Grace and Peace Episode 26

Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard
Grace and Peace Episode 26
Presbyterian Church of Easton
March 7, 2021

Watch Episode 26

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

Heidelberg Catechism
53Q.  What do you believe concerning “the Holy Spirit”?
A. First, that the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God.  Second, that the Spirit is given also to me, so that, through true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his benefits, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.

“I believe in the Holy Ghost” begins the third part of the Apostles' Creed. By saying it we affirm that we believe, trust our lives totally, without reservation, to God the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit is holy, meaning it is of God. And it is God's spiritual presence with us today. 

The Holy Spirit was with Jesus throughout his ministry. It was present as a dove in Jesus'baptism, and it led Jesus during his forty days in the desert. Jesus told us that after his ascension he would send the Holy Spirit to us to stand with us until his return. And so the Holy Spirit is with us here and now comforting us, strengthening us, and causing us to grow in faith and as obedient disciples. It is through the Holy Spirit that we experience God's love and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit empowers us to understand the scripture we read. The Holy Spirit brings us redemption from our sins and modifies our hearts to make us more like Christ.

After his resurrection, the disciples of Jesus obediently waited. As Jesus promised the Holy Spirit came upon them. They were clothed with power, and all selfishness and bigotry disappeared.  One who had denied Christ the night of his arrest was emboldened by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the good news of his resurrection from the dead. The Holy Spirit ensured that the words Peter spoke that day were understood even by those who could not understand the language he was using. People who fled when Jesus was arrested were later empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel of salvation even in the face of official persecution.

The Holy Spirit is also with us whenever we feel alone or overwhelmed. When we are in a hospital bed or a nursing home the Holy Spirit is there to comfort us, heal us, strengthen us, and guide us to our eternal home in Jesus Christ. When we have lost our job or a relationship has come to an end the Holy Spirit is with us, feeding us with hope in Jesus Christ. When attendance in church is dwindling and budgets getting tighter, the Holy Spirit is there to initiate renewal.  The Holy Spirit comes to free us from whatever it is that binds us and keeps us from God.  Let’s pray.

Holy Spirit, I ask that you come to the congregation and bless them with your presence.
Remind them that you are with them and they are never alone.   Heal their diseases.   Strengthen their bodies.   Protect them from the virus.   And shelter them from sin.   I ask also ask that you empower the church to proclaim the gospel in word and deed and to do what is necessary to grow our church.   Amen.