Rev. Franke's Theme Thoughts

The Day of Pentecost, Series B May 27, 2012

Lessons for The Day of Pentecost

Ezekiel 37:1-14 ~ In Ezekiel’s vision, the Spirit of the Lord breathed new life into the dead hopes of Israel.

Psalm 139:1–12 (13–16) (Antiphon: Psalm 139:17)

Acts 2:1–21 ~ The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak the Gospel to people of many languages.

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15 ~ The Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus and empowers our witness to the truth.

GATHERING THE TEXTS: Celebrate the Power of God's Life in Jesus.

The Jewish exiles in Babylon had given up hope of returning to Jerusalem, but Ezekiel proclaimed that God's renewing, life-restoring Spirit would give life to their dead hopes. Jesus promised to send the Spirit to bear witness to the truth in convicting the world of sin and restoring the sinner to righteousness through Christ. On the first Christian Pentecost the apostles joyfully proclaimed the new life God had accomplished through Jesus, speaking in languages the Holy Spirit gave them. We rejoice in God's renewing power in our lives even today

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Thanks and praise to you, O Lord, for the new life of the Spirit you have given to me and all believers in Christ Jesus. Give me power to share the joy of your gift of salvation with everyone I meet. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit breathes new life even into our gifts as we use the goods of this world in ways that bring glory to God and sinners into His kingdom.

OFFERING PRAYER: Lord, when our offerings become like dried bones, parched by our grudging giving, breathe Lessons for The Day of Pentecost upon them with Your Spirit that they may come to life and be used to build You kingdom through powerful words and deeds. Amen.

CONVICTION AND COMFORT: Left on our own we are overwhelmed by the task of telling people about God’s redemptive action in Christ Jesus; we are like dry bones in the valleys of Israel. But God’s new life in us, stirred by the power of the Spirit, leads us into the truth of his promises and empowers us to give faithful witness to God’s all-abiding love in overcoming the power of death in us through Jesus our Savior.