Pentecost (2)

John 15:26–27 NIV

26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

John 14:15–21 NIV

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

We celebrate Pentecost as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles 50 days after Easter. Although Pentecost refers to the number 50, it isn’t called that because this happened 50 days after Easter but because another festival which was being celebrated at that time took place 50 days after the Passover.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Pentecost

PENTECOST (חג שׁבעת, chg shb't, “weeks”; πεντηκοστή, pentēkostē, “fiftieth”). In the Hebrew Bible, Pentecost is an annual harvest festival that occurs seven weeks after Passover. It became an important Christian holiday after God poured out the Holy Spirit upon the Jerusalem church on the first Pentecost after Christ’s resurrection.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Pentecost in the Hebrew Bible

Pentecost in the Hebrew Bible

Leviticus 23:15–21 instructs the Israelites to hold an annual one-day harvest festival seven weeks, or 50 days, after Passover (see also Exod 34:22). This festival included extensive sacrifice (Lev 23:15–21; Deut 16:9–10; 2 Chr 8:13). At Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, Israelite farmers would start their journeys toward Jerusalem to present their firstfruit offerings (Wigoder, “Shavu’ot,” 707; Werblowsky, “Shavu’ot,” 628).

The advantage of the Holy Spirit empowering the apostles to preach at that festival was that the city of Jerusalem was filled with visitors from across the region who could then report back to their homes what they had seen and heard.

The advantage of the Holy Spirit empowering the apostles to preach at that festival was that the city of Jerusalem was filled with visitors from across the region who could then report back to their homes what they had seen and heard. Much can be said about the Holy Spirit and who he is and what he does. Our emphasis today is on how he inspires us to do certain things even today as Christians.

Much can be said about the Holy Spirit and who he is and what he does. Our emphasis today is on how he inspires us to do certain things even today as Christians.

The word “Spirit” can bring many thoughts to mind. In common usage we may hear it in the following ways:

Remember that high school cheer at basketball games, “We’ve go spirit, yes we do. We’ve go spirit how ‘bout you?” It was a challenge issued to the opposing fans to get excited about the game and to encourage each other to cheer loudly for their teams rather than just sit their stoically in the stands.

We may think of how a horse is described as being “spirited”. It refers to a lively and powerful horse full of energy and not a plodding plow horse.

Certain beverages may be referred to as “spirits” because they have a physiological effect on the person consuming them.

We may at times refer to our life force as our spirit — similar to how we use the word “soul”.

We may at times refer to our life force as our spirit — similar to how we use the word “soul”.

In theological terms, we say that our God is made up of three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some religious groups do not regard the Holy Spirit as a separate person (see examples).

The Jehovah’s Witnesses make this argument.

The holy spirit is not a person

By referring to God’s spirit as his “hands,” “fingers,” or “breath,” the Bible shows that the holy spirit is not a person. (:​8, 10) A craftsman’s hands cannot function independent of his mind and body; likewise, God’s holy spirit operates only as he directs it. () The Bible also compares God’s spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge. These comparisons all point to the impersonal nature of the holy spirit.​—; ;.

The Bible gives the names of Jehovah God and of his Son, Jesus Christ; yet, nowhere does it name the holy spirit. (; :​31) When the Christian martyr Stephen was given a miraculous heavenly vision, he saw only two persons, not three. The Bible says: “He, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand.” (:​55) The holy spirit was God’s power in action, enabling Stephen to see the vision.

Historic Christianity teaches that he is a separate person of the Trinity and not just a life force or God’s energy.

Billy Graham

Q:

Is the Holy Spirit a person or a force?

A:

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit has all the attributes of personality and is not merely an impersonal force. In John chapters 14, 15, and 16, for example, Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as “He”. Jesus also referred to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or the Counselor ( and 15:26). This title conveys the ideas of advising, exhorting, comforting, strengthening, interceding, and encouraging.

