Word in front of you. Walk in the Spirit. Meditate on the Scripture. Give yourself to Him. Go to Him for grace and comfort. He is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. He's sent His Son, do all in His name. ## Benediction: > And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32, ESV)

It is said that America is a Judeo-Christian nation not because everyone is Jewish or Christian or believes everything that others believe but because our founding principles were grounded in the Judeo-Christian proposition; namely, that our dignity and our rights do not come from government but from a Creator God. Thank you Ray Charles for a snippet from my favorite Christmas album, That Spirit of Christmas. Consider buying it you won't regret hearing those arrangements.

If you think churches don't need to be linked together, here's a great example of why that might actually be a good idea. In its earliest days, members of the church were guided deeply by the Spirit. That Spirit was bringing new wisdom to the believers, but it wasn't broadcast directly from Heaven to everyone's ears. They still needed one another, needed to come together to agree on the moving of the Spirit. This prevents celebrity cults from erupting within churches, and also keeps church accountable to one another. And of course, all are accountable to Christ.

What we do doesn't earn God's love, but it does show our love for him. Just as the Spirit produces fruit such as love, peace, patience, and kindness, our lives should be defined by the love of God and the moving of that Spirit. That Spirit is life, and the life of God should be shared.

Paul has some harsh words for those people who led the Galatians astray. Even they can't keep the whole law! The only thing that counts, says Paul, is faith expressing itself through love. That Spirit-filled reality means that our daily lives must show this kind of love.

Paul has some harsh words for those people who led the Galatians astray. Even they can't keep the whole law! The only thing that counts, says Paul, is faith expressing itself through love. That Spirit-filled reality means that our daily lives must show this kind of love.

As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, there was a time when God spoke to only a select number of people – the prophets. These people weren't perfect, but they had dedicated themselves to listening and obeying God as He spoke to them through Scripture and supernatural revelations. Today, we no longer need to depend on a few people to receive the truth of God and interpret it for us. God has given us a great gift in His Holy Spirit. That Spirit speaks directly to us and confirms the message of the Gospel while helping us interpret and apply it to our lives in this fallen world.

Join Saundria Jennings as she holds you in prayer for joy, peace, and love. Visit this episode when you want to strengthen your faith in knowing that all is abundant in your life and that prosperity is your birthright.  Be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you can stay up to date on this ministry. Theme music by Lisa Forkish ---------------------------------------------- Heart and Soul welcomes your generous support! We believe in the power of Gracious Giving and cultivating a habit of being in Divine Flow.  www.heartsoulcenter.org/give  Text to give: 510-500-5849 Get link to slides, special announcements, classes and more by signing up for weekly Service Recap www.heartsoulcenter.org/signup Transcript: I know that there is one Spirit. That Spirit is perfect, self-existent, eternal and infinite. It is Absolute. It is love. It is all knowing impartial loving each of us the same. I know that I am the thought of that Spirit made manifest; therefore, I am whole, perfect, and complete as I am. I know that I have inherited from this Spirit infinite power, infinite potential, and at my own disposal are infinite possibilities at any time! I am surrounded by this Spirit and I am imbued with this Spirit. I am never ever separated from It. Separation is impossible. Therefore, I am always divinely supported, protected and loved. I affirm and accept for myself and for all those who are hearing this that we are healing our lives through this Spirit. Everywhere, in every area of our lives, we see the perfect out picturing and reflection of God's presence, and our finances, and our health, in our environments, and our relationships, and our life work, and in our spiritual growth and development. All is done as we evolve to more joy, more peace, more love and compassion in our hearts. I affirm that our spirits soar, minds are focused with intention, our bodies are healed, and our souls live forever in peace. I am grateful for these gifts that are so generously offered to me and to us. I am grateful that I am worthy of these gifts, and I openly receive them. I am grateful for all miracles manifesting quickly in our lives. I release resistance and limited thinking. I release this mind treatment. I know that our blessings return to us and bushel baskets press down running over again and again and again forever. I let it go. I receive. I am expected. I'm excited. I know that it is done . All has been promised to me, to us. And so it is.

Welcome to "Love and Encouragement to Live By" with Tammy Thompson, a Christian Author under the pen name T. S. Thompson, and Christian Coach Jo Heather Dodson. How did God bring together for His purpose two women who had never met? In this "Welcome" podcast, you'll hear the amazing story of how Tammy and Jo Heather met each other in 2018 through the leading of the Holy Spirit. That Spirit-led meeting ultimately has brought about this podcast offering you love and encouragement. We'll be coming to you each Wednesday. You can find out more at LoveAndEncouragement.com.  This Christian living podcast is cohosted by Tammy Thompson, a Christian Author under the pen name T. S. Thompson, and Your Christian Coach Jo Heather Dodson.This Christian Living podcast is cohosted by Tammy Thompson, a Christian author under the pen name T. S. Thompson, and Your Christian Coach Jo Heather Dodson. Visit our website to sign up for our newsletter to guarantee advance access.We want to extend an invitation to you to help our podcast grow. In the world we live in today, a lot of individuals feel discouraged, hopeless, and unloved. Many people are searching for a word of encouragement and are hungry to know God's Word.By partnering with us through prayer and financial support, our podcast will continue to grow and impact many more lives. To find out more on how you can sow into our ministry podcast, visit our website's donation page at:  ​https://loveandencouragement.com/donate/Find out more about Tammy here.  Find out more about Jo Heather here.  If you want to watch a video of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel. Join our Facebook page. Join our Instagram page. @loveandencouragementtoliveby@t.s.thompson.author@YourChristianCoach@JoHeatherDodson@JoHeatherSupport the show

We're counting down the 12 Days of Christmas with daily mini-episodes spotlighting a classic holiday song and featuring an interview with the writer. On this fifth day of Christmas, we explore "That Spirit of Christmas" with co-writer Mable John. The first female artist signed to Motown, the sister of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Little Willie John, and a long-time Ray Charles associate, Mable tells us all about the creation of the song that's probably best known as from the attic scene of the hit holiday film Christmas Vacation.

The incarnation of Jesus is the paramount act of God in His creation, equal to the resurrection of Jesus' physical body from the dead! Thanks be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ "for the blessed way that He came to us!""That Spirit of Christmas" written by Mable John, Parnell Davison, & Joel Webster. Recording by Ray Charles!Share hopeful podcasts about Christmas (copy and paste this section to share with others who are important to you!)It really could be the best gift you give them for LIFE! Hyperlinks to Christmas Podcasts- “Reasons to Rejoice” Episode 6- Jesus is Fact not Fiction! Episode 7- His Name is Jesus! Episode 8- Jesus was Born of a Virgin! Episode 9- Jesus is Uniquely Firstborn! Episode 10- A Savior is Born to Me! Episode 11- The Christmas Eve Santa Rode My English Racer Bicycle! Episode 64 - Three Blessings of ChristmasEpisode 65 - The Christmas Story Episode 66- Why Christmas Day?Cut & Paste Personal Invitation to invite your friends to check out “gwot.rocks” podcast: I invite you to check out the podcast, “gwot.rocks: God, the World, and Other Things!” It is available on podcast players everywhere! Here is the link to the show's home base for all its episodes: http://podcast.gwot.rocks/ US>>>>>>>>>>(Ctrl+click to follow the link) DONATE You can help support this podcast by clicking our secure PayPal account. For donation by check, make payable to Transform This City, P.O. Box 1013, Spring Hill, Tennessee, 37174. “gwot.rocks” is a ministry of Transform This City. gwot.rocks home page Transform This City Transform This City Facebook gwot.rocks@transformthiscity.org Digital Tools>>>>>>>>>>YouVersion The Bible App Multifaceted Bible with audio capabilities! Bible.Is Audio Bible The Bible Project The Bible Project Resources Plan of Salvation JESUS Film: This free full-length movie tells the story of Jesus and God's plan to redeem mankind to himself. The film is based on the Gospel of Luke and available in over 1,800 other languages. Thank you for listening! Please tell your friends about us! Listen, share, rate, subscribe! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

