Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Sunday, May 19th, is the Feast of Pentecost celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Lord’s Church as recorded in Acts chapter 2. It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the “half-known God” because the Church so often preaches and teaches so infrequently about the Holy Spirit!
We pray to our Heavenly Father constantly when we pray, “Our Father…” and in the Lutheran confession we emphasize (and properly so) our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. But what about the third-person of the Holy Trinity?
He is indeed Almighty God (Acts 5:3-4); and He is put forth as our great Comforter and Counselor (John 14:16 & 25). By Him we confess that Jesus is Lord (1st Cor. 12:3b) and He Himself intercedes for us (Romans 8:26).
Luther’s Small Catechism teaches powerfully about the Holy Spirit’s ministry in our lives.
First the third article of the Creed:
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Secondly, the actual explanation. Notice the powerful teaching on the Holy Spirit:
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. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.
The personal pronoun “He” = The Holy Spirit! Wow! Praise the Lord for this amazing work of God the Holy Spirit!
Come receive Christ’s Word and Sacraments this Sunday. The Revelation series is over! It is now time to move on to a new part in God’s Holy Word. This time to further equip us on the indispensable ministry of the Holy Spirit!
You will also — as always — receive Jesus directly through His precious Sacrament, His true body and true blood for the forgiveness of all your sins. This Sacrament is what directly strengthens you through the ongoing battle against your flesh, the world, and the evil one.
Invite a friend and let’s spread the Word about Saint Paul’s!
In Your Service and To Christ’s Glory,
Pastor Espinosa
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