In addition, the Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is God Himself. In man who lied to the Holy Spirit is said to have lied to God. The Holy Spirit is also described in the Bible as having the characteristics of God and doing God’s work. He convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment () and gives new life to those who trust in Jesus ().

That He is the third Person of the Holy Trinity is made clear by His inclusion with the Father and the Son in such Bible passages as . Here the apostles are commanded to baptize those who receive the Gospel “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon people, anointing them for a specific task or purpose (; ). In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells within all believers (), assures them that they are children of God (), enables them to live the Christian life (, ), and gifts them for Christian service (1 Corinthians, chapter 12).

Jesus certainly refers to him as a separate person. What does he call him in our text? The Advocate. What does this mean?

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 35.16 παράκλητος, ου

35.16 παράκλητοςb, ου m: (derivative of παρακαλέω ‘to call upon to provide help,’ not occurring in this specific sense in the NT) one who may be called upon to provide help or assistance—‘helper

Several weeks ago we had noted how the Holy Spirit would remind the disciples of all that Jesus and taught them and guide them in all truth when they in turn would teach others. Our emphasis today is that the Holy Spirit . . .

Several weeks ago we had noted how the Holy Spirit would remind the disciples of all that Jesus and taught them and guide them in all truth when they in turn would teach others. Our emphasis today is that the Holy Spirit . . .

Testifies about Jesus.

In certain cases we depend on evidence to determine what really happened. The accused swears up and down that “He didn’t do it.” The victim is unable to say what happened because they were knocked out or killed. We depend on evidence to unveil the truth of what happened. Some of the most popular TV shows deal with Crime Scene Investigations and how they use such evidence to determine the truth. Another important source of information is the testimony of witnesses. Those who were there who saw and heard what happened. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would testify about Jesus as his apostles proclaimed the gospel.

Jesus describes him as the Spirit of truth (descriptive genitive). He gives accurate and true evidence about what happens.

Even so, not everyone will agree.

The New International Version Chapter 14

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

We can’t keep people from not believing. We can’t even believe ourselves by our own reason or strength. We depend on the Holy Spirit to convict us in our faith so we do believe.

1 John 4:1–6 NIV

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

We can trust that the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles as he testified to them. They in turn testified (witnessed) to others about Jesus. We see this happen at Pentecost. The book of Acts continues this theme for thirty years.

Empowers us to testify about Jesus.

As modern day witnesses, we also have the privilege and responsibility of witnessing to others about Jesus. We may have strong opinions about many things (politics, products, services, community issues) and we are encouraged to give feedback and let our opinions be known. But in some cases those are only our opinions (informed or not). We can be thankful we are not oppressed and have the freedom to voice them. We also have the freedom to express our faith. This is what “Freedom of Religion” includes. Even without such freedom, we would be compelled to testify to the truth.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Ephesians 6:18–20 NIV

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

1 Peter 3:13–16 NIV

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Specific Sin.

Teaches us what to say.

We know this is what we are to be doing. But we must admit that at times we shy away from or avoid our responsibility and are not bold to do so. We may be afraid or just good at rationalizing why now is not the time.

Gives us the boldness (courage, spirit) to testify.

Well, if anyone had a reason to keep quiet and not be witnesses it was the apostles in Jerusalem on Pentecost. Their leader had just been executed and they were in the stronghold of their enemies vastly outnumbered. They could have remained behind locked doors or fled the city. But what did they do? They listened to Jesus and waited for the Holy Spirit who came on them powerfully and empowered them to testify.

Not long after this, persecution began against the apostles and the fledgling church was afraid. They were tempted to not be witnesses. But they did what Jesus had taught. (NIV)

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Acts 4:29–33 NIV

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all

The Holy Spirit may have come on his people with tongues of fire and the sound of a mighty rushing wind only once. But since then he has continued to come on God’s people to bring them to faith and to empower them to live for Jesus. That same Spirit continues to come to us today in Word and Sacrament to empower us. Amen.