pentecost-2009

Acts 2:1-21

Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection, at the Feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, causing them to proclaim the wonders of God in the languages of the many nations gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast and prompting the people to ask, “What does this mean?”  The outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfills God’s promise to write the Law upon the hearts of His people, makes us witnesses to Jesus, and empowers us to meet the needs of others.

 may-24-2009

John 17:6-19

In this first half of Jesus’ High Priestly prayer, we catch a part of Jesus’ incredible vision for the Church:  we are sent to be His presence in the world even as we remain untainted by the world.  As we engage this mission, we have protection and unity as we remain united to Jesus.

may-17-2009

John 15:9-17

Jesus gives very clear directions to His disciples: He will fill them with joy as they abide in Him by obeying His commands.  In particular, this passage highlights the command to love one another as He loves us.  The Church calls us, then, to love our neighbor as we put one another first, engage in Ministry in the Church, and extend Christ’s love to the community through Mission.

may-10-2009

Acts 8: 26-40

In the account of Philip meeting the Ethiopian Eunuch, we find three powerful insights for how we are to share our faith.  We must have Open Hearts, Open Eyes & Ears, and Open Mouths - in that order!

 may-3-2009

John 10:1-18

This is one of the most beloved passages of the New Testament for many Christians as Jesus describes Himself as The Good Shepherd.  Far from being a sentimental image, though, Jesus is describing Himself as the True Shepherd of God’s people, as opposed to the false shepherds who care nothing for the sheep.  As we explore this passage, we find, among other things, the challenge to listen only to the voice of Jesus as we flee from all other voices.  The question is, though, how do we do that?