Some Thoughts from Pastor Larry Matro
+ May 2008 +

On Sunday, May 11, the Christian Church will celebrate a significant and important day. As you read this you are probably thinking about Mother's Day, right? Indeed, Mother's Day, which is also being celebrated on May 11 this year, is an important day! Our mother's gave us life, nurtured, taught and comforted us. Our mother was the first person we saw in the morning and last face we saw before we went to sleep. Our mother rejoiced with us in our triumphs and wept with us in our sorrows, as well. How blessed we are because of our mother! Praise be to God for them!

But, there is another celebration that should take place on Sunday, May 11 in all of our churches: Pentecost Sunday! Pentecost is the celebration of God's sending the Holy Spirit upon the Christian Church (see Acts 2:1-41). Pentecost, which was a Jewish festival that took place on the 50th day after Passover, celebrated the first fruits of the harvest. Spiritually, then, it is the first "in-gathering" of those who have been brought to faith in Jesus. Some have rightly called Pentecost the "Birthday of the Christian Church."

There is much confusion about the Holy Spirit and what He does. One may ask, "How do I know that I have received the Holy Spirit?" Such a question may arise after seeing some Christians seeming more "lively and vocal" about their faith and worship and more "holy and righteous" in the way they live. Some even contend that unless ones has some "special gifts" (healing, miracles, speaking in tongues, etc.) that they cannot be sure of their salvation! But, let us remember that it is God's clear and true Word that determines what we "believe, teach and confess." For example, in our Baptism we all have received the Holy Spirit. If we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we can be sure that we have the Holy Spirit! (see Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38 & 1 Corinthians 12:3.)

I encourage to look up these verses from the Bible and learn what else they tell you about the Holy Spirit. (My summary is intended to introduce what the selection is about and not meant to substitute your own reading of the verses!)

• John 14:25-27 – The Holy Spirit will teach us about Jesus!
• John 15:26 – 16:15 – The Holy Spirit works through the Word!
• 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – The Spirit gives gifts to build the Church!
• Galatians 5:16-26 – The Fruit of the Spirit.