Month: May 2020

Posted by Doug Olson on Sunday, May 31, 2020

Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Acts 2:1-21

A violent wind, tongues of fire – it sounds a little frightening, but God has sent the gift of knowledge and energy to those assembled there. They are no longer afraid and they praise God in the languages of many different people. The coming of the Holy Spirit signals a new chapter in the disciples’ story.

I often refer to Peter as the “poster boy” for us as Christians because we share so many qualities. He can be understanding and irritating, strong and timid, faithful and fearful just as we are. As Jesus predicted, Peter denied Him just after the arrest, but now Peter stands boldly before the crowd, proclaiming Christ the risen Savior.

We need to understand there will be times we are weak and we need to turn to the Holy Spirit to guide and renew us. Jesus promised His presence would be with us in whatever we face. We only need to ask Him for help and count on His love to sustain us.

Gracious God, we live in trying times and we search for answers to the issues that confront us. Help us to see each other as brothers and sisters, Your beloved children, each filled with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.

I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below,
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood
    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 2:19-21

Peter uses a teaching tool that Jesus used often. He quotes from a scripture passage that the people would be familiar with to focus them, then moves into what he wants them to hear. This reading from the prophet Joel speaks of the end times and that by calling on the Lord, we may be saved.

Peter has been inspired by the Holy Spirit and he remembers how the teachings of Jesus reached the people. He is beginning to fulfil his role as a leader of the faith community and the voice of the disciples. Even though he earlier ran from his relationship with Christ, he has been forgiven, renewed and now serves the risen Savior by sharing the Gospel.

Even if we have failed before, Jesus is willing to pick us up, comfort us and send us out again to do His work in the world. “Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer” the old hymn teaches. When we pray to be forgiven, we can be made whole and still be part of the plan God has for creation.

Gracious God, we are frail and prone to failure. Help us to seek Your mercy when we fall, that we may return to Your service, bringing the Good News to everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Acts 2:14-18

Peter demonstrates the courage the Holy Spirit has provided by standing to speak to the people. Before, he had been timid, afraid to even admit he knew Jesus, but now he boldly testifies to the crowd. This is the power the Holy Spirit gives us.

Just like Peter, we can be bold for Christ. The Holy Spirit is given to all of us and different gifts to be able to reach others. It is up to each of us to ensure those gifts are used for the good of the kingdom.

Perhaps we aren’t called to speak to a large, diverse group as Peter was, but we are charged with sharing the Good News, to let the world know who Jesus is and what He has done for us. As the disciples of today, we are responsible for spreading the Gospel. Those we tell our story to have the opportunity to accept Christ and know the joy of a relationship with God through Him.

Loving Lord, thank You for the blessing of the Holy Spirit who comes to strengthen us. May we be confident in all we do in Your name. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.

“Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Acts 2:8-13

The crowd that heard the disciples speak were confused by hearing testimony in their own languages. The list contained here covered most of the civilized world, indicating the huge and diverse territory in which Jesus called them to minister. There were supporters and detractors in the crowd, as there had been when Jesus taught.

The Holy Spirit provided them this gift to attract attention initially so that those gathered might hear their testimony and carry it back to their own countries to begin the work. They likely started their story with “I heard a bunch of Galileans speaking different languages while I was in Jerusalem.” “Really, what did they say?” “They were declaring the wonders of God!” and that would lead to discussion of the story of Jesus they had heard.

It still works that way today. The Holy Spirit inspires us to share our experience of Jesus with others. You don’t have to have a pulpit, a radio show or an internet page, although the Word can be shared in these ways. All Jesus asks is that we share the Good News of salvation in the ways available to us. It may be a simple “God loves you!” offered in passing or how we show His love in stressful situations. Witness can take many forms, and we must be aware of our opportunities to share.

Gracious God, we thank you for the chance to tell the story of our relationship with You to others. Help us to be good stewards of Your love and teach others as Jesus taught us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?
Acts 2:5-7

One of the marvelous things Jesus did was to gather a group of ordinary people to be His closest followers. He didn’t choose celebrities, powerful government officials or military heroes, all were relatively unknown. However, when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they were able to speak in the various languages of all those assembled in Jerusalem for the festival.

People were amazed at this – “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?” (v. 7). The crowd supposed that due to the disciples’ background it was unlikely they were well educated and well travelled. In this case, their lack of sophistication and social standing made the gift of the Holy Spirit even more amazing, and that was God’s plan all along.

God can use any person to fulfill His purpose, no matter what their profession or position. The only characteristic God cares about is our faith and love. The gifts of the spirit are given to all, and all are called to share those gifts.

Loving Lord, let us be responsive and responsible disciples, ready to go into the world to share the Good News. May we use the gifts You have given well for the benefit of all creation. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4

God has provided us opportunities to be His witnesses in the world. Jesus came to Jerusalem during Passover that many gathered might hear His story and see how He was obedient, even to death. Now God provides the disciples such a chance at the celebration of Pentecost, the Hebrew festival of early harvest.

God sends the Holy Spirit and enables the disciples to speak the various languages of those gathered in Jerusalem. Not only do the people witness a miracle but they hear the disciples testifying to God’s love and care for us. It causes many to stop what they are doing and listen.

The appearance of the Corona virus over past months has caused many of us to stop what we have been doing regularly. While we have been concerned for the health of our families and friends, we have been given an opportunity to stop and listen, to hear that God still loves and cares for us, and wants to be part of our lives every day. May we continue to hear His call and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us as we return to our activities, blessed to be a blessing to each other.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your care over us during difficult times. Help us to be stronger as we go forward, knowing and sharing Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Acts 2:1-21

Just as Jesus promised, the disciples felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and the energy it brought to them. Suddenly they all began to speak in different languages and foreign visitors understood them. The Holy Spirit indicated to them right away what was to be their mission.

Jesus wanted His disciples to see that they had been called to go to all the world, as evidenced by the variety of visitors to Jerusalem for the Pentecost celebration. They saw that the testimony they would share could bring diverse groups of people with different customs and societies together under the rule of Christ. His message could unite the world.

As always, there were those who disagreed and didn’t believe. Peter makes up for His previous denial of Jesus with a vigorous and well spoken defense of their faith, setting the stage and the standard for all the stories of Jesus to come. The Holy Spirit calls us all to share our faith and let the world know how much Jesus loves us.

Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of our risen Savior and the Holy Spirit as Your presence with and within us. Make us strong in our faith and bless us to go to the world with our testimony. Amen.

Posted by Doug Olson on Sunday, May 24, 2020

Our scripture this week is John 17:1-11.

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
John 17:1-11

Jesus is ready for the next step of His work, but now He prays for the disciples, asking God to protect and guide them. He was fully aware of what He was called to do, but even so, Jesus prayed for us. He wanted to be sure we were on the right path as He prepared to leave us.

Jesus commends His followers to the Father, that His word has been accepted and understood. He gives them back to God as God gave them to Him. His love for us is so great that as He faces His own death, He prays for us.

May our love for Him be such, that even in times of stress and grief, we pray to the Father for each other, for that is His command to us – “Love one another” (John 13:34). The connection we have is our greatest gift. Nothing is as important to Him as our love for God and each other.

Loving Lord, we often fail to use the gifts we have been given and forget they are not really for us, but for Your creation. Help us to live out the blessing You give, the connection for which Jesus prayed. Amen.