Receive The Holy Spirit

John 20:19-23

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter, Graduation Day! Yes, we have been reflecting on the Resurrection for 50 days and now it's time to open the doors and let its power, through the Holy Spirit, enable us to bring the Good News which we have been contemplating and digesting, and share it with others as we see that Peter did after receiving the Holy Spirit. (see Acts 2: 1-11). This is our mission as Christians and it is needed more than ever in these days or turmoil, violence, confusion, and emptiness.   The Pandemic took its toll on Church attendance, but encouraged many to worship from home via the internet. Now, as restrictions retreat, it's time to come out of the safety of our homes and fill our churches, as well as the "market place" with the message of peace, forgiveness and the life-giving words and example of Jesus.  As he chose the Apostles and gave the the Holy Spirit, so he has done for us. 

Bro. Rene