Empowered by the Spirit

This coming Sunday I will be honored to confirm three students. They have completed a two year program in studying the basics of the Christian faith. They have also done service to the church by being acolytes.

The Rite of Confirmation is really an affirmation of their baptism. When they were baptized, their sponsors spoke on their behalf; now, they will individualy make public profession of their faith. They will be able to do so because of the work of the Holy Spirit in each of them that was begun from the time of their baptism.

This Sunday, which is Pentecost, we acknowledge the coming of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit did not come in a whisper. Rather, on that festival day there was the rush of a mighty wind and tongues of fire appeared on the heads of those disciples. The presence of fire was a reminder of God's presence (think of the Pillar of Fire leading Israel and Moses experiencing God in the burning bush).

The Spirit came as an explosive force. The book of Acts tells us that the apostle Peter spoke on that day and 3,000 folks came to faith. The church was jump-started by the Spirit's presence.

The confirmands will be affirming the work of the Spirit in their lives by their statement of faith. They will be reminded that not only does the Holy Spirit empower them to speak boldly for Christ, but that the Spirit has laid upon them at least one gift. They have something to give to the congregation as well as to the world at large. My message on Sunday will have them see how they are empowered by the Spirit.

Can you think back to your own confirmation? Was it on Pentecost? Are we using our young people enough in the work of the church and service to the world?

The Testimony concerning Eternal Life

We come now to my last sermon in this series as we have gone through 1 John. My focus will be on what the apostle John says regarding eternal life. He wrote: "And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12)

The word 'life' as used here does not refer to physical life, but to God's life that has been poured into us through faith in Jesus. We can see death all around us, but Jesus' life brings us to a higher level.

Have you ever thought about the richness of the life that Jesus brings? It was to make us new beings, to make us whole, to bring us into a relationship with God. We live in world that is searching for happiness through material things and success. Now, John comes along and says that we have life in Jesus.

Now, try thinking of eternity. Can you fathom it at all? You have been so loved and desired beyond measure that God was willing to bring you into the household for eternity. Eternal life is not something far off in the future or that comes after our passing, but it is a reality here and now for us.

I believe this statement about eternal life is a fitting ending where John in his introduction to this letter was writing that "our joy may be complete." There can be no greater joy that to know that you are saved for all eternity.

Have you thought very much about the fact that eternal life is part of your existence right now? How else might you comprehend the richness of what John means in the word "life?"

A Conquering Faith

As I continue in the sermon series on 1 John, I will be preaching on 1 John 5:1-6 on Sunday, May 17. While the apostle John has been writing so much about love, and continues to do so, he also brings in the importance of faith.

John wrote: "This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" vs. 4-5.

Our faith conquering the world? To understand this statement, we must realize that for John the "world" means all that is hostile to God. Faith in Christ conquers all of these forces because of Jesus' victory over the grave. The early Christians would know of persecution. Even today, we know how much the church has become marginalized.

What John is indicating is that this faith of ours is not general nor nebulous. It centers on the fact of knowing that Jesus is the Son of God. That makes all the difference. No earthly power can overcome Jesus' reign and rule today. We as believers can live in the ultimate power of our faith.

Do you feel the power of your faith in your life? Do you feel like you could take on the world with what you believe?

No Fear in Love

It's amazing how strong the theme of love cuts through the entire letter of 1 John. It perhaps should not seem so strange when we consider that the author was known as the "beloved disciple." He was part of the inner circle and must have had a special place in Jesus' heart. When Jesus was on the cross, he committed his mother to John's care.

What aspect of love do we find in 1 John 4:7-21, the text for this Sunday? It's all about having a fearless love. John wrote: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear..."

Our love can be held back because we live with fear. We might resist helping someone in need because we fear the stranger. We might fear the response we will get if we do extend the hand of fellowship.

John reminds us that God is love. I have not found any place in the Bible where it says that 'God is hate.' Rather, it is comforting to know that at the core of God's being is love. It is God's love that sent his Son to die for our sins.

Jesus exemplified the love of God by what he did in caring for people. He was fearless in trying to reach the outcasts and those who were despised in his day. He did not hold back in showing God's love to others.

As we are fearless in loving others in a genuine way, God lives in us. With God's help we can display an extraordinary love that reaches deep into the lives of others.

Is God's fearless love entrenched in your life? Have you ever had a time when you were paralyzed by fear that kept you from loving another person?