1st reading delivered by Valeri Isabella and 2nd reading delivered by Nathan (both are students of Saint Yoseph Marsudirini Elementary School in Muntilan, Central Jawa, Indonesia), Gospel and meditation delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB. Isaiah 61: 1-2a.10-11; Psalm Luke 1: 46-48.49-50.53-54; 1Thesalonians 5:16-24; Yohanes 1: 6-8.19-28. A JOYFUL SUNDAY OF ADVENT Our meditation on this third Sunday of Advent has the theme: A Joyful Sunday of Advent. As we say that this sunday of Advent is a joyful celebration, we do not mean to dismiss other Sundays especially during this Advent, as the unhappy Sundays. The essence of all liturgical celebrations is a joyful spiritual experience, because it is here the encounter with God and fellow believers occurs. It is here how the faithful together participate in the sharing of the Word of God and the Holy communion with the Lord. This saying of the joyful Sunday or the Latin word gaudete has a historical background and is meaningful to strengthen our expression of faith. The practice of making the 3rd Sunday of Advent special began in the 10th century, on which the Church has been making the liturgy a special sign of joy through the opening antiphon that underlines the sense of "rejoice in the welcoming the Savior". This joyful expression is taken from the Letter Saint Paul to the Philippians (Phil 4,4-5). This is reconfirmed by the choice of Mass liturgical readings which also contain the expression of joy. The meaning of all this is that the arrival of the savior is at hand, therefore, the preparation of the whole Church is to be joyful and in great anticipation. The question is therefore, what kind of our joy as the people of God? Is it a party where we gather to eat and drink, to have fun and all the festivities? Obviously the joy of this Sunday gaudete is not intended to be in this way. The one to be welcomed by the whole Church is Jesus Christ, the Messiah and savior of mankind, therefore, our joy is definitely spiritual in nature and meant for a renewal of life. This gaudete Sunday gives us at least three points on the significance of joy in our faith. The first is our sense about going beyond all the transient joys of this world. This refers to the source of eternal joy which is the Holy Spirit who has been living in us from the moment of baptism and through all the sacraments we regularly receive. That Spirit teaches us all truth, and He renews us to be steady and ready to receive the Lord's return on his birthday in this Christmas and His second coming. The second is on our faith to become stronger and more joyful if it contains true prayers and sense of gratitude. People who pray, give praise and give thanks are the ones who rejoice. And the third is about the promise that is always proclaimed during Advent on the arrival of the Light, our Savior. This Light comes to meet us and illuminates our lives. This helps us to abandon our life in darkness and fear. Thus we have these three important reasons to rejoice as we approach the celebration of this Christmas. Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus Christ, make us bearers of Your words of truth and mercy. Help us to be witnesses of joy to our neighbors. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of the Father ... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/media-la-porta/message

God's Grace is right NOWBy Tammy Lacock “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Cor. 2:12, KJV) Warren Litzman goes on a bit further in 1 Corinthians 2 verse 12 emphasizing that it was only by revelation that Paul received the gospel of grace. He took nothing from the scriptures when he speaks about this new grace gospel which is based only on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  So then what is Revelation? Warren explains that it is God speaking to us about His plan. It is present knowledge of His plan. Paul had the revelation of Christ as our new life, and urges us many times throughout his writings to follow him as he is a follower of Christ. We, too, can receive the revelation of Christ as our new life through God's grace which is being poured out into hungry minds right NOW. As believers in Christ, we no longer have the “spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God.” That Spirit is Christ. Christ alive in us. And, through the work of the Holy Spirit, this is being revealed to believers today, right now. With the revelation of Christ IN us, we are carrying out God's plan of being prepared now as we get ready to enter into our Father's house in Heaven.

