May 2017 Messenger Newsletter

 

Announcing

SJLC's 2017 VBS Event!

July 15, 2017

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

One Day, Immersion Program

Online Registration Form

click here

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"[This is] the spirit of truth... he abides with you, and will be in you "
(John 14:17)

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Jesus Promises Another Helper

John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--
John 14:17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Indwelling of the Father and the Son

John 14:19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
John 14:20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

[John 14:16] The Greek term parakletos, used of the Holy Spirit, is peculiar to John. It can be translated "comforter" or "advocate," signifying one who is "called alongside" (para, "alongside," kletos, "called") to give help and advice, and especially to give counsel for the defense. John also refers to Jesus as a parakletos in 1 John 2:1. In order to summarize the biblical teaching on the Holy Spirit, three indispensable truths must be affirmed, namely: (1) He is a Person, (2) He is God, and (3) He has specific functions in the economic triunity of God. Because He is represented by the symbols of fire, a dove, oil, and water, and because the Greek word pneuma (meaning "breath" or "wind") is neuter, the Holy Spirit is sometimes misconstrued to be a power or an influence and not a person. But the references to Him attest to One who has intellect, emotion, and will, and He is designated by personal pronouns (v. 17; 15:26; 16:7, 13). Christ refers to Him as a Comforter like Himself (note the word "another," implying another of the same kind). He is the Spirit of truth (16:13) and the Paraclete or Comforter (v. 16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) whom Jesus and the Father will send into the world. Because He is a Person, He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30), and sinned against (Mark 3:29). He reveals, searches, and knows (1 Cor. 2:10, 11). He evaluates situations (Acts 15:28) and inflicts punishment (Acts 5:3, 5). None of these verbs could rightly be used of a mere impersonal power or influence. Not only is He a Person; He is God. He is specifically called God (Acts 5:4; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18). God's attributes are present in Him (truth, 16:13; eternity, Heb. 9:14; omnipresence, Ps. 139:7-10; life, Rom. 8:2). He is associated as One with the Father and the Son in the baptismal formula (Matt. 28:19), in a Pauline benediction (2 Cor. 13:14), and in the administration of the church's gifts (1 Cor. 12:4-6). His word and His works are considered the word and works of God (Gen. 1:2, 26; Job 33:4; Acts 28:25-27; Heb. 3:7-9). The ministry or work of the Holy Spirit is not as visibly prominent as that of the Father and the Son, because His work is never to call attention to Himself (16:13, 14). Some of His specific works include teaching (v. 26), reproving and convicting (16:8-11), regenerating (3:5), praying and interceding (Rom. 8:26), comforting (v. 16), renewing (Titus 3:5), guiding into all truth (16:13), empowering (Matt. 28:19, 20), and testifying (15:26). The Holy Spirit Himself inspired the prophets and the writers of the Scriptures (Num. 11:29; Ezek. 2:2; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21). His presence in the believer constitutes a seal, a guarantee of salvation (Eph. 1:13; 4:30), and an initiation into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). In the Christian's daily life, the Holy Spirit is the source of virtues (Gal. 5:22, 23), the dynamic for a life pleasing unto God (Rom. 8; Gal. 5:16), and is the equipper for service (cf. the gifts of the Spirit in Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; Eph. 4:7, 11-13). Although the baptism by the Holy Spirit is the initial experience of all believers, it is commanded that Christians keep on being filled ("controlled") by the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

NSRV & Believer's Study Bible (BSB) Notes

Readings for the week of May 28th
Seventh Sunday of Easter
First: Acts 1: 6-14
Psalm 68: 1-10, 32-35
Second: 1 Peter 4: 12-14; 5: 6-11
Gospel: John 17: 1-11

Sunday Worship Services at 10:00am
Sunday School at 9:00am

Wednesday Bible Study (Library) 10:30 am
Holy Communion Service (Sanctuary) Noon