Are You An Advocate for A Better Understanding of the Holy Spirit’s Peace?
Good Morning Friends,
Pentecost is next Sunday and that brings us back to basics and to the theology of the Holy Spirit. You see, there is a theology of place that needs to come alive in institutions of learning and especially the church…a Spirit that both takes a sense of community into schools and takes that schooling out into the larger community. And I believe the people God has deposited in these teaching communities are discovering how God births a deeper learning sensitive to the lifelong needs of students. For it is here in the middle of these relationships and between all the tests that peace is given from God. And we can be a witness to it not so much in the knowledge received but in our affirmation in faith about what we do not know but hope for. Here we too can be filled with the Holy Spirit and the Words of Jesus in a purpose that is part of a greater plan that will ultimately give us a better understanding of the questions of love and life. It is here we discover there is something good in everything. It is here abiding in Jesus we can grow the fruit of peace and find real strength and purpose in what we believe together. Are You An Advocate for A Better Understanding of the Holy Spirit’s Peace?
Scripture: While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied, altogether there were about twelve of them. He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God.
Acts 19:1-8 (NRSV)
His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”
John 16:29-33 (NRSV)
Message: We do so look for places of peace and grace and wisdom in institutions. We look for the perfect place to live and work and we seek relationships of peace as well, but peace seems so elusive for most of us. We look at the world and must wonder if peace is possible. Then we remember the words of Jesus that He shared with his disciples on their last night before the crucifixion. Then we hear the words of Jesus, saying in His risen body to the disciples… Peace. Then we read in Acts about the how the disciples acted on these words with a commitment to a purpose as they faced trials and persecution in the tension of change and became strong. Friends, peace grows and thrives where respect and love of other believers are present. Peace grows and thrives when we become clear witnesses of God’s power in our lives. Peace grows when we obey the Lord. Peace grows in us when God’s peace takes us over. Here in this place of peace we discover God’s purpose and our potential through acts of faith. Peter was unschooled but somehow learned the most important of things. Friends, some life skills are not taught in institutions. But the problem is not education. Ultimately the problem is not money. The problem is not too little entertainment and information. The problem is not even the government. The problem is that we do not know God and as a result we become slaves to sin and the dictates of the world. Friends, if God does not define you, there is no lasting pattern to your life. Friends, youth today need an advocate for education to last a lifetime. Indeed, we all need an Advocate in Jesus and an Advocate in the Holy Spirit.
And So, we are very fond of idolizing and praising people of the world that entertain us and encourage us to be filled with the wine of the world. But being filled with the Holy Spirit is all about reflecting the image of God and showing that we are spiritually changed. Too many are blind drunk on things unnecessary. What we need though is the warmth of the Holy Spirit and not the convenience brought by our material joys. A Christians’ life is letting the Holy Spirit be alive in our hearts, minds and soul. Let us not taste the temptation of the sin of idolatry but be filled with the Holy Spirit and live the word of God in peace.
Pray we have peace in God’s plan and obedience to God’s will of love. Pray we have peace with others found in mutual respect and deliverance from threats. Pray we not worry about anything but pray about everything. Pray we tell God what we need. Pray we thank God and experience peace for in it will also be our strength. Pray we learn the art of conversation with each other and with God. Pray we learn to think through to solutions. Pray we learn the value and importance of investing in things that matter. Pray we learn the value of life long relationships of love. Pray we learn the value of knowing our rights and the responsibility of effecting social change through the systems of power. Pray we learn good manners and how to use basic tools to creatively engage new cultures. Pray we learn to manage time and read the Bible. Pray we learn how to find a job that becomes a vocation and that vocation a calling. Pray we learn how to access God’s healthcare. Pray we learn from our mistakes. Pray we learn the law of the land but more important the law of love.
Pray we realize that we cannot hope to change the political, economic or social conditions of people by merely giving them a better education. Pray we all realize the need for an Advocate on the journey and at our destination.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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