Pastor John Granchie.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

In the Book of Acts Chapter 1:8 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Just prior to his ascension, Jesus spoke these words of promise, assuring his followers of his enduring presence with us through the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is the day we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

As the disciples gathered together in one place a rush of wind swept over them and what looked like tongues of fire rested upon them. Devout Jews from all nations were in Jerusalem, and each heard testimony about God’s deeds of power in their own language. They were amazed! Then Peter raised his voice, preaching a powerful sermon and 3,000 members were added to the church that first day of Pentecost. The Spirit of The Lord! He said, would be poured out on all people!

Peter bore witness to Christ’s resurrection: “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this” (Acts 2:32) “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” (Acts 2:36) We too have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit when we put our faith and trust in the Lord, and this is cause for both thanksgiving and celebration.

The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in the world and within individual believers and as 1 John 4:4 states, “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. The Spirit is “everywhere the giver and transformer of life.” The Spirit guides us into all truth, and that truth is Jesus Christ. We are able to grow in knowledge of and intimacy with God through the power of the Holy Spirit as He guides us, supports us, sustains us, inspires us, and gives us hope and peace in a world full of wickedness.

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Advocate and our Counselor. The Holy Spirit comes alongside us, transforming us into the image of Christ so we do not have to look for a new earthly identity. He is always guiding us gently and patiently toward our true home in Christ. The Spirit teaches us to pray and intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray. So, it is through the Holy Spirit and His teachings and guiding power that we are sealed and confirmed until the day of redemption, complete and free from the corruption of sin and the grave. Thank God for this precious gift–the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives!

John Granchie is Pastor of Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook.