With Pentecost Sunday on the horizon, just a few weeks away, we get a foretaste of the Spirit’s role and work from the lips of Jesus in John 16. Almost always Jesus explains why He does what He does and why He says what He says, a sign of a good teacher (Mark 10:51; Luke 7:40; John 1:38). Jesus, our Good Teacher, teaches us about the Spirit who will help in such teaching, taking what is Jesus’ and declaring it to “you,” the apostles and His Church today. What lessons concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment are in store?
A Convicting Helper
The Fifth Sunday after Easter
April 28, 2024 • Pastor Johnson • Isaiah 12, Psalm 66:1–8, James 1:16–21, John 16:5–15
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Greater than I
May 19, 2024 • Pastor Gjerde • John 14:23–31, Acts 2:1–21
In the risen Jesus, God revealed the future He has in store for all who believe in Him: resurrection and eternal life. In the Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus puts that future to work in the present life of the Church. By the Spirit’s power, the daily speech of the Church becomes proclamation that promises His future to sinners, and the daily bread of the Church becomes the very flesh of Christ, sharing His resurrection and life with all who commune. Welcome to Pentecost; welcome to the Lord’s Day!
We Bear a Name
May 12, 2024 • Pastor Gjerde • Ezekiel 36:22–28, Psalm 51:1–12, 1 Peter 4:7–11, John 15:26–27, John 16:1–4
“The Seventh Sunday of Easter focuses on the work of Christ the eternal High Priest and Intercessor on our behalf, praying to the Father for the welfare and unity of the Church” (P. Pfatteicher, Journey into the Heart of God). From Christ comes the whole life and ministry of the Church, created as He speaks His word to us in the power of the Spirit. Jesus the resurrected Lord is the wellspring of God’s light and life for all believers.
Speaking Plainly
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Johnson • James 1:22–27, John 16:23–30, Numbers 21:4–9, Psalm 107:1–9
A common response to Jesus’ presence and teaching was that of misunderstanding. Jesus prepared his apostles for this: “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13). The apostles were no strangers to misunderstanding their Lord as well, hence their delight at Jesus speaking “plainly” (John 16:29). Even though they hear Jesus “speak plainly” to them, they still are missing something. The resurrection, ascension, and Holy Spirit will make it clear!