This week Michelle begins a new series “We Need You, Holy Spirit!” about these times of escalation and seasons of turbulence that we are finding ourselves in and how to move forward with God with everything else around us seems to be falling apart. Show Transcript: You are listening to the Blooming Inspired Podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network. We exist to empower the voices of women who live their lives #BloomingAlive through Podcast Community. Now, here is your host. Blooming Inspired Podcast equipping and empowering the voices of women who live their lives Blooming Alive. Introduction Good Afternoon!! This is Michelle Bentham, host of Blooming Inspired Podcast. Review Last week I had Beverly Flanagan on my show - she is a brand new host here on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network! She is an elder in our network who is full of wisdom and life experience with a passion for God, His Spirit and His Word. Her show, In All Seasons: Living Wisely, Aging Well airs each week on Thursdays. I want to encourage you to check that out! This Week’s Reading Let’s Pray, Father God, I ask that you would give each person within the sound of my voice eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to know you more. I pray that every person would encounter your living presence and power through the Scriptures today and that as we do we would be changed by them. Let our hearts be inspired to believe for more, to live for more and to experience more so your glory may be known upon the earth. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to know! I ask these things in Jesus’ Precious Name, AMEN. The title for this episode and series is “We Need You. Holy Spirit!” I’m going to focus on Isaiah 11 today, where we learn about the seven fold ministry of God, or what is called The Seven Spirits of God. Today as we read, I want you to pay attention to the powerful promise of this passage and what God is saying to us about our circumstances today. As we read, don’t just listen for my insights - grab a notebook and pen, have your Bible open as we read and make notes about what you hear Him saying to you about where we are in this hour as a world, a nation, a city and the church. So much has been happening these last few months - and I’ve been in two positions since I last brought a word here in March. 1) Warring in the heavenly realms through intercession. Friends, if we do not understand that the war being waged around the world - especially here in the United States - is not of human origin, but it is of Dark Principalities, Powers and Spiritual Forces that are raging in the heavenlies right now then we will not rightly respond to this hour. I’ll share more on this in the weeks to come, but for now I will move on to that second position I’ve held these last few months. 2) I’ve been still in heart and mind, set on God and trusting Him. Living from rest and peace. I have traveled a few times and sat on a beach twice now that seemed so beautifully unaffected by the world raging around it. I’ve taken road trips to see my husband who is working out of town. With all the focus on the underlying conditions that bring complications with the Coronavirus and CoVid19, I also came to a decision and began a weight loss journey in June. I’ve spent the last nine weeks learning to manage and discipline my appetites and as a result I’ve lost 29 pounds and am now 69 pounds from my goal weight. I’ve also seen my total cholesterol drop from 257 to 174. My energy levels are better, and I’ve realized that I really don’t enjoy the processed and inflammatory foods that I ate in the past. I’m learning that I turned to food for comfort and to destress, that SUGAR totally handicapped not only my body but also my brain. I’ve learned that I can enjoy, explore and create a meal I love with healthy food choices and those choices don’t need to include fat, most sugars, starchy carbohydrates, soy products, or dairy - before you get to feeling too sorry for me - I can have about a cup and a half of fruit and egg whites so I’m not totally suffering! This journey amazes me. I’m learning to lean in and trust God. I buy mostly fresh produce and grass fed or organic meat products. I sleep better. I think clearer. I have more energy. My blood pressure and blood sugar aren’t spiking - and the pounds are falling off. My joints don’t ache when I move as they once did. My encouragement to you… Find what works and make the changes to live a healthier life. The weight loss is honestly a side win, because the major victory is my health and overall quality of living that is coming forward now. In Episode 164 I made the observation… “God is calling His Church to rise in this hour above the fear and the dismay, into a place of battle. Do you have your armor on?” Let’s put it on every single day and walk in the victory of Christ, following His leadership as we go. Proverbs 9:10 Assures us that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Let’s choose to remember that God is both personal and Holy, or wholly other than human beings. He is the God of all other gods, the Creator and Architect of everything that Exists, He is the righteous judge who is also the Ancient of Days and He has never missed anything. Those who encounter His glorious presence do not simply bow in His presence, but rather they fall down like they are dead, as the Apostle John wrote of his own experience. We serve a Holy, Righteous and Sovereign God. Nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing - not one thing - we face is impossible with Him. Fear Him in holy awe. Adore Him in holy worship. Be Holy as He is holy within you. Let Him have His way. Today’s Reading As we open Scripture today, turn to Isaiah 11. I’m so excited to read with you. I’ll be reading Isaiah from the New English & Passion Translations simply because they both express some deep things I want to highlight. Let’s Begin. Reading Isaiah 11: Verse 1: The cut-off stump of Jesse will sprout, and a fruitful Branch will grow from his roots: This is clearly a prophecy written about Jesus, or a Messianic Prophecy, the promised anointed one or Deliverer that we know as The Savior, Christ and Messiah through Scripture. Interestingly I read commentary by Bob Yandian (read here) about how the root is Jesus and the fruitful branch that springs out of that root is the church. He indicates by extension that the verses that follow would demonstrate that the same qualities of God’s Spirit that rested on Jesus as He walked the earth now reside within us, as Believers. Let’s look at these… Verse 2: the Spirit of Yahweh will rest upon him, the Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom, the Spirit of Perfect Understanding the Spirit of Wise Strategy, the Spirit of Mighty Power, the Spirit of Revelation, and the Spirit of the Fear of Yahweh. Catch this… The Holy Spirit (the Spirit of God) rests upon Jesus. Remember in Matthew, Mark and Luke’s accounts of Jesus’ baptism that the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove and came to rest upon Jesus? With Holy Spirit comes Extraordinary Wisdom, Perfect Understanding, Wise Strategy (Counsel) - the NET says, the ability to Execute Plans - and wrapping up the list: Mighty Power, Revelation and the Fear of the Lord. Do We Ever Need The Holy Spirit In THIS HOUR? Look around you in the world today, where do you see these expressions of the nature of the Holy Spirit in Society at large, our nation, and the Church? Bob Yandian says that these are the seven ministries of the Holy Spirit. All of them are found in Jesus. That Spirit of Counsel as it is commonly called, here in the Passion Translation it is called “Wise Strategy” I remember about ten years ago I was working at a church in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro area here in Texas. One of the things they had us do was take the Clifton Strengthsfinder test. I did as I was instructed and reported back my top five strengths: 1) Strategic, 2) Arranger, 3) Connectedness, 4) Belief, and 5) Maximizer. One day, after taking the test, I drove home and was listening to a local Christian station that hosted a Strengths Coach on the show. The woman being interviewed said this, “Only 4% of people in the entire world have a number 1 strength of Strategic and a number 2 strength of Arranger. Do you know what that means?” She went on to explain that a person with this top two strength set not only has the capability to make the best plan or strategy to accomplish a goal, but they are tactical enough to be able to put the necessary people and resources in place to carry out the plan as well. This was something I really had to take to God. You see I never thought I was good at planning and executing. Why? Because I never executed. Yet, my top two strengths are executive in nature. I could always make a really good plan, but I’d blow it big when it came to executing, or I’d get stuck in the process of evaluating and always trying to make it BETTER. (Maximizer, much?) As I’ve grown with the Lord and moved in different circles of friends and churches, one thing comes up often - I am a woman who walks in the Gifts of Wisdom. I carry it, along with peace. And I am convinced that this is because I walk in the fear of the Lord more and more each day. Micah 6:8 shows us what it means to walk in the fear of the Lord, the prophet writes that God says He has shown us what is good, that we should do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. As I read this passage more than a decade ago, God showed me this beautiful picture of how as children of God the way we stay humble before Him is to continually submit ourselves to Him and let Him examine our hearts so as to “Do Justice in our own hearts” and then to “Love Mercy toward other people” let the judgments and the offenses go, so that when we walk with God it demonstrates not only that I am in relationship with Him, but also the character and nature of Him who lives within me. In the NET Verse 2 reads this way: The Lord’s Spirit will rest on him - a spirit of extraordinary wisdom, a spirit that provides the ability to execute plans, a spirit that produces absolute loyalty to the Lord. Take note in this translation that the indication is this is one spirit that produces a variety of outcomes. It is productive to be engaged with and empowered by the Holy Spirit of God. His Presence brings extraordinary wisdom, mighty power, counsel and wise strategy, revelation and understanding, and most of all, THE FEAR OF THE LORD. Reverent Awe for the one who formed you in your mother’s womb and gave His own Son so you could be redeemed. Verse 3: He will find his delight in living by the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord. He will neither judge by appearances nor make his decisions based on rumors. Let me ask you this… If Jesus lives within us, how are we doing with finding our delight in living by the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord. I mean, church? Church leaders fearing the government refusing to hold services, judging each other based on doctrinal interpretations, openly and publicly spreading malicious slander and gossip against other professed believers and making a killing of a living at it by writing books about it. Rumor, innuendo and speculation (A.K.A as judging) are circulating regularly… Maybe I’ve gone to meddlin’now! Remember when Samuel summoned Jesse to bring his sons forward so one could be anointed as King after Saul? 1 Samuel tells us that Jesse called all his sons in to meet the prophet that day, save one. David, the youngest of his boys, the Shepherd of the family. While his brothers put on their armor and went off to war, David grabbed his shepherd’s hook and lived in the fields among his father’s sheep. He protected them, fed them, and made sure they were not injured, stolen or killed. He fought off lions and bears, and wore the marks of the work and sleeping in the dirt among the animals on his body. His skin was red from the sun. Samuel examined these sons of Jesse arrayed before him and said he did not find the one he sought. He asked Jesse if he had any other sons, and Jesse replied that his youngest son David was still in the fields watching the sheep. Samuel sent for David and when Jesse questioned his judgment, Samuel replied, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” Friends, in order for us to get through this season of extreme disconnect and division both within the body of Christ and the United States of America, we are going to have to have the wisdom and revelation of Holy Spirit so that we can look past what we see on the outside of a person’s life and look into what God is saying about their hearts. I often counsel parents who are struggling to help their children, to listen for the lie their heart believes because if you can identify and address the lie by speaking truth to your child then the behaviors and other aspects of their character that suffer will be made right. How is your heart doing today? Verse 4: With righteousness he will uphold justice for the poor and defend the lowly of the earth. His words will be like a scepter of power that conquers the world, and with his breath he will slay the lawless one. Jesus, God’s one and only Son who gave Himself for us - is the one who holds the Justice for the poor, the lowly and the defenseless in the earth. His words, what Jesus speaks, is like a scepter of power that will conquer the world systems, demonic principalities and assignments and even the godless governments of the nations that are now raging against Him. Jesus, with one breath from His mouth, slays the lawless one - Satan, His adversary and our enemy. In many settings throughout Christendom - believers are constantly blaming or rebuking the devil, but to what end? Nothing much changes. We don’t see lasting results. Why? Because we have forgotten that not only is Scripture the written word of God, but Jesus - who carries all the authority of heaven, life and death - is the LIVING WORD and the fullest expression of God’ to us on earth. A God who is just, merciful, gracious and whose very essence is love. Verse 5: Righteousness will be his warrior’s sash and faithfulness his belt. What sets Jesus apart, and makes Him TRUTH to us… It is His righteousness. He who was without sin, became sin for us so that we should not die but live and work alongside Him, empowered by His Holy Spirit, to bring forth the Kingdom of His Father upon the earth. (See 2 Corinthians 5) We have not been left as orphans, the spirit of God resides in us. Have You Received His Presence and Power Fully In Your Life? Before Jesus ascended into Heaven scripture tells us that He breathed on His disciples and saying for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Every one of them having been among those who acknowledged Jesus as the Christ by faith received the Holy Spirit. And yet, Jesus’ last command to His disciples and apostles was not “Go.” but “Wait…” Wait for what? Wait for the Holy Spirit that you have received to come upon you in power. I believe a big part of our problem in the western church is that we undervalue the waiting on the Lord to visit us in His power and presence before we go out. Without His power and love, I am nothing. My efforts toward doing good offers only wood, hay and stubble on a pile that will be consumed in His holy fire. The only way to store up treasures for yourself in Heaven is to rightly understand that apart from Christ and the empowering of His Holy Spirit we can do nothing of value. And without that we have no treasure. The God Who Restores Verse 10: On that day, the root of Jesse will be lifted up as a miracle-sign to rally the people. Gentiles will diligently seek him, and his resting place will be glorious! This was true of Jesus during His life, death, burial and resurrection and it will be true of Him again in His second coming. The nations of the world will bow in reverence and awe as the one true Son of God is revealed in all the earth. His resting place now is in us. The glory of God chooses to rest within each of us… And oh, friends. That truly is glorious. Now, more than any other time in my life I cry out to God saying, We Need Your Holy Spirit! Will you join me in making this your heart cry to God every day? So, Let me ask you… What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you from today’s reading? Ask Him to breathe on it, give light to it. And Ask Him to show you what He wants you to do in response to it. Put your faith in action today and follow the Lord in obedience as you choose to move forward. We will be reading from Zechariah 4 next week as we look at what it takes to move forward when God calls us to move. Closing Remarks Thank you for tuning in with us. I pray this is some encouragement to you as you seek to set your heart in a posture of love through turbulent days that are warring for our hearts and minds. May His power, wisdom and presence be complete in you and may you walk in His steadfast love daily. Next week we’ll dig deeper into this idea of Moving Forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. I also want to ask you if this podcast has been a blessing to you: would you consider subscribing to it on Apple or Google Podcasts, and share it with your friends and family? We’d love to partner with you in sharing messages that encourage and inspire other women to live their lives blooming alive! Speaking of partnering… Blooming Inspired Network is working with an up and coming ministry called Women of Verve. I began a little more than a year ago to walk with my friend, Melissa, as she birthed this idea of doing a community based outreach to women through retreats and Bible studies. In June we hosted 24 women and 4 leaders for a life-changing weekend away at MO Ranch in Hunt, TX. As we did the community of women we served has ralled, and we met last Saturday for lunch, and are having Bible study this evening here in the Hood-Somerville County area of Texas. You can learn more by looking us up at facebook.com/WomenOfVerve and if you’d like to join us for our 2021 retreat July 23-25th you may visit womenofverve.com for more information and to reserve your spot! Space is limited so sign up today! If you’d like to be a guest on this show or get more information about hosting your own podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network - please reach out to me by visiting bloominginspirednetwork.com and click the podcast link at the top of the page or michelle.bentham@bloominginspirednetwork.com. I’d love the opportunity to connect with you and figure out how we can share your voice with the world around us. If you need encouragement of any kind, prayer or would just like to stay connected with us here at Blooming Inspired Network, please reach out by visiting us on Facebook, @BloomingInspired or bloominginspirednetwork.com and click the Direct Message or Contact link at the top of the page. We’d love to join hands with you in this season and lift you up. If you’d like to get this podcast delivered to your smart device, we're available on both Apple and Google Podcasts - take a moment to Subscribe and leave a review today! Thank you for listening to the Blooming Inspired Podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network. This show airs weekly on Tuesdays. Please take a moment to like, share and subscribe to this podcast. To learn more about this podcast and it’s network, or the ministries of Blooming Inspired Network please visit BloomingInspiredNetwork.com and click the podcast link at the top of the page. Podcast music provided by standard license from premiumbeats.com, “Spirit of Fire” created by FASSound.

