Book: John 14:23-31

The Savior Promises Help

By James Wiese on May 17, 2024

The Day of Pentecost                                                        May 19, 2024 

Text:  John 14:25-27 (23-31)       Historic Series                             24:2446

Theme:      “The Blessings of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit”

Christmas, Easter, Pentecost – which celebration do people like the most?  All are important; all are enjoyed, all are most festive. Which do you think people like the most?
My guess would be Christmas. For weeks ahead of its celebration, people are getting ready for it.  However, that for which they prepare is mostly secular.  Then, for one night, one service on Christmas Eve, maybe a second Christmas morning, they enjoy what Christmas is – the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  But then, just as quickly, the next day we go back to the secular celebration.
Easter is nice.  But it, too, has many secular attractions added to it that people like. There are multiple Easter egg hunts for kids, the choosing of new, bright clothing to mark a celebration and a warmer spring’s arrival, the planting of flowers, then an hour of worship at church, and a return to secular enjoyments of the season.
That brings us to Pentecost. How many joyfully celebrate today? I’m not aware of anyone involved in weeks of preparation for Pentecost. Even on the day it is observed, churches are certainly not filled with people as they are at Christmas or Easter.  I would even suggest that many are not even aware that today is the Day of Pentecost. That is ironic.  Why do I say that?
Because of the high Church festivals, it could be argued that Pentecost crowns them all.  It is certainly most important to you because it marks the Spirit’s coming that brings the eternal gifts of all the other festivals to you and makes their blessings your own by faith.  Without the Spirit’s outpouring on the Church to teach, comfort, and guide us, even Christmas and Easter would have little eternal significance. The Spirit makes it happen within us. His blessings, which were poured out in a special way on Pentecost, are priceless for your present and eternal welfare.
I.  Who Is the Holy Spirit? (He is a Person of the Trinity.)
In order to appreciate these blessings all the more, let’s consider some questions.  First – Who is the Holy Spirit?  It’s not as silly a question as you might at first be tempted to think.
Almost 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul asked some new believers in the city of Ephesus, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Do you know what they said?  They replied, “We have not even heard that the Holy Spirit was given” (Ac.19:2).  How is it that believers did not know of the Spirit being given?
But I’m not sure that is so unusual. Even today I would think that the Holy Spirit is the least known and understood person of the Triune Godhead. We can relate a little bit more to the concept of a Father and a Son, but a Spirit? Do people understand Him?  But there is no reason for ignorance about the Holy Spirit since the Bible has much to say about Him.
It tells us that the Spirit is a person and speaks of Him as a person, not as some type of impersonal force, ethereal energy, or strange influence on the universe around us. He is a person who comes to us, stands by us, teaches us, comforts us, counsels us, guides us, and helps us.  That is everything a person does.
Imagine that you are hurt or in an accident or people have harmed you, and I come to comfort you, help you, or guide you through the situation. I come to you as a person, not an energy force. That couldn’t help or do things for your benefit.  Likewise, God the Holy Spirit is a true person who comes to you. Without a body? Yes.  He is a spirit.  Nevertheless, He is a person.
But He is no ordinary person either for He is God.  The Bible calls Him God (Ac.5:3-5). As such He is divine, immortal, eternal, all-knowing, ever present, and He performs the works that only God can do.  He is distinct from the Father and the Son in His person, yet equal to them and one with them in essence, power, and majesty as Jesus indicated when He told His disciples to baptize equally in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  He is the divine person whom the Savior promised and sent to His disciples for the benefit of all believers on that first N.T. Pentecost Day.  What a gift to us!
II.  But no less remarkable than Who He Is is What The Holy Spirit Does – His work.
According to our text, the work of the Holy Spirit was to teach the disciples all things and remind them of everything Jesus told them. Consider how important that was for the disciples, who were so confused at this time about what was taking place with Jesus.
Jesus said that He was leaving them; He would be crucified, but He would rise again to life; He would go back to the Father and they would no longer see Him; but He would rule over everything for their good. It must have made their heads swim.
Besides that, think of everything Jesus had been telling them for three years. They were to pass that on to us. Can you remember everything that you have heard and which has taken place with you over the past 3 years, in every detail?  No human being could ever remember everything said and done by Jesus. They needed help in recalling all and putting it together for us. Their remembrances would have vital significance for all people who followed them.
This is partly that which is involved in verbal inspiration. The Holy Spirit taught, guided, and recalled for the disciples, word for word, everything that the Savior said and did for us. For example, when Jesus’ triumphant cry pierced the darkness of Calvary saying, “It is finished,” Jesus wanted the world to know that He had made perfect payment for all sin. Later, the Apostle John, who was there at Jesus’ death, wrote under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins; and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1Jn.2:2). That was the Holy Spirit at work in John so that you understand what Jesus did for you. Make no mistake about it or have any doubts. God has forgiven you everything that you have done against Him, for Jesus’ sake.
Again, the Bible says, “God would have all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Tm.2:4). That was the the Holy Spirit at work within Paul guiding him to say that for your assurance!  God wants all, including you, to be saved.
Again, the Bible says, “No one can say that Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.” (1Co.12:3). Only the Holy Spirit shatters the unbelief and sinful pride that is in us by nature and brings us to faith. The Bible is clear with the Spirit is at work.
Friends, you are redeemed Christians, confident of forgiveness and certain of life with God above because of What the Holy Spirit Did in bringing you to faith, comforting, guiding, counseling, teaching, helping you to understand, like He did with the disciples, and actually did through them for you.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised and sent to the Christian Church on that first N.T. Pentecost Day.  What a gift to us!
III. But there is more.  How Does This Affect Us when the Holy Spirit goes to work to remind us of all that Jesus said and did?
In our lesson, after Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples, He said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you,  not as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Peace – millions of hearts yearn for it. Many proclaim it. But earthly peace doesn’t last long. Soon wars, fighting, and disturbances arise anew to shatter it.  But there is a peace above all earthly peace that is never shattered, even in the midst of turmoil.
It is the peace of Christ that lies within through sins forgiven and life with God restored. It is a peace that the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised and sent as “another Counselor”, instills within our hearts. Although outwardly things can be troubling, inwardly rest and peace with God remain. Paul writes, “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.  And we rejoice confidently in the hope of the glory of God” (Ro.5:1f). That faith, joy, confidence, and hope is the working of the Holy Spirit within you. It affects you so that your heart is not troubled or afraid even though outwardly things are amess.
Perhaps the closest comparison that we find to describe this peace worked within by the Spirit is found in the unbroken tranquility that reigns in the deepest caverns of the sea, far, far below the surface.  There the seashells lie undisturbed, and the billowing waves on the surface do not reach them. Deep within all is perfectly calm and nothing ruffles the tranquility. Such is the peace of Christ, which the Holy Spirit gives, that affects the heart.
God grant us such divine peace this day, Pentecost, as we recall the Spirit’s person, work, and affect within us. In many ways this festival crowns all others. God grant it to us in faith for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield

