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“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV
Wear RED this Sunday! Pentecost Sunday is a major Christian holiday that takes place 50 days after Easter and is known as the "Birthday of the Church." This Sunday, we will commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus,empowering them to begin their public ministry.
We read about it in Acts 2, when Jesus’ followers were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Shavuot. Suddenly, a sound like a violent wind filled the room, and what appeared to be "tongues of fire" rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking indifferent languages, allowing them to share the Gospel with people from all nations who were visiting the city.
That was then, but what does the Holy Spirit mean for us today? Lutheran pastors love to quote the Luther’s Small Catechism and the meaning of the third article of the Apostles’ Creed (“I believe in the Holy Spirit…”) where it talks about what the Holy Spirit does, he writes:
What does this mean?
“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His GIFTS, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith…”
So what are the gifts of the Holy Spirit? They are different from the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23. I’ve seen various lists of gifts – at least 22! Our passage this Sunday from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 12 lists at least nine – words of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues.
This Sunday we’re going to talk about some of those gifts, what they are and why the Holy Spirit gives them to us in differing amounts. While I’m a bit cautious about recommending something like this online, I’d encourage you to take a free Spiritual Gifts Test before worship on Sunday. It will help prepare you for what we’ll be talking about, and hopefully you will get more out of it.
I tried out several tests, but the one I liked the best was giftstest.com. You will need to sign up to get your results. An important disclaimer: these tests are highly subjective, may be more like a personality assessment, and should not limit how you serve. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the common good, for serving and building up the body of Christ (the Church). Go ahead a check it out if you are curious.
This is also Memorial Day weekend. Monday’s holiday is a solemn time to honor and mourn the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. We give thanks to those how have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, visit cemeteries, decorating them with flags and flowers. Join us for a special BBQ lunch after worship as we fellowship together with The Light, WPB.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Happy Memorial Day weekend! Please join us for a special Memorial Day BBQ lunch together with The Light WPB, following worship this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall and courtyards.
- Would you like an Anniversary T-shirt or Polo? How about special souvenir pens,stickers, or hats? Or a color program from the afternoon? All are still available from the office.
- We’re looking for volunteers to help with Vacation Bible School this spring. Mark your calendars for June 15-19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Our theme this year is: “True North”, where the kids will have an unforgettable Alaskan adventure! Registration will begin soon for4-&5-year-olds and elementary youth.