“Show Us the Father” JESUS Series Week 3 John 14:6-11 (KJV) 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Today we are going to look at a discussion that Jesus has with Phillip when they were wanting to know how Jesus was going to solve everything that was wrong in their world. Jesus often spoke of “the Father” because the people with whom He was speaking could not understand how a human being could come from God. So when Jesus in human flesh is referring to the Father – He is talking about the Almighty, Eternal, OmniPresent Spirit that we know is God! That Spirit was what overshadowed Mary, that Spirit is what filled and directed Jesus through life on Earth and that Spirit is the same spirit that we receive when we are filled with the Holy Ghost – and it is that Spirit that will raise us up whether dead or alive to be with Him for eternity! Jesus explains to Phillip – that if you have seen the person of Jesus Christ…You have seen the Eternal Spirit of God because they are one and the same! Like Colossians 2:9 says, 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.   Jesus had already explained to some Jews in John 10: 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.   Phillip says – Show us the Father… Jesus says – I already have. The Jews couldn't understand how a MAN could be GOD Jesus said -if I don't do the WORKS of GOD, and you have no evidence or proof that what I am doing is a GOD THING – then don't believe me – BUT… If I do the WORKS OF GOD and you have evidence and proof that what I am doing is A GOD THING – then believe me! Our world wants to see a better way… They want to see GOD…the HOPE beyond this life!… 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 (KJV) 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. Keep in mind that what Jesus told Phillip was accurate – when we see Jesus – we are seeing the only image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15-18 (ESV) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. We know that GOD IS LOVE – Jesus showed us that…in everything He did and every word He said… He was the visible display of LOVE for all to see! He showed us that God hears and answers prayers – in the many times He healed, delivered, raised from the dead…and even in the delays or seeming denials…He heard and answered! In one of the parables Jesus spoke He SHOWED us the FATHER and the LOVE OF THE FATHER…it is usually called the Parable of the Prodigal Son (also known as the parable of the Two Brothers, Lost Son, Loving Father, or of the Forgiving Father). I think of it as the parable of the Prodigal (Extravagant) Father! We spend lots of time and energy discussing the relevance of the brothers..and their actions and reactions – but the focus the whole time is THE FATHER! Jesus was showing the LOVE of the GOD through this illustration of the EXTRAVAGANT (Prodigal) FATHER! I believe Jesus was showing us that GOD loves all of us…and wants all of us to be with HIM in the house…but even though His Love for us is EXTRAVAGANT – ultimately…we CHOOSE whether or not we will be “in the house”! The parable of the two sons (another parable Jesus tells that directly mentions a father) – has much the same message. One son eventually does the will of his father, the other just claims to…but never does! GOD GIVES ALL OF US THE OPPORTUNITY – IT ALL COMES DOWN TO OUR CHOICE! Our World is in desperate need right now. They need to SEE GOD in us! They don't even understand their need for us to SHOW THEM THE FATHER! We need someone to step up and give clear direction for children and families in this time that we live in. It's kind of like our society is saying, SHOW US THE FATHER – and we will be ok! Church, that is exactly what our world needs. Not someone to be a champion for social justice, not an insurgent or protest rally leader, not a political figure… This world needs us to SHOW THEM THE FATHER! They need to see God! We cannot fix them or what is broken. We can only show them GOD! The choice they make about Him is up to them..but we have to be Jesus to this world. GOD is LOVE, and that is what our world needs like never before! Not just Love, but GOD'S LOVE! When we show God's Love – we are showing them the Father! How can we show God's Love this week? By praying for them to return to the Father By going out of our way to show love and kindness Being careful about what we say and post… In being there when they are ready to talk/pray. Treating everyone the same way…without prejudice Welcoming them with joy and excitement when they return Have you made your choice today? Do you want a Barabbas Life or a Jesus Life? Today if you will turn from sin, and turn to God – you will receive the peace that only Jesus can give you! If you will be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ – all the sins and mistakes of your past will be washed away never to be held against you again. God will fill you with His Spirit and you will have peace that passes any human understanding. The choice is yours today. Will you get caught up in all the chaos, tension and trouble – or will you choose peace in your life – by choosing GOD!

Acts 2, for me, has become one of the most important chapters in all the Bible. Faith is an ever-evolving thing: growing, shifting, adapting. And part of that adaptation has been a clearer view of resurrection and the role of the Spirit. Growing up Southern Baptist, most sermons and Bible studies pointed to salvation and the cross. Little attention was given to the role of the Spirit and resurrection was taken for granted. But faith in Christ is not just a salvation check box or a ‘get into heaven free’ card. Faith in Christ means that I am being saved; that my will, my desires are being slowly subsumed by God’s will for this world. That work in us is done by the Spirit, certainly not by us. And God’s will for this world, which is to restore and renew it to a state of perfect well-being, like it was in the very beginning, begins to be reflected through us by that faith. On Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus – Easter. We do that every Sunday when we worship as a body of faith, whether it’s in a building or from our homes. The resurrection of Jesus shows us what our future will be like by faith in Jesus. A future world restored back to full life, just like Jesus was restored. When we gather, we seek to catch a glimpse of that future.The lectionary passage for the next two weeks is from Acts 2, focusing on the sermon of Peter following the miracle at Pentecost. And I think it’s as good a place to go as any right now while we are adapting our faith traditions during this pandemic. Luke, who wrote both the gospel of Luke as well as the book of Acts, was concerned about history but also about what it meant for the church to represent the work of Jesus in the world, that work of salvation. In some very real ways, we are still living in that book, as the church, struggling with life on earth while at the same time seeking to be faithful to Jesus. And we read about the failures of the early church too in Acts, just as we know of churches now who get it wrong all the time. Sometimes it feels like we all get it wrong all the time, but we are works in progress by faith in Christ. Creation, rebellion, Jesus, Spirit, (Jesus). The last one is in parentheses because it hasn’t happened yet. By faith in Jesus, we believe it will; we believe Jesus will return and restore God’s creation to an original state of perfect well-being. Peter’s sermon in Acts was one that launched people with faith in Jesus into action towards that future hope. We call that movement the church. Let’s look in and see what God can do through us over the next several days, starting with some questions:What are we as the body of Christ doing to represent God’s purposes of redemption, restoration and renewal even while the earth seems to treat us like antigens? What are we doing right now to represent a future that we believe will be a state of perfect well-being for all creation even while we are having to keep our distance from others because of disease? What does it mean to be focused on a future hope so that we can better act on our present when we feel so displaced by this virus? I believe that even while we feel stuck at home, we, as the church, are called to be on the move. When Jesus ascended, about 120 people were not sure what to do next. But God had plans and reached them by the Spirit Jesus had promised. That Spirit continues to reach us and continues to call us to act. — Paul

