The Day of Pentecost It is hard for us to look back at it, two thousand years later, and understand what a big deal Jesus’ coming was to the world. It is easier to read the gospel accounts and imagine Jesus with his band of twelve slightly goofy sidekicks traipsing around Jerusalem and the surrounding …
It’s safe to say that Jesus ruffled a few feathers during his time on Earth – through no fault of his own of course. Our stubborn, human nature was and still is rather resistant to the Gospel message. During his ministry, he went to the temples to show how he was the Messiah, the long-ago …
If you’re familiar with the Lutheran hymnal, the section for Pentecost has the word “Come” in almost every hymn title. Why do we repeatedly ask the Holy Spirit to come? It is because He is the bearer of Truth along with being our Helper, Intercessor and Consoler. This important role reveals the mercies of God …
Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit began teaching people’s hearts about Christ and His resurrection. This is what allowed the apostles to go from hiding fearfully to preaching boldly. Their hearts were changed with this, and thus it marks the founding of the visible Christian church. This is the Kingdom of God. Come, Holy Spirit! …
Exaudi means “hear” and is the first word in today’s Introit. Exaudi reminds us that the Lord has heard our cry and has sent the Holy Spirit – the Helper – to sustain us in this earthly journey. The sermon text is from the book of John starting in chapter 15, 26[Jesus said:] “When the …