The Helper

I've been thinking a lot about what it takes to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Sometimes I think we make it too complicated. So let me write about the Holy Spirit today.  

It was an eventful Thursday night. Jesus had washed His disciple's feet. They had eaten the Passover meal together. Jesus told them two things. One was that He would be going away to a place they could not follow, which alarmed them greatly. The other was to give them a new commandment to love one another as I have loved you.   

Then Jesus gave His What? You're really leaving us? disciples many words of encouragement. Part of what He said was, 

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 ESV  

These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:25-27 ESV    

Jesus said the Holy Spirit will not only be with us, He will actually dwell inside of us. He will teach and guide us. He will convict us of sin. He will work in and around us for good. He will remind us of God's wonderful love and care.   

When we embrace the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will see some outstanding results. We will wake up. We will love one another as Jesus commanded. We will be convicted of sin and repent. We will not be Christians in name only. We will be fully devoted followers of Jesus.    

Non-believers will experience something when we become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Suddenly the light we shine will be attractive as we seize the opportunities to share with our co-workers, our neighbors, and our families. Unconnected people become curious about our lives. We make the most of the moments we have with people.   

Are you letting the Helper do His work in your life?   

Please plan to join us on Sunday as we continue in our Cost series as we head toward Easter. See you in person or online at 9:00 or 10:40 am.   

Grace & Peace

Pastor Tom