Acts 2, for me, has become one of the most important chapters in all the Bible. Faith is an ever-evolving thing: growing, shifting, adapting. And part of that adaptation has been a clearer view of resurrection and the role of the Spirit. Growing up Southern Baptist, most sermons and Bible studies pointed to salvation and the cross. Little attention was given to the role of the Spirit and resurrection was taken for granted. But faith in Christ is not just a salvation check box or a ‘get into heaven free’ card. Faith in Christ means that I am being saved; that my will, my desires are being slowly subsumed by God’s will for this world. That work in us is done by the Spirit, certainly not by us. And God’s will for this world, which is to restore and renew it to a state of perfect well-being, like it was in the very beginning, begins to be reflected through us by that faith. On Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus – Easter. We do that every Sunday when we worship as a body of faith, whether it’s in a building or from our homes. The resurrection of Jesus shows us what our future will be like by faith in Jesus. A future world restored back to full life, just like Jesus was restored. When we gather, we seek to catch a glimpse of that future.The lectionary passage for the next two weeks is from Acts 2, focusing on the sermon of Peter following the miracle at Pentecost. And I think it’s as good a place to go as any right now while we are adapting our faith traditions during this pandemic. Luke, who wrote both the gospel of Luke as well as the book of Acts, was concerned about history but also about what it meant for the church to represent the work of Jesus in the world, that work of salvation. In some very real ways, we are still living in that book, as the church, struggling with life on earth while at the same time seeking to be faithful to Jesus. And we read about the failures of the early church too in Acts, just as we know of churches now who get it wrong all the time. Sometimes it feels like we all get it wrong all the time, but we are works in progress by faith in Christ. Creation, rebellion, Jesus, Spirit, (Jesus). The last one is in parentheses because it hasn’t happened yet. By faith in Jesus, we believe it will; we believe Jesus will return and restore God’s creation to an original state of perfect well-being. Peter’s sermon in Acts was one that launched people with faith in Jesus into action towards that future hope. We call that movement the church. Let’s look in and see what God can do through us over the next several days, starting with some questions:What are we as the body of Christ doing to represent God’s purposes of redemption, restoration and renewal even while the earth seems to treat us like antigens? What are we doing right now to represent a future that we believe will be a state of perfect well-being for all creation even while we are having to keep our distance from others because of disease? What does it mean to be focused on a future hope so that we can better act on our present when we feel so displaced by this virus? I believe that even while we feel stuck at home, we, as the church, are called to be on the move. When Jesus ascended, about 120 people were not sure what to do next. But God had plans and reached them by the Spirit Jesus had promised. That Spirit continues to reach us and continues to call us to act. — Paul

Ephesians 1:13-14 Amplified Bible (AMP) In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it—to the praise of His glory.

Baptism by the Spirit of God takes place supernaturally in those who place their faith in Jesus Christ. That Spirit baptism then identifies them with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection as their Savior and Lord. That resurrection for the believer then becomes a resurrection to a new life to be lived as the new creation in Christ no longer dominated by the old self and power of sin that once reigned. The Holy Spirit then becomes the new power for living for the believer to pursue in practice their position of holiness before God. Freedom from sin is the sweet release and deliverance from the broad road leading to eternal destruction and damnation. In pursuit of holiness in practice their is still sin to be repented of as spiritual growth takes place, ongoing, throughout the course of this life. The Word of God becomes the corrective, the guide, manual, and directive for living the new life with the new power source.

On Pentecost Sunday we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit descending in a mighty rush of wind and flame. That Spirit inspired the church's proclamation of Christ's rising, and empowered its mission and ministry in the world. Pentecost invites us to consider the mysterious on-going work of God in our churches, in our lives, and in the world.

Previously released on FW Presents... FIND YOUR JOY TO THE WORLD! In the first volume of A Very Daly Christmas, brothers Ryan and Neil discuss what Christmas music has meant to them over the years, how it has changed from childhood to adulthood, and each shares a handful of his favorite Christmas tunes. Let us know what you think! Leave a comment or send an email to: RDalyPodcast@gmail.com. Check out Neil's original song "Beneath Our Christmas Tree" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qK_zvVpK_k This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK. Visit our WEBSITE: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/ Follow us on TWITTER - https://twitter.com/FWPodcasts Like our FACEBOOK page - https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Use our HASHTAG online: #FWPodcasts Or subscribe via iTunes as part of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-fire-and-water-podcast/id463855630 Music this episode: "Christmas All Over Again" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey; "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl; "Please Come Home for Christmas" by Jon Bon Jovi; "That Spirit of Christmas" by Ray Charles; "Cool Yule" by Louis Armstrong; "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by The Pretenders; "The Nutcracker Suite" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra; "O Holy Night" by Griffin House; "Christmas Vacation" by Mavis Staples. Thanks for listening and Happy Holidays!

That Spirit called "Fear" must be eradicated in order to move forward! Let's deal with it!

That Spirit called "Fear" must be eradicated in order to move forward! Let's deal with it!

Jesus Christ is your overwhelming victory, The King of Glory Who Loves You Makes You More Than a Conqueror and Have Gained a Surpassing Victory through His Shed Blood on the Cross. (Romans 8:37)Jesus in John 16:33 speaks to you just as he did his disciple and says to you: in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer, take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.The Holy Spirit Speaking This to You: Thanks be to God, Who gives you the Victory, making you a conqueror through our LORD Jesus Christ, in 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:57‬ ‭Again the Holy Spirit reminds you: Thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph, as trophies of Christ's victory and through you spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭Listen, as a Born Again Child of the Spirit of God, Having believed and relies on the fact that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah); you are is born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring.- 1 John‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers this evil world, Christ in you, He is greater in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4); you being a child of God defeats this evil world, and you achieve this victory through your faith, God's divinely persuading His in birthing into you who believe tht Jesus is the Son of God. You who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:4-5‬ NOW, you being in Christ Jesus after you heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it–to the praise of His glory.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:13-14‬ ‭God has Sealed you and Anointed you,you hold a sacred appointment from God, you have been given an unction from the Holy One, the Holy Spirit, Who is The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive or welcome, take to its heart, because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you and in yiu constantly. (John‬ ‭14:17‬)‭ So you can know the Truth.And this anointing of God's Holy Spirit, who abides in you forever as God's own sacred appointment, which He Gave to Abide in you Permanently; So, the Holy Spirit instructs you and teaches you concerning everything and is True, and you you abide in, live in, never depart from Him being rooted in Him, knit to Him and Sealed by God wirh Him, so just as God's anointing has taught you.‭‭(1 John‬ ‭2:20, 27‬)‭For He the Spirit of Truth or rather the Truth-giving Spirit has come to live permanently in you, and just as Jesus Christ said: He will guide you into all the Truth, the whole, full Truth. For He will not speak His own message on His own authority; but He will tell whatever He hears from the Father; He will give you message that has been given to Him, and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come that will happen in the future]l. He will honor and glorify Me, because He will takes, receives, draws upon what is Mine and He reveals, declares, discloses, transmits it to you. Everything that the Father has is His. That is what He meant when I said that He the Spirit will take the things that are Mine and will reveals, declares, discloses, transmits it to you.‭‭John‬ ‭16:13-15‬ ‭NOW THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVES in you, Whom the FATHER has Sent into your Heart, Testifying with Your Own Spirit you are His Son. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, you received as God's Gift. You are not your own, BUT CHRIST!-Gal 4:6-7, Rom 8:16-17, 1 Cor 6:19, Gal 2:20

