Today we talked about the Day of Pentecost. Some reflections -- An ancient festival was given present relevance when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon all people.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a bridge from the ancient practices of faith and the future realization of God's perfect will. By God's grace we may live in the present reality of the Spirit filled life.
If we are to follow the example of the early church (and we should) we will find that the Holy Spirit is to be experienced - the Holy Spirit is relational (relating us to Christ and one another) - the Holy Spirit transforms lives.
Of particular note is the way the Holy Spirit enabled the Christ followers to declare the praises of God in culturally relevant ways. All those people from various parts of the empire heard their proclamation in their own languages.
The Holy Spirit is given for all people - not just a specific few for particular tasks - all people - young and old - men and women - for living the Christian life day by day.
A contemporary church that is filled with the Spirit will be empowered to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways.
It was a good day. It's always a good day when we get to share in the sacrament of baptism. (We baptized 2 - only 2998 short of the Day of Pentecost!) More to come.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
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