075 John 15.26-16.15 Pentecost,The Spirit of Truth: it’s Personal

2018 05 20 SERMON 075 Pentecost – The Spirit of Truth it’s Personal v5

When he had last seen them,

between Easter and the Ascension

Jesus had told the Disciples to

PREPARE for the coming of the Holy Spirit,

· the Advocate,

· the SPIRIT OF TRUTH

· Which comes from the Father

This morning is

PENTECOST,

The day when Christ’s promise comes to pass and

· the church is formed in the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT on Mary and the Disciples in the Upper Room

and inspired by the fire of the Holy Spirit they went outside and spoke to all about the Dead and Risen Christ

and FAITHFUL JEWS who originated from many different countries, but who lived in Jerusalem gathered miraculously HEARD THE MESSAGE

- just as if spoken to them in their own native language

THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE ASCENSCION & PENTECOST

Is traditionally kept as a special time of preparation prayer and piety,

For example for Baptism and confirmation

it used to be called WHITSUN or WHITE SUNDAY after their white robes

"THY KINGDOM COME" initiative

Archbishop Justin asked everyone to join with him in praying for people

to come to the life transforming profession of faith

that acknowledges Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour

A DIVINE ENCOUNTER,

- which we now here will describe as communion with God in prayer,

· which our Lord longs to give, as we from our heart seek

· maybe..we encounter the gentle breeze of Jesus

· or the still small voice or inner inclinations of our heart which call us to good things which go beyond ourselves and give glory to Christ and honour His purposes,

humility furnishes

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with the Living Lord Jesus Christ, brings a

GREAT AND AWESOME LOVE

that overcomes the ego,

and sets us free to face the DIVINE TRUTH about God and ourselves - confess sins

purify hearts

to relate to the what is more than I

1. to arouse faith,

2. illumine hope

3. inspire charity,

4. and choices to put others first in service and love of neighbour

5. that we can stand and walk vicariously for one another- sister- brother

6. and be reconciled with those near and far

For calls for peace, justice, and social progress to come with the power personal integrity

we include and start with

- our homes, workplaces, social world, neighbourhood and churches

HOW IS THE WORLD WRONG ABOUT SIN RIGHEOUSNESS AND JUDGMENT?

- There are a lot of good people and movements in the world

- There are people who give their lives for the benefit of others in thousands and thousands of different ways, to make the world a better place,

what more can you ask?

But however good people are,

whatever magnificent achievements

WHERE PEOPLE DO NOT FULLY ENGAGE WITH the TRUTH of GOD in CHRIST and themselves

· Because sin is being poo pooed,

· Because righteousness is being scoffed at and

· Or because judgment is being scorned

Then it is the saddest things how

Such attitudes risk people being shallower and less than they otherwise might have been

although I do not mean to say individuals can really judge such things about one another,

only God knows the real heart and faith of people

but believing in the truth of Jesus Christ is the way

THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH

GUIDING US so gently so kindly, bit by bit,

Prayer for Pentecost

Faithful God, who fulfilled the promises of Easter

by sending us your Holy Spirit

open our hearts and minds to your transforming presence

that every tongue may tell of your glory

(Quote from the Royal Wedding address)

Set us on fire with the power of your love

That is love with a purpose

Not this selfish drippy stuff…

The Spirit of Truth

Between me and God, between you and your God, whether we do or we do not, how much we seek or not, well it’s up to you, its personal

Let us Seek the LORD JESUS CHRIST

of us and all of us together

with our whole heart

May our Lord pour out His Spirit this and every day on His church and in each of our lives, families and friends and those we love

may our visions and our dreams prepare us for eternal life here and now and the great and glorious coming of the Lord