ODE TO NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE by Lord Byron with annotations from Peter Cochran [Byron wrote the poem in several stages. The earliest manuscript (at Texas) was created on April 10th 1814, and contains stanzas 1, 4, 6-12, and 14-16; Byron then added stanzas 5, 13, 2, and 3 to it. Stanzas 17, 18 and 19 were written – so it used to be said – at the request of John Murray, to increase the size of the book and thus to avoid paying stamp tax on it. But Andrew Nicholson, in Napoleon’s ‘last act’ and Byron’s Ode, (Romanticism 9.1, 2003, p.68) writes that there was no such condition attached to stamp tax.The Ode was published at high speed, first anonymously (with fifteen stanzas) on April 16th 1814. All editions from the third onwards have an additional stanza 5. Not until the twelfth edition does Byron’s name appear. Stanzas 17, 18, and 19 were not printed in Byron’s lifetime. Byron wanted to dedicate the poem to Hobhouse, but Hobhouse declined.]   “Expende Annibalem:—quot libras in duce summoInvenies?—— JUVENAL, Sat.X. “The Emperor Nepos13 was acknowledged by the Senate, by the Italians, and by theProvincials of Gaul; his moral virtues, and military talents, were loudly celebrated; and thosewho derived any private benefit from his government, announced in prophetic strains therestoration of public felicity.* * * * * * * * * * * * *“By this shameful abdication, he protracted his life a few years, in a very ambiguous state,between an Emperor and an Exile, till———— Gibbon’s Decline and Fall, vol. 6, p.220.   1. ’Tis done – but yesterday a King! And armed with Kings to strive – And now thou art a nameless thing: So abject – yet alive! Is this the Man of thousand thrones,  Who strewed our earth with hostile bones, And can he thus survive? Since he, miscalled the Morning Star, Nor man nor fiend hath fallen so far. – 2. Ill-minded man! why scourge thy kind  Who bowed so low the knee? By gazing on thyself grown blind, Thou taught’st the rest to see; With might unquestioned – power to save – Thine only gift hath been the grave  To those that worshipped thee; Nor till thy fall could mortals guess 12: “Put Hannibal in the scales: how many pounds will that peerless / General mark up today?” – tr.Peter Green. The first of many references to historical and mythical over-reachers with which B. cutsNapoleon down to size.13: Julius Nepos, Emperor of the Western Roman Empire after it had ceased to exist. Killed by his ownmen.14: BYRON’S NOTE: Lucifer was Satan’s name before he rebelled and fell. Ambition’s less than littleness! – 3. Thanks for that lesson – it will teach To after-warriors more  Than high Philosophy can preach, And vainly preached before. That spell upon the minds of men Breaks, never to unite again, That led them to adore  Those Pagod things of sabre-sway, With fronts of brass, and feet of clay. 4. The triumph, and the vanity, The rapture of the strife * – The earthquake-voice of Victory,  To thee the breath of Life; The sword, the sceptre, and that sway Which Man seemed made but to obey, Wherewith Renown was rife – All quelled! – Dark Spirit! what must be  The Madness of thy Memory!* Certaminis guadia, the expression of Attila in his harangue to his army, previous to thebattle of Chalons, given in Cassiodorus. 5 The Desolator desolate! The Victor overthrown! The Arbiter of others’ fate A Suppliant for his own! Is it some yet imperial hope That with such change can calmly cope, Or dread of death alone? To die a Prince – or live a slave – Thy choice is most ignobly brave! 6. He * who of old would rend the oak, Dreamed not of the rebound; Chained by the trunk he vainly broke – Alone – how looked he round? Thou, in the sternness of thy strength,  15: Attila the Hun lost the battle of Challons (451 AD).16: Received stanza 5 does not appear in the first editions.17: Echoes Johnson, The Vanity of Human Wishes, 213-14: Condemn’d a needy Suppliant to wait, /While Ladies interpose, and Slaves debate. A reference to Charles XII of Sweden, Johnson’s equivalentto Juvenal’s Hannibal.18: Napoleon attempted suicide while this poem was in proof stage. An equal deed hast done at length, And darker fate hast found: He fell, the forest prowlers’ prey; But thou must eat thy heart away!* Milo.19 7. The Roman, * when his burning heart  Was slaked with blood of Rome, Threw down the dagger – dared depart, In savage grandeur, home. – He dared depart in utter scorn Of Men that such a yoke had borne,  Yet left him such a doom! His only glory was that hour Of self-upheld abandoned power. – And Earth hath spilt her blood for him, Who thus can hoard his own! And Monarchs bowed the trembling limb, And thanked him for a throne! Fair Freedom! we may hold thee dear, When thus thy mightiest foes their fear In humblest guise have shown. Oh! ne’er may tyrant leave behind A brighter name to lure mankind!  11. Thine evil deeds are writ in gore, Nor written thus in vain – Thy triumphs tell of fame no more, Or deepen every stain: If thou hadst died as Honour dies.  Some new Napoleon might arise, To shame the world again – But who would soar the solar height, To set in such a starless night? 12. Weighed in the balance, hero dust  Is vile as vulgar clay; Thy scales, Mortality! are just To all that pass away: But yet methought the living great Some higher sparks should animate,  To dazzle and dismay: Nor deem’d Contempt could thus make mirth Of these, the Conquerors of the earth. 13. And she, proud Austria’s mournful flower, Thy still imperial bride; How bears her breast the torturing hour? Still clings she to thy side? Must she too bend, must she too share Thy late repentance, long despair, Thou throneless Homicide?  If still she loves thee, hoard that gem, – ’Tis worth thy vanished Diadem!14. Then haste thee to thy sullen Isle, And gaze upon the Sea; That element may meet thy smile – It ne’er was ruled by thee! 22: Napoleon’s second wife, Maria Louisa, daughter of the Austrian Emperor.23: Elba. Or trace with thine all idle hand In loitering mood upon the sand That Earth is now as free! That Corinth’s pedagogue hath now  Transferred his by-word to thy brow. – 15. Thou Timour! in his Captive’s cage * What thoughts will there be thine, While brooding in thy prisoned rage? But one – “The World was mine!”  Unless, like he of Babylon, All Sense is with thy Sceptre gone, Life will not long confine That Spirit poured so widely forth – So long obeyed – so little worth!  * The cage of Bajazet, by order of Tamerlane. 16. Or, like the thief of fire * from heaven, Wilt thou withstand the shock? And share with him, the unforgiven, His vulture and his rock! Foredoomed by God – by man accurst, And that last act, though not thy worst, The very Fiend’s arch mock; † He in his fall preserved his pride, And, if a mortal, had as proudly died! * Prometheus.† “The fiend’s arch mock—“To lip a wanton, and suppose her chaste.”— Shakespeare.29 There was a day – there was an hour,  24: English naval victories, particularly those of Nelson, had destroyed French naval power.25: Dionysus the Younger of Syracuse, the tyrant whom Plato tried to tutor, was expelled from the cityand set himself up as a schoolteacher in Corinth.26: Nebuchadnezzar.27: BYRON’S NOTE: Legend has it that, upon defeating him, Tamburlaine the Great imprisonedBajazet, the Turkish Emperor, in a travelling cage. Byron parallels Bajazet with Napoleon andTamburlaine with Wellington.28: BYRON’S NOTE: Prometheus, who was punished by Zeus for stealing fire from Heaven andgiving it to Man. Fastened to a rock, he was visited daily by a vulture which ate his liver. B. wrote thefollowing at some time in 1814, addressed to Napoleon, and referring to Prometheus:Unlike the offence, though like would be the fate,His to give life, but thine to desolate;He stole from Heaven the flame, for which he fell,Whilst thine was stolen from the native Hell. (CPW III 269)29: BYRON’S NOTE: Iago’s words at Othello, IV i 70-1. While earth was Gaul’s – Gaul thine – When that immeasurable power Unsated to resign Had been an act of purer fame Than gathers round Marengo’s name And gilded thy decline, Through the long twilight of all time, Despite some passing clouds of crime. 18. But thou forsooth must be a King And don the purple vest, As if that foolish robe could wring Remembrance from thy breast. Where is that faded garment? where The gewgaws thou wert fond to wear, The star,31 the string, the crest? Vain froward child of Empire! say, Are all thy playthings snatched away?19. Where may the wearied eye repose When gazing on the Great; Where neither guilty glory glows,  Nor despicable state? Yes – One – the first – the last – the best – The Cincinnatus of the West, Whom Envy dared not hate, Bequeathed the name of Washington, To make man blush there was but one!] 30: Napoleon won the battle of Marengo in 1800.31: For second thoughts here, see On the Star of the Legion of Honour (printed below).32: Lucius Quinctius Cincinattus was always being called from his farm to rule Rome, and alwaysreturning. B. would have us see Washington as a similarly austere Republican hero, unlike Napoleon.33: The following two spurious stanzas were printed in The Morning Chronicle of April 27th 1814: 20. Yes! better to have stood the storm, A Monarch to the last! Although that heartless fireless form Had crumbled in the blast: Than stoop to drag out Life’s last years, The nights of terror, days of tears For all the splendour past; Then, – after ages would have read Thy awful death with more than dread. 21. A lion in the conquering hour! In wild defeat a hare! Thy mind hath vanished with thy power, For Danger brought despair. The dreams of sceptres now depart, And leave thy desolated heart The Capitol of care! Dark Corsican, ’tis strange to trace

