Tag: Holy Spirit power

Mark 6:1-13 – What’s Next?

Read Mark 6:1-13

Whether you’ve lived in the same town your whole life or have moved around like a pastor’s family, the way this passage opens can strike a chord. Returning to your hometown or whatever town you currently call home can bring a sense of relief and joy, with a little hopeful expectation tossed in. I experience that each time we return to our Mexico home on the lake. When you come over the mountains and see the lakeside area spreading out below, it takes your breath away. You have your own special arrival moments, too.

But Jesus’ homecoming wasn’t all sunshine and roses, was it? We see a lot of the same negative, condescending types of behavior right there in Nazareth that we see today. Finding fault with others is a lot easier than looking at the faults within ourselves. Continue reading “Mark 6:1-13 – What’s Next?”

John 14:15-29 – What a Promise!

Read John 14:15-29

Our reading today kicks off our new theme of “The Holy Spirit & Prayer.” We hear directly from Jesus as he promises the Holy Spirit to his disciples. You can imagine those close friends were a bit perplexed about the whole notion of an Advocate like this. Little did they know as they heard these words that this would be their last meal with Jesus.

This whole passage is full of wisdom Jesus wanted to make sure he shared. We’ll be discussing this very passage as part of our Bible study with the orphanage youth group tomorrow night. I am always excited when I can encounter the same passage more than once in the same week. There is likely a very profound message for me in this text. Let’s explore it together. Continue reading “John 14:15-29 – What a Promise!”

Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” (Acts 2:1-4)

I love imagining this Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon the believers. The Christian church was born that day. Along with the commotion, there would have been awe and wonder. It’s a day to remember and celebrate. Growing up Lutheran, we always made it a big deal by wearing red to commemorate the fire of the Spirit.

Context (Acts 2:1-41): This particular day of Pentecost would have been the first one without Jesus for his followers. Jesus had promised he’d send the Holy Spirit and had told his friends to wait expectantly. Did they imagine anything like the actual events of this day? Multitudes of people heard them speaking in other languages. Peter was filled to overflowing and preached like never before. Thousands of those hearing the message about Jesus dedicated themselves as followers. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost”

Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit’s power is available for you and me, too. Without it, witnessing about Jesus can be daunting. When we call on the Spirit’s power, we tap into the resource Jesus promised, and we receive exactly what we need to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. We all share this same request—to tell everyone everywhere about Jesus.

Context (Acts 1:6-11): Jesus’ final moments with his followers before his ascension to heaven are powerful. Even though they still didn’t get what Jesus’ true mission on earth was, Jesus stayed patient and told them about the real power. I can’t even imagine what his followers must have been thinking. What a whirlwind of emotions, and just like that, Jesus was gone again! But Jesus did not leave them, or us, without a job to do and the power to do it. Continue reading “Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action”

John 14:21 – Intimate Relationship

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21)

Doesn’t God love the whole world? Yes, he does! But Jesus promises us a deeper, more intimate love from the Father when we show Jesus we love him. We’re like one big happy family full of love. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Context (John 14:15-26): These are Jesus’ words telling his disciples and us about the promised helper, the Holy Spirit he’s going to send them. Jesus openly acknowledges that his followers are set apart and will receive special treatment from God for their obedience. The relationship between Jesus and his followers is intimate and personal. This promise from Jesus is for all who love him. Continue reading “John 14:21 – Intimate Relationship”

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