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From the Pulpit - June 2011



The uniqueness of our Lord is underlined by specific events that were foretold and then fulfilled, one such event being Christ’s ascension. He rose up to heaven and gave gifts unto men. Before he ascended, he said, “Receive you the Holy Spirit,” so when the day of Pentecost fully came, the apostles where ready to do just that and glorify God. They did speak the wonderful works of God, even though others mocked, which is often a sign of fear and ignorance. It was clear that it would take faith, courage, and discipline to use this gift correctly. However, God had promised that these things would come to pass and that he would pour out his spirit. He warned us that in the last days there would be a particular type of challenge that we would need to be prepared for. We are encouraged not to quench the Spirit, but rather to stir up the gift of God. For us to be ready for the battle, we need to be able to stand perfect and complete in the will of God. We are not to be ignorant of spiritual things, as they belong to God's holy church. We should be fully instructed in their significance and use. God knows how to give good gifts, so why should we have to fear? Our only concern is whom we fear, as the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is this godly fear that allows us to enter into his rest. In the Bible it speaks of the refreshing by which the weary are able to rest. Let us pray that we are able hear and that after we have heard, our hearing is mixed with faith. Then we can come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Amen.


Sunday 05.06.2011 – Ascension - ae

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:51)

Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Mat. 28:19-20)

Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
(Phil. 1:6)



Sunday 12.06.2011 – Pentecost - dm

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive you the Holy Spirit: (John 20:22)

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house. (2 Chr. 7:1-2)

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(Acts 2:4)

Cretans and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:11)

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. (1 Thes. 2:4)


Sunday 19.06.2011 – I will pour out my spirit - dm

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: (Acts 2:17-18)


And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
(Acts 19:6)

Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:26-27)

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. (1 Thes. 5:18-20)

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Col. 4:12)


Sunday 26.06.2011 – Enter into his rest - dm

Therefore (as the Holy Spirit says, Today if you will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness: When your fathers tested me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Therefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) (Heb. 3:7-11)

Looking diligently lest any man fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any immoral, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
(Heb. 12:15-16)

 

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Is. 28:11-12)


And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33)


Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
(Heb. 4:16)