Sermon Posted: The Helper
I’ve posted the sermon over on the First Trinity Sermon Blog that I teased here a few days ago. Go check it out if you’re interested in hearing the full version.
Big thanks go out to Dona, who made me cookies since I was preaching. I think this is a practice we can all learn from.
Groan, Spirit, Groan!
Here’s a little preview of the sermon for you. We’re looking at some of the things the Holy Spirit does in our lives. I was struck anew by this verse while preparing:
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
It seems there’s been any number of times in my life where I just wasn’t sure what to pray for. It’s in those times when it’s in my best interest to just be quiet before God and let the Spirit groan.
Because the Spirit knows what I need, and He speaks the Father’s language. What could I possibly add?
Groan, Spirit, Groan!
The Helper
I’m preaching this weekend for Pastor Chuck as he heads to Ft. Wayne for a Haiti Missions conference. Last week, he talked about the Ascension of Jesus. This week we look at the next major event in the life of the church, the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
I’m curious to know if anyone has any stories they’d like to share that may or may not make it into the sermon about the Holy Spirit in your life.
Apostle’s Creed 4
We wrapped up the Apostle’s Creed this evening. Here’s the audio file in case you want to tune in:
The Trinity
I’m preaching this weekend on the Trinity. It’s part of our name. It’s what makes Christianity distinctive from all other religions. It’s relational. It’s good doctrine. It’s unlimited by time and space. It’s confusing. Who are the persons of the Trinity? How do they interact with one another? Why does any of this matter? What do we do with this info?
Find out Sunday. Or Saturday if you prefer.
Conformation
I can’t tell you how many times I see students misspell “Confirmation” as “Conformation.” This is highly amusing to me knowing the traditional confirmation ministry is much closer to conformation in design and mind set. I suppose there is some Biblical evidence for the misspelled name:
Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
In a way, the confirmation process is about the Spirit working to conform us to the image of the Son. So maybe it’s not such a bad name after all…
