Pentecost and God's Spirit

We had a wonderful Pentecost here in the greater Cincinnati area! Approximately 325 men, women and children attended at each service. The three Cincinnati congregations (East AM, East PM, and North) combined with the Dayton congregation in Sharonville, about 15 miles north of Cincinnati. Darris McNeely gave the morning sermon and spoke of our need to overcome our fears by the power of God's Spirit. In the afternoon, I spoke of overcoming sin in our lives, also through the power of the Holy Spirit. Both of the sermonettes tied in very nicely with the sermons, as they often do. It was truly wonderful to see the bond of love between God's people assembled together throughout the day. I am sure that was also true throughout the world as God's people observed the Feast of Pentecost!

God's Spirit truly is "not the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind." Obviously, those who are ordained as ministers of Jesus Christ are to set the highest example of love and a sound mind through the awesome power of God's Holy Spirit.

I must say that I am always greatly encouraged when I see ministers striving to set an example of righteousness tempered with love and compassion for frail and flawed human beings. Of course, ministers are also human, frail, and flawed and must fight the same battles all humans face as we struggle with our humanity.

I remember back in the mid-1970s at Ambassador College in Big Sandy watching a film entitled "Man's Inhumanity to Man." As I vaguely recall, this film cataloged many of the wars throughout human history and the violence man has subjected upon his fellow man—not at all a pretty picture.

Thankfully, we don't have to behave violently toward one another and we have the perfect example to follow—Jesus Christ "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth, who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously..." (1 Peter 2:22-23). Peter wrote this in the context of admonishing the brethren to be patient when suffering persecution when they have done nothing wrong, but most certainly when they are in the wrong.

How much more should a minister of Jesus Christ humbly respond when being accused of wrongdoing—whether deserved or undeserved? Through the power of the Holy Spirit, one finds the humility needed to turn away wrath and strife—or to respond humbly when approached in the spirit of humility.

As I have often said, "we (members and ministers) are all in this together" and "each one shall appear before the judgment seat of Christ... according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). We shall all be judged by the same standard—God's holy, good, and just law (Romans 7:12), not only in the letter, but also in the spirit. Of course, ministers and teachers are held to a stricter judgment (James 3:1) and more is expected of them. Ordained elders are called to point people to Christ, not away from Him. Thankfully, God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and quick to forgive upon true repentance. Yes, thankfully we are saved by grace and we, too, must all learn to be gracious and forgiving toward one another.

God has called all of us, ministers and members, to be ambassadors for His Son, Jesus Christ. It is imperative that we work together to represent God and Christ favorably to others and to share with them, as God sees fit at this time, His way of life. Let us all use the power of God's Holy Spirit, a spirit of love and soundness as we deal with one another and as we reflect the character of God and Christ in all we do, producing the fruit of His Spirit in abundance!

Educational Seminar Videos

As I wrote back in March: "In an effort to continue the ongoing education of our ministry and members, MMS sponsored and our Media Department made a video recording of a recent seminar at the home office this past Monday morning, March 18. We met in our new television studio to hear from a long-time church member from Michigan, Andi Chapman. Andi is a Registered Nurse (RN) and currently coordinates education programs for Heart to Heart Hospice. In this role, she gives educational seminars to hospital facilities and communities on various subjects involving caring for those who are critically ill or dying and how to have the important conversations that need to take place."

I would ask that all our pastors and elders view these videos through the links provided here, and I also encourage members to view these videos and gain the benefit from doing so as well:

Session 1: Hospice and Palliative Care
Session 2: Advanced Care Planning & Removing Barriers
Session 3: What Does Dying Look Like & Questions

As ministers, we are aging, and we also work with members on a regular basis who must face the realities of growing old. Andi shares some very important information and insight regarding the importance of preparing realistically for the future for ourselves and our loved ones.

As I already mentioned, we are all in this together! Please pray for God's blessing and protection upon those who will be attending Camp Colorado near Estes Park in the Rocky Mountains. Last year we had a similar weather forecast as I am seeing today for June 16-19: thunderstorms throughout, except for Wednesday, which is showing partly sunny. Last year the weather turned out quite well and we, once again, ask for God's blessing as bad weather can put a bit of a "damper" on things!

I look forward to attending services this Sabbath in Loveland, Colorado, with the brethren there and any visitors heading to camp. On Thursday, I head for Portland, Oregon, and am looking forward to the Sabbath with the Tacoma and Olympia brethren and then a regional Fishing Day on Sunday with children from around the region.

May you all have a very blessed Sabbath and weekend!