Back after a week away from the pulpit (I did hear a pretty good sermon while away). The sermon series on "Questions we might ask the resurrected Christ" continues with the question about the Holy Spirit, that part of the Trinity which moves among us now.
The passage from Acts is the traditional Pentecost story that most of us know. The Spirit sweeps in on a windstorm with tongues of fire and something amazing happens -- the people receive the gift of languages so that they can go out and share the good news of Christ's resurrection in the world. That image of the Spirit has shaped my understanding fo the Spirit -- blowing into the world, sweeping us away to new places in a powerful way.
But we also read from the Gospel of John about the "paraclete," or "comforter," or "advocate" (Eugene Peterson uses the term "Friend" in The Message) that Jesus promises to leave with us. A little bit different image of the Spirit. This image of the Spirit seems different. In fact, 14:26 is the only place in the Gospel of John where the Paraclete is referred to as the Holy Spirit.
Notice the role of the Spirit to "remind" the people of what Jesus has taught them. The Spirit also teaches and gives peace. The role of the Spirit seems to tie directly to peace and love.
What are your impressions of the Holy Spirit? How has this gift left by Jesus for you impacted your life?
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