Spirit Led Children

Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17

On Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the birthday of the church. Since birthdays are known for having gifts, God gave Christians the gift of the Holy Spirit. In our Acts account we see the miracle of everyone hearing the message in their own language. This shows that the “Good News” is for every nation. It just came to me that God talks to people all over the world in their own language.

This pouring out of the Spirit fulfills what was prophesied by the prophet Joel that God will pour out the Holy Spirit on all flesh – even if you are slaves and, on both men, and women.

Our Roman passage confirms that those led by the Spirit are children of God. They are not slaves who are ruled by fear but adopted children into a life of love. When we make mistakes, we need not fear, we just confess our sin and God will forgive us. This gift of the Holy Spirit gives us the power to love everyone- even those we consider unlovable. The Spirit gives us comfort during our rough times of suffering. It even says in our Roman’s passage that if we suffer with Christ, we will also be glorified – honored with him on earth and in heaven. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to endure hardship – to make it through reminding us of the times in the past God has pulled us through. The Spirit will also teach us the things we have learned and how we have grown because of the suffering.

If we are God’s children, we are joint heirs with Christ our brother and will inherit eternal life. Thank God our Father for this wonderful gift. Amen

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