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26 March 2008
John 20 v 19-23
When it was evening on the first day of the week, Jesus' followers were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. Then Jesus came and stood right in the middle of them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. His followers were thrilled when they saw the Lord.
Then Jesus said again, "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, I now send you." After he said this, he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven. If you don't forgive them, they are not forgiven."
"Receive the Holy Spirit". What does THAT mean?! Think about these first followers of Jesus. They'd seen him perform miracles, melted away or watched, some from a distance, as he was crucified. Now they were afraid; now suddenly he was among them and they were joyful. This was some rollercoaster for their own spirits so the first thing Jesus says is "Peace". The human spirit is very easily thrown about or crushed. God's Spirit is constancy. It is the same Spirit that presided over the creation of the universe and in whose image you are still being made.
Creation hasn't happened, it's still happening! Therefore, to receive the Holy Spirit is to allow God to make you more like the individual you're supposed to be.
Want to be more you? More complete? That was the original plan with Adam and Eve. The Holy Spirit brings wholeness and restoration to us. Jesus wants to give it as a gift. God has more for you. Do you want to receive it? Open your hands and heart and pray.
(It may be helpful to read Luke 11: 9-13 first)
Lord Jesus, please renew my spirit by filling me with your Holy Spirit of Love. Thank you. Amen.
Written by Hil Jennings
John 20 v 19-23
When it was evening on the first day of the week, Jesus' followers were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. Then Jesus came and stood right in the middle of them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. His followers were thrilled when they saw the Lord.
Then Jesus said again, "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, I now send you." After he said this, he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven. If you don't forgive them, they are not forgiven."
"Receive the Holy Spirit". What does THAT mean?! Think about these first followers of Jesus. They'd seen him perform miracles, melted away or watched, some from a distance, as he was crucified. Now they were afraid; now suddenly he was among them and they were joyful. This was some rollercoaster for their own spirits so the first thing Jesus says is "Peace". The human spirit is very easily thrown about or crushed. God's Spirit is constancy. It is the same Spirit that presided over the creation of the universe and in whose image you are still being made.
Creation hasn't happened, it's still happening! Therefore, to receive the Holy Spirit is to allow God to make you more like the individual you're supposed to be.
Want to be more you? More complete? That was the original plan with Adam and Eve. The Holy Spirit brings wholeness and restoration to us. Jesus wants to give it as a gift. God has more for you. Do you want to receive it? Open your hands and heart and pray.
(It may be helpful to read Luke 11: 9-13 first)
Lord Jesus, please renew my spirit by filling me with your Holy Spirit of Love. Thank you. Amen.
Written by Hil Jennings
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