4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)

Church phone: 417.887.0886   Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244 

www.zionluthchurch.com

 

The Day of Pentecost       May 19, 2024

“The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and remind you of everything.”  Jn.14:26 

Welcome:  The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today.  We encourage children to worship with us.  However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary.  The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.  Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary.  We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.

U p o n    E n t e r i n g    G o d’ s    H o u s e

“Create in me a pure heart, O God.  Renew an unwavering spirit within me.  Do not cast me from Your presence.  Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. But restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me” (Psalm 51).

W h a t    T h i s    S u n d a y    i s    A b o u t

I Will Pour Out My Spirit On You.     We celebrate the Festival of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity.  Through faith He dwells within all Christians, granting peace through the Word.

When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the first New Testament Pentecost, it was in fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send another Counselor (the “Paraclete”) to guide them.  He would remind the disciples of all that Jesus had told them.  With the Spirit’s coming, they would be strengthened in faith and quieted in spirit to boldly go out, confessing Jesus’ name.

In a similar way we pray that the Holy Spirit would work in us, as promised, to be our special Counselor, Comforter, Helper, and Friend, guiding us in the way of God’s truth.  Then we shall enjoy the peace that only He can bring and will be enabled to boldly confess Jesus’ name.

To that end we pray: O God, You taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit.  Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and to evermore rejoice in His holy comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

T h e   W o r d   o f   G o d   f o r   T o d a y

(The Lessons of the Day are from the Historic Pericope Series of the Christian Church.)

The Old Testament Lesson:  Joel 2:28-32

After calling His people to repentance, the Lord promised to restore and bless them by pouring out the Holy Spirit upon them in a special way before the Last Day would come.

