Has the world ever heard such good news? The Holy Spirit empowered Peter, the fisherman-disciple, to boldly invite everyone who could hear his voice to turn to the Lord. His preaching drew a crowd on that first Pentecost long ago. (see Acts 2) When the people heard Peter’s proclamation of Christ, and the invitation to salvation in his name, they responded with a critical question. They asked, “Brothers, what should we do?”
God’s Holy Spirit still stirs in people’s hearts today! And still today people search for ways to respond to what God is doing in their lives. The church is that community where we help one another sense the leading of God’s Spirit, and then we encourage one another to respond. The Holy Spirit reminds us of the teaching of Jesus. The Holy Spirit comforts us in times of trial, and inspires us to live faithfully as disciples. It is the Holy Spirit who equips us for ministry with spiritual gifts to be used in service to God and God’s people. The Holy Spirit convinces us of our need of Christ, and it is the Holy Spirit who leads us to open our hearts and receive him. How is the Holy Spirit at work in you today?
Peter responded to the question asked by those in the Pentecost crowd, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) That admonition remains the central teaching of the church. What a joy it is to see our loved ones and friends respond to God’s Spirit! We rejoice with the young people who were baptized last Sunday and we look forward to celebrating the baptism and confirmation of 45 sixth graders and their families this coming Sunday. Confirmation will take place during the 11:00 Generations service.
Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move in our lives and in our church, and that we will have the faith to respond to all that the Spirit wants to do within us!
Striving to be Faithful, Dr. Ray Crawford