The Spirit is a-moving and the activity of the moving Spirit is dangerous indeed!  Those who talk about wanting to feel God’s “sweet, sweet spirit in this place,” or those who say they are “spiritual but not religious” may need to question that thinking as we hear the words given to us today about the movement of the Spirit.  We tend to read a line like Romans 8:26 about the Spirit helping us “in our weakness,” and think, “Oh, that is pleasant, so sweet.”  However, such thoughts of pleasantness fail to put that verse in its proper context, and we quickly forget the prevailing image Paul gives us in this passage from Romans is that of childbirth – “the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains.”  Now, any woman present in this gathering who has actively given birth can testify and bear witness to the fact that childbirth is neither a sweet process, nor is it a gentle, comfortable, pleasant process.  And, I can imagine that there comes a point in almost every birthing process when every woman yearns, maybe even screams out, for help in her weakness, asking for something for the pain. So, as we reflect upon St. Paul’s words in his letter to the Romans, it is interesting that he uses the metaphor of giving birth as he talks about the activity of the Spirit in the lives of believers as well as in all of creation.  He writes, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now.”  Paul is referring to the fact that all of creation waits, along with all believers, for the fulfillment of God’s plan for the world, including our final adoption as the sons and daughters of God and the full redemption of creation.  We wait, the process is happening, but it is an “already, not yet” process.  It is not finished. The groans of creation that Paul describes continue in our time and perhaps even increase as pollution, overpopulation, inequitable distribution of food and resources, and human induced climate change confront us.  The groans of believers also continue as we await a consummation of faith.  If we tried to put those groans into words, we can articulate quite a list just by looking at the news of this past week.  We see horrific violence between Israel and Gaza, we have seen yet another mass school shooting, we see war waging around the world, global terrorism, sexual exploitation of women and children, modern-day slavery, oppressive regimes, drug and alcohol abuse, marital and family distress, incurable diseases, chaos, corruption, dysfunction and more.  It is nearly impossible to articulate all the problems we come face to face with in this present world.  And, yes, maybe the best we can do is groan and sigh and hope. If this is where we find ourselves, if we find ourselves groaning and sighing and hoping, Paul’s words to us today are assuring because he tells us we are on the right track!  We hope for what we have been promised in faith, but we do not yet see.  We pray, but often inarticulately, given the weight of our concerns.  And, when concerns overwhelm us, the Spirit is there to carry our burdens for us, interceding with God on our behalf.  The Spirit knows both what we need and what God’s will is for us and this world.  What the Spirit does for us today is to bring our concerns and the will of God into harmony.  We may live in difficult times; nevertheless, God is guiding creation through the plethora of birth pains to a future fulfillment of promise.  Birth pains, groaning, the rush of a mighty wind and tongues as of fire.  These images for the movement of the Spirit are not sweet, saccharine images.  The bestowal of the Holy Spirit is not for the weak of heart.  “Tongues as of fire,” may mean speaking in unknown languages, but it more likely means being pushed out of our comfort zones to speak about Jesus to others in a “language” not our own, uncomfortably and fearfully learning to talk to people with whom we normally would not associate.  And it might mean speaking truth to power, addressing issues and concerns some people would rather the church not talk about.  The Spirit might prompt you to say things that are so out there, so against the grain of what most people think and believe, that someone is likely to ask you, “What have you been smoking?”  This is, of course, the 21st Century equivalent of accusing you of being drunk at 9 am. Yes, this Holy Spirit business is a dangerous thing.  Peter is quoting the prophet Joel when he talks about women and men prophesying, about the young seeing visions and the old dreaming dreams.  We all know that visions and dreams and prophecies are dangerous things.  They can in fact be frightening.  They require risk.  Far too often, we tend to think it is better that we stay safely rocking on the porch, watching God’s mighty wind blow on somebody else, somewhere else.  But, here’s the catch – it doesn’t work to try to stay on the porch.  What’s that old expression, “You can run, but you can’t hide.”  The Spirit will find you, just like it found the apostles, huddled together in one place, behind four walls in a closed room.  Yes, the Sprit will find you, and it will fill you, and it will give you a tongue as of fire, and it will push you out of your cozy chair and into a wild ride through the world. And really, all one can do is take a deep breath and hang on for dear life. As I think about the movement of the Spirit in this place, I see it has been happening and it is happening.  The Spirit has moved us beyond our comfort zones and off our porches to become a Reconciling In Christ congregation.  That Spirit will be seen as members of this congregation walk in the Pride Parade in June, carrying a Faith Lutheran Church banner and handing out “Martin Wufer” dog biscuits to the dogs along the parade route.  The Spirit has been moving us beyond our comfort zones and off our porches to create a Green Team and encourage all of us to address the groaning of creation by becoming good stewards of creation.  The Spirit has been moving us beyond our comfort zones and off our porches as we have created an Annual Community Picnic through which we attempt to connect to the greater community, offering our neighbors the gift of food, music, activity and presence.  The Spirit has been moving us beyond our comfort zones and off our porches as we continue to fill the food bank we have created in the office of the apartments across the street.  And, the Spirit has been moving in this place as we have fixed up the old parsonage and are taking in these unaccompanied immigrant kids.  With this project, every hurdle that has appeared before us has been obliterated and it is truly a God/Spirit thing.  People from various churches and faiths have come together to support this effort.  When we take time to think about what has happened in just a few short months, we can see the movement of the Spirit at work in this place, moving us beyond our comfort zones and off of our cozy porches to truly care for all others. Oh, yes, the Spirit is moving in this place and it is a dangerous thing.  All creation is groaning with labor pains and the wind of the Spirit is blowing.  Yes, the Spirit is moving, and it is a radical, mysterious and dangerous thing because the Spirit is always at work forming us into the Body of Christ for the sake of the world.  And, the Spirit is always at work giving birth, giving birth to something new through the Body of Christ.  So, watch out, because you cannot sit on the sidelines when the Spirit of God is at work!

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Season: The Subversive Baby Jesus Speaker: Rod White Location: 2309 N. Broad St. About Talk: Our pastors still follow one of the traditions of Advent in which the readings point to certain people in the story, like John the Baptist on this day. He needs more airplay and we need to be like him. The word of God came to us in Philadelphia in the wilderness of postmodernity and vacuous expressions of the church. The same Spirit that moved John, Odo and Sundar brought us together That Spirit also isolated us in ways. While it might seem normal to us, the reforms we instituted make us loved and resented in the BIC. A man is flying in from Kentucky to consult with us next month. But our bishops are never sure we are really team players. We don’t get along with Trump Christians, we ordain women, We welcome gay people, accept cohabiting people as married, we listen instead of fighting and think reconciliation is more important than being right. We love psychotherapy and believe black lives matter. We abhor war and suspect guns. We love immigrants, we talk about Jesus all the time to liberals and we celebrate Advent, practice contemplative prayer and don’t put men or anyone else at the top of a pyramidical structure. It goes on. We are ambitious. We might go to your monastery or go to Tibet and tell you what God showed us. We might follow a rule, wear a yellow robe or baptize the Son of God right in your backyard. So we might get as isolated as John the Baptist, feared like Odo of Cluny or thrown in a dry well like Sundar Singh. That’s Advent. The unwelcome wind of change, reform that often isolates the reformers while they are bringing people together in Christ. What is the word that Jesus wants to get out there now? Any John the Baptists in the wilderness out there? I know there are. Do not let anyone shut you up. Tell the truth no matter what it costs, love them even if they hate you. Give them what they need even if they throw it back in your face. The message is old. It came as a variation in the 900s and 1800s. But it always has a unique slant. What are you feeling? What does the wind of the Spirit blow into your mind and heart? Trust it!

