Pentecost: We hope you will take time this week to pursue an encounter with God
Dear friends,
When I read about Pentecost & the church in the book of Acts I get so excited. I read about a church without divisions, a church full of miracles, a growing church where new people come to faith daily, a church full of the power, joy and the love of the Holy Spirit.
So how are we to respond to this message of Pentecost while we remain in Lockdown? Maybe by reminding ourselves that love is right is at the heart of Christian life. Love is what holds the Father, Son and Spirit together in unity. Love is also what holds us together as a church. That’s why the enemy is always trying to attack us through divisions. Of course, we lose sight of it at times, but if we are aware that what holds us together is love then we can pray into it, and pay close attention to areas in our lives where maybe we are not as graceful or forgiving as we could be. This is especially apt during this season where many are anxious, emotions are running high and some relationships are strained.
The second thing we can do is ask. We can ask for more of the Spirit in our own lives. When Jesus repeats something more than once you know He is drawing our attention to something important. Something He really wants us to understand or grasp. Six times in chapter eleven of Luke's gospel, Jesus tells us God will give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks. Each of us need to be filled afresh with the love, joy, peace and strength that comes through the Spirit.
Pentecost reminds us that each of us has a yearning deep in our hearts, for something better, closer and more personal, which has the power to transform our lives. Something that only happens by being in a growing relationship with God, through Jesus, by the Spirit. My prayer for you this week is that through your own walk with God and the online activities available, you will take time to pursue an encounter with God.
I am so excited that we have Nicky Gumbel sharing a special message with us this Sunday on our Vimeo channel at 10am and 6:30pm so the Podcast and Worship setlist will be available from earlier than usual. Nicky's message will be followed by an interview with Chelsea and France Footballer Olivier Giroud about his faith. Please share these links with your friends, especially those exploring faith.
Do keep this message handy and just click on the images below for all the links.
Lots of love,
Allen x
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