The Epistle Lesson:  Acts 2:1-11

The historic account of the New Testament Day of Pentecost took place ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven.  The Holy Spirit was poured upon the disciples in a special way, enabling them to go out to Jerusalem and preach the Gospel to people with many languages, coming from various nations of the world to celebrate the Old Testament festival.

The Gospel Lesson: John 14:23-31 

On the night before He was crucified, Jesus spoke to His disciples in the clearest way about the Holy Spirit’s coming and His work in their lives.  All that Christians are and have as blessings come from Him, the Spirit of Light, who guides us in love and fills us with divine peace.

O u r   P r a c t i c e   o f   H o l y   C o m m u n i o n

Out of deep love for the truth of God’s Word and precious souls, we follow the practice of Close Communion in our congregation.  This has been the practice of Christians for centuries and reflects the Bible’s teaching on unity of faith in the reception of the Supper (1 Cor.10:17).  It does not judge a person’s heart but anticipates agreement in that which God says.  Since we do not wish to put anyone in the position of declaring such agreement with us before study in the Word is possible, we ask that only those who are communicant members of this or another Wisconsin Synod or ELS congregation come to receive the Sacrament.

The Organist: Jane Rips                  The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Points to Ponder: “God help us as He has helped our ancestors and will also help our descendants to the praise and honor of His divine name.  For we are not the sort of people who could sustain the Church; nor were our forefathers; nor will our descendants be such.  But the Lord has done it, is doing it now, and will do it.  He says: ‘I am with you always….’  And then He sends us His Holy Spirit to guide and sustain us.”               — Martin Luther on But For Us Fights the Valiant One”

Outline of  Our Worship

The Preparation

Opening Thoughts on the Service

The Entrance Hymn: #588

Order of Worship:     The Service: Setting Two with Holy Communion: page 172-180

Prayer of the Day

The Ministry of the Word

Joel 2:28-32

Acts 2:1-11

Gospel Acclamation: Easter pg.179

John 14:23-31

Sermon Hymn: #479

Sermon: John 14:23-31     The Savior Promises Help

The Third Artice of the Apostles Creed   Insert

Our Response to the Word

Prayer of the Church: pg.182

The Offering

The Lord Blesses Us

Preparation for Holy Communion     Hymnal page 182-187

(Visitors: Please read the above regarding Holy Communion)

Consecration and Distribution

Distribution Hymns: #661 & 592

Thanksgiving & Blessing     Hymnal: middle of page 187

Closing Hymn: #930

Silent Prayer

The Day of Pentecost” – Historic Series

Old Testament Lesson: Joel 2:28-32 – The Lord’s Promise of the Spirit  

28 After this, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. 29 Even on the servants, both male and female, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

30 I will show warning signs in the heavens and on the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and terrifying day of the Lord. 32 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. So on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has promised, among the survivors whom the Lord calls.

Epistle Lesson: Acts 2:1-11 – The Holy Spirit Comes on Pentecost

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the rushing of a violent wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw divided tongues that were like fire resting on each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, since the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak fluently.

5 Now there were godly Jewish men from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 When this sound was heard, a crowd came together and was confused, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were completely baffled and said to each other, “Look, are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them speaking in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, and of Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya around Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring in our own languages the wonderful works of God.”

Gospel Lesson: John 14:23-31 – “The Counselor Will Teach You”

23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will hold on to my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 The one who does not love me does not hold on to my words. The word that you are hearing is not mine, but it is from the Father who sent me.

25 “I have told you these things while staying with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I told you.

27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it be afraid. 28 You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.

29 “I have told you now before it happens so that, when it does happen, you may believe. 30 I will not speak with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me. 31 But I want the world to know that I love the Father and that I am doing exactly what the Father has instructed me.

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®)  © 2019

The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed

(Regarding Sanctification –  the work of the Holy Spirit)

I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; the forgiveness of sin; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him.

But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.  In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian Church He daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers.

On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

This is most certainly true.

 

Calendar  &  Announcements  for  Zion  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church

Today

May 19

 Monday

May 20

 Tuesday

May 21

 Wednesday

May 22

 Thursday

May 23

 Friday

May 24

 Saturday

May 25

 Next Sun.

