June 2022: The Day of Pentecost

 

We need a move of God. Last week our nation watched in horror as saw 19 children and 2 teachers were MURDERED during their school day in Uvalde, Texas.  We were all still trying to process the racially motivated killings in Buffalo, NY at the grocery store that left 10 people dead and not to mention another politically motivated murder at a Taiwanese church that left one person dead. Local news reported that violent crime is up 35% since the pandemic. This email isn't about guns or politics. I am going to be blunt about what I think we need. We need a move of God. We need the church in America to get serious. We need the Holy Spirit in this hour. Go into all the world and make disciples The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to have God's spirit in us as believers to advance God's Kingdom on Earth.  We are supposed to be like the apostles and go into all nations making disciples, baptizing them in the name of Jesus, and being witnesses to Jesus to the ends of the Earth. The church isn't supposed to be the hangout spot where we socialize and drink lemonade with our friends. Miracles, signs, and wonders aren't a magic show to entertain the crowd.  Prophecy isn't to make money off of desperate people. Worship isn't to burn calories or have a good time.   The Day of Pentecost changed the game... This Sunday we will celebrate the Day of Pentecost which occurs exactly 7 weeks after Passover.  Under the old covenant, It was a Harvest Festival.  Please see Leviticus 23:15-17 for further reference. Under the New Covenant, we celebrate it as the Day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples and the birth of the Church of the New Testament. Prior to the day of Pentecost, the apostles weren't exactly the cream of the crop.  They left Jesus at the Gethsemane prayer meeting, Peter denied Jesus, Thomas doubted, and well people just weren't getting it.   So what changed between all of that and the amazing, miraculous, and transformational ministry that we see chronicled in the book of Acts and is still standing 2000 years later? Acts 1:8 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.   The Holy Spirit   It's time for the church to get serious It is time for the church to get serious because our nation desperately needs a move of God.  We don't need more sermons focused on ourselves or motivational speeches.  We need a word from the Lord for this hour. Nothing else will do.  One of the main reasons people (including some believers) rolls their eyes whenever we hear "thoughts and prayers" is that the church doesn't seem very serious about prayer. For further proof, check out the attendance at your church's next prayer meeting.  Even many believers don't seem convinced prayer does anything so it is not a priority. The people of our nation need Jesus. We're trying everything BUT Jesus. NOTHING this society is putting forth is working.  People are more depressed, anxious, and hopeless than ever before. It's time to get serious.  We don't need more gimmicks We need the word of God desperately in this hour.   We need Jesus As times get darker, the power of the Spirit is going to help the light is going to shine brighter and brighter.   If the Holy Spirit could transform that first group of Apostles, He can also transform the church in this hour!   God is calling us to repentance. I believe the Lord is calling the church to repentance in this hour. We must Repent for trusting in political systems, charismatic pastors, and ourselves.   We must turn to God!   As the prophet, Joel said, we must turn to him while there is still time. Prayer: A Call to Repentance (Joel 2:12-14) 12 That is why the Lord says,     “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts.     Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,     but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God,     for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.     He is eager to relent and not punish. 14 Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve,     sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine     to the Lord your God as before. Have mercy on us O Lord!  We need your Holy Spirit in this hour!!  In Jesus' Mighty name, Amen