May 30, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for May 30th: Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-35, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27,16:4-15; theme: Pentecost, Song: O Spirit of the Living God UMH 539 John: We know that the red flame on the cross and flame stands for the Holy Spirit. But, beyond that many United Methodist do not have any idea of what the Holy Spirit does. Pentecost Sunday is a perfect time to think about the Holy Spirit. John promises that when Jesus is not with us, a companion will come to guide us. Much of the gospel in the last few weeks has been Jesus prayer for his disciples when he is no longer with them. He is concerned that the mission continues. Last week Jesus prayed directly to the Father. Today, He prays that the spirit of truth will take his lead and continue to guide the disciples in carrying out the mission of the church. Romans: Pentecost is both a beginning and an ending. During Pentecost a lot of things will fall into place and a lot of things will fall apart. Change is hard - it is not a time of peace, it is a time of uneasiness. Paul probably has an understanding of our time when he says that all of creation is groaning in labor pains. We are all wondering what the future will bring. As we look to the future, it is important to also look for the voice of the Holy Spirit. Paul says that as we are moving forward that we should look in our lives and in nature to see what the spirit is telling us. Jesus says that we should get our comfort in the spirit, not in the events that are going on around us. The spring will reveal itself and live in a beautiful summer. Questions: What does the Holy Spirit mean to you? Have you ever had a time in life where you knew that the spirit moved you? What do you think the future holds for the church? How do we know that the Spirit is leading us? are we willing to follow?