Paul and Scott catch up with Jose Feliciano to find out why "Feliz Navidad" was written in July; chat with "Santa Baby" composer Phil Springer to hear the reason he was hesitant to write the world's first "sexy Christmas song;" get the scoop from Mike Stoller about Elvis recording "Santa Claus is Back in Town" when the song was less than an hour old; find out from former Ray Charles backup singer Mable John what the movie "Christmas Vacation" did for Ray's recording of her song "That Spirit of Christmas;" talk to Mark Lowry about how "Mary Did You Know?" went from a recitation in a local church play to a contemporary Christmas standard; listen to former Motown staff writer Bryan Wells explain why his "Someday at Christmas" is as relevant today as it was when Stevie Wonder first released it more than 50 years ago; and find out how TV producer Lee Mendelson became an accidental songwriter when it was time to add lyrics to "Christmas Time is Here" from "A Charlie Brown Christmas."   Jose Feliciano – “Feliz Navidad” (1970) A true international superstar, virtuoso guitarist and celebrated vocalist Jose Feliciano found fame in the US with his hugely successful Feliciano album in 1968. He earned a Top 5 hit with his interpretation of The Doors’ “Light My Fire” that same year and has gone on to win seven Grammy awards. “Feliz Navidad” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was named by ASCAP as one of the most performed holiday songs of all time. Philip Springer – “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt (1953) At 91 years old, Phil Springer is one of the last living composers from the pre-rock “Brill Building” era of professional songwriters. In addition to writing the music for “Santa Baby,” Springer penned Frankie Laine’s Top 5 hit “Moonlight Gambler,” Frank Sinatra’s “How Little it Matters, How Little We Know,” and Cliff Richard’s “The Next Time,” which hit #1 in the UK in 1963. Additionally, he wrote songs that have been recorded by Judy Garland, Dusty Springfield, and Elvis Presley. Mike Stoller – “Santa Clause is Back in Town” by Elvis Presley (1957) One of the key architects of rock and R&B songwriting, Mike Stoller is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and one of Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time. His long list of writing credits with partner Jerry Leiber includes “Kansas City,” “Yakety Yak,” “Stand By Me,” “Poison Ivy,” “Love Potion No. 9,”and more than 20 titles recorded by Elvis, including “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and the perennial “Santa Clause is Back in Town.” Mable John – “That Spirit of Christmas” by Ray Charles (1985) Best remembered from the sentimental attic scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, “That Spirit of Christmas” was co-written by Mable John. She is Little Willie John’s younger sister and was the first female solo artist signed to Motown’s Tamla label in the 1950s. She would go on to score a Top 10 hit as a Stax artist with “Your Good Thing (Is About to End)” and serve as the leader of Ray Charles’ backing singers, The Raelettes, for more than a decade. Mark Lowry – “Mary Did You Know” (1991) Though he spent eighteen years as a member of the legendary Gaither Vocal Band and has released nearly twenty albums and, Dove award winning Christian singer and comedian Mark Lowry is best known to mainstream audiences as the co-writer of “Mary Did You Know.” The song was first recorded in 1991 by Michael English, who was a fellow member of the Gaither Vocal Band at the time. It would go on to be recorded by Natalie Cole, Reba McEntire, Glen Campbell, Jessica Simpson, Mary J. Blige, Cee Lo Green, Pentatonix, and many others. Bryan Wells – “Someday at Christmas” by Stevie Wonder (1966) Former Motown staff writer Bryan Wells co-wrote Stevie Wonder’s Top 10 hits “A Place in the Sun” and “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday.” He has earned four Clio Awards for music he has composed for advertising campaigns and is Bette Midler’s former music director. Wells and partner Ron Miller co-wrote three songs on Stevie’s 1967 holiday album, including the title track, “Someday at Christmas” which has since been covered by The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Jack Johnson, Justin Bieber, and others. Lee Mendelson – “Christmas Time is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)TV producer Lee Mendelson became a songwriter by default when he scrawled the lyrics for “Christmas Time is Here” on the back of an envelope to complete the opening scene of A Charlie Brown Christmas. It was Mendelson who chose Vince Guaraldi to score the special, introducing generations of kids to jazz music. He went on to write additional songs for future Peanuts specials with collaborators including David Benoit.   

The Word of God is life-giving. When Jesus announced His ministry in the synagogue one day, His message was simple: "The Spirit of God is upon me." That Spirit changes everything. And that Spirit longs for you to respond to His riches of grace. Be encouraged by Pastor Scott's talk.

Today, we celebrate the birth of the church. And, as we gather for this celebration, our party is a dangerous one. In fact, this party has been a dangerous event from day one. Our story begins on an ordinary day, roughly 2,000 years ago when a small group of believers isolated themselves all together in one place. These disciples huddled together in isolation because they were afraid. It is quite likely they were afraid of outsiders so they stayed clustered and cloistered together as one group. Had they known what was about to happen, they would likely have separated and spread out. You see, after all they had been through, what was about to happen would have freaked out even the bravest amongst us. As they clustered together in their small group, they were in danger but not from outsiders. The danger they were in as they huddled all together in one place, was from a God who was about to crash the party and bring in everyone they were trying to avoid. Yes, God did crash that party and, with the force of a mighty wind and flames and voices speaking in many languages, God brought into that small gathering people from all nations. And, in the midst of their bewilderment, their amazement, the chaos, and the cacophony of voices, 2 that gathering exploded into the church – something the world had never before witnessed. It was a new creation! Quite frankly, I think the present-day church has, in many ways, been gathering in fearful isolation from society, from culture and from the world. By keeping ourselves isolated from the world and not connecting with others, we try to keep our little gatherings comfortable, cozy, neat and tidy. Friends, in many ways nothing has really changed all that much from that gathering 2,000 years ago. You see, people are people and we still live in fear. Among our cloistered gatherings we find the emotional ones, the naïve ones, those who insist on naming others and reducing people to labels, those who see us and them, and those who see people who are different as “other.” As we gather together we have the flawed, the smug, the confused and the amazed. But, in this gathering of broken, diverse people and personalities, we discover we are the very people to whom God sends the Spirit. And, guess what! God has not changed! And, God still crashes our parties, abolishes our carefully chosen guest lists, and invites into our gathering the people we often try to avoid. And, yes, the people God brings into our midst are going to change us! You see, when God enters and works in our midst, we are always going to be changed! We may want to always have a nice, warm, peaceful, fuzzy feeling kind of a 3 gathering. But, when God crashes our party, warm fuzzies are not what we get. I love what Lutheran pastor, Nadia Bolz Webber, says about this. She writes: The Spirit, while called the comforter, does not bring the warm chocolate chip cookies and a night-night story kind of comfort. The Spirit brings the comfort of the truth – and if you've had any experience of the truth whatsoever you can testify that it's not exactly cozy. Friends, as we gather together we are much like those early disciples: fearful, flawed, confused, and even amazed. And, yes, we are the very people to whom God sends the Spirit to mess everything up! God has not changed and God is always going to be crashing our comfortable parties, messing things up, and moving us into God's future where God's guest list includes all. We are being changed as we open ourselves to welcoming the stranger, as we intentionally work to engage the greater community, as we open ourselves to diversity and as we become a Reconciling In Christ congregation. Yes, God still crashes our parties and invites in the people we are trying to avoid. As Nadia says, this is “the thing about the Pentecost Spirit of truth: it feels like the truth might crush us. And that is right. The truth crushes us, but the instant it crushes us it puts us back together into something real. Perhaps for the first time. Because the radical and 4 mysterious and dangerous thing the Spirit does has always been to form us into the Body of Christ. Sometimes despite us, sometimes against us, but always for us. Because it is only the Spirit who can turn us from a “they” into a “we.” So, today as God crashes our party, we receive the same Spirit as that community of believers 2,000 years ago. That Spirit has been loosed into the world. And, that Spirit opens us to newness, and utilizes our authentic voices, gifts and skills to love and serve others.

On Pentecost Sunday we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit descending in a mighty rush of wind and flame. That Spirit inspired the church's proclamation of Christ's rising, and empowered its mission and ministry in the world. Pastor John ask us to consider the mysterious on-going work of God in our church, in our lives, and in the world.

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