Welcome The Word

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18, CSB)

Welcome God’s Spirit and the people God calls to hear His Word.

Question: What do you know, or have you learned about the triune nature of God? Do you know that God was three in one? How do you process that? 
 While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.” (Acts 1:4–5, CSB)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever. (John 14:16, CSB)

Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them.
 (Acts 2:2-3, CSB)

Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4, CSB) 

…we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” 12 They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.” (Acts 2:11–13, CSB)

Crowd reactions to the Holy Spirit: Shock, Mock, and Awe.

When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” (Acts 2:37, CSB)

When God’s Holy Spirit is working in you, God will work through you. 
When God is working through you, God is working AROUND you.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38, CSB)

The Spirit did the amazing in the people through the disciples. He will do the amazing through everyone who welcomes Him into their life.

Question: Have you experienced God’s presence in your life? If you haven’t how do you think it would look? How would you see God in action? 

What it means for:
Apprentice followers of Jesus
The spirit will empower you.
The Spirit will lead your.
But the Spirit will not lead you to sin, lead you to isolate, or put God’s agenda second to your preferences.

And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30, CSB)

The community beyond the church
The Spirit will convict you.
The Spirit will call you.  

For the world, 
The Spirit works in and through the Church to bring Hope, Healing, and Wholeness.

God’s power working in and through God’s people heals.

So he answered me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Armies. 
 (Zechariah 4:6, CSB)

Welcome God’s Spirit and the people God calls to hear His Word.

Reflection 
Am I willing to welcome the Holy Spirit’s presence into my life?
Am I willing to welcome the people, any people, the Holy Spirit calls?