This week we reach the third of an impromptu series on the Holy Spirit.
On the 10th of May Alex spoke to us at St Mary’s about responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit with five small words “Can I pray for you?”. She reminded us that the Holy Spirit is not an optional extra but a knowable person of the trinity. The Holy Spirit is with us. We have to step out in obedience.
On the 17th of May Matthew and Stephen gave us a whistle stop tour of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments. A truly thought provoking Learning4Life session, even though this is a subject many of us have thought about before, there were new and inspiring things to think about in the presentation and questions. In our group we had a good discussion on the Holy Spirit and human creativity.
This coming Sunday is Pentecost. The day within the church calendar when we traditionally celebrate and mark the coming of the Holy Spirit in a new way, after Jesus’ ascension. The bible reading from Acts chapter 2 which is often read on this day goes into great detail recounting the experience of the first disciples. It tells of their obedience, waiting. Of their filling by the Holy Spirit and its transformative power in their lives. That the disciples might be witnesses to the truth of the gospel, and the faithfulness of God to their promise. God with us, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection opening a way for humanity and the whole of creation to be reconciled to God.
This story is dramatic, full of vivid imagery – fire, wind and people being mistakenly identified as drunk. Sometimes this makes it hard to relate to and tricky to identify with as an experience. Over recent weeks we heard testimony of people’s experience of the Holy Spirit in their own lives; guidance, challenge, comfort, transformation. As we look at 1 Corinthians 12 this Sunday we will explore the Holy Spirit with us, working through us for the encouragement and benefit of all. If you are able to please do read the passage in advance and bring your bible with you.
Joanne
Ministry team member