May 26
9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

with Holy Communion online -Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Bible Study

 

Day of Pentecost

 6 pm

Elders, trustees, and Church Council Monthly Meeting

 11 am

Midweek Bible Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

online – Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Bible Study

 

 

Holy Trinity Sunday

 

 A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

There are many situations in life that seem impossible to deal with. People are drawn to despair and hopelessness. But our God is the God of the impossible. The day of Pentecost gave clear evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit to change things around. Just as dead bones became living, breathing beings in the Book of Ezekiel, so people dead in sin become spiritually alive through a message that the Holy Spirit orchestrated and communicated through His people.

 

The Second Lesson: Acts 2:1-11   (the answers are found below)

  1. What was so amazing about these men boldly speaking in tongues?
  2. What was Peter’s explanation of this event?

 

Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister); Greg Pierson (Long’s son-in-law); Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Robbie Woessner; Kay Schmidt at Quail Creek Rehab; Norine Richardson; Melissa Morlack-Jaeger; Liz Lisenby; Barbara Long; the family of Lois Wiese, whom the Lord drew to Himself above this past Thursday – funeral arrangements are pending, but it appears the service will be held here at Zion on this coming Wednesday at 1 pm, visitation at church 1 hour before the service.

Meditations newest edition of daily devotions begins next Sunday.  There are plenty of copies in the narthex for family and friends.

Divine Call Sent  At the joint call meeting of Zion and Peace three weeks ago, Pastor Nathaniel Winkel was selected to whom our call for pastor was sent. He is 41 years old and presently serves Mountain Valley Lutheran Church, Eagle, CO.  He and wife Tiffany have four children, ages 10-16 years old.  Please keep Pastor Winkel and family in your prayers over the next few weeks as he prayerfully considers where the Lord would have him serve in His Kingdom of Grace. More information about him may be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.

Upcoming Services and Events

Tuesday, May 21, 6 pm – Elders, Trustees, Church Council Monthly Meeting

In the month of May, the following special door offering will be taken to help the unbudgeted WELS Ministry to the Military:

– Mother’s Day – Thank you last week for the door offering for New Beginnings Ministry to help serve unwed mothers; the offering totaled $155, together with Peace’s offering: $305.

– May 26, Memorial Day weekend – door offering – WELS Ministry to the Military

The Week in Review

Last Sunday Worship:26; Bible Study:10; Midweek Bible Class: no class this week; Offerings:$1,420; New Beginnings: $155.

Next Sunday’s Lessons:               

The Sunday of the Holy Trinity: Isaiah 6:1-6; Romans 11:33-36; John 3:1-15   (Historic Pericope Series)

Answer to Today’s Second Lesson Brief Study:

  1. These were common, everyday workingmen, Galileans who would not have had schooling to speak so many languages fluently. They were ones who had earlier hidden for fear of people connecting them with Christ. Now they were boldly telling that message of the crucified and risen Savior in languages that could be clearly understood by foreigners.
  2. This was the fulfillment of God’s prophecy that He would send His Spirit in a special way. This special outpouring began at Pentecost and continues today wherever the Gospel is preached. The purpose was to get the news out so that all could call on the name of the Lord and be saved.

This week I am praying for……

Family Campout 2024         

When: Sunday June 2nd 4pm to Tuesday June 4th 7pm

Where: Heit’s Point Lutheran Ministries, Paul Spitz Center@ Lincoln, MO

Who: Families with all ages

Activities: Camp fires, Devotions, Canoeing,

Swimming inside or out, Hiking

trails, Bible studies, games in the

Gym, and Corn Hole Tournament

 

Cost: $170. (1 family per room (a hotel type room, with several beds, each room has its own bathroom with tub/shower.)

All Meals will be provided.

No tents needed. We will be sleeping in beds. (Bedding is provided)

Sign up by May 19th

 

Things to bring:

Bible

Swimming suit

Personal care items

Towels/wash cloths

Flashlight

Bug spray, Sunscreen

Tennis shoes

 

Sunday afternoon, anytime after 4, meet at Heit’s Point Spitz Center for set up,

room assignment, supper and devotion.

Monday: devotion, breakfast, Bible Study, games, lunch, Bible Study, activity,

supper and campfire evening.

Tuesday: devotion, breakfast, Bible Study,  supper, and closing devotion.

Contact: Pastor Micah Ernst

573-356-5560

Email: maecee@juno.com