Petersburg Bethel Presbyterian Church

06/15/2026

Thank you, deacons and congregation, for my party after worship

06/14/2026

Sermon Summary: Genesis 18:1-15 & romans 5:1-11 “Promises”

Humanity does not have a good track record of keeping promises to God, other people, and even ourselves. Just think of how many New Year’s resolutions are quickly broken. The problem is sometimes we have no intention of keeping a promise; while other times we make it sincerely, but soon forget about it. People also can come to a point that keeping a promise becomes inconvenient, or we simple do not wish to keep it. Then there are promises we make and want to keep but simply cannot because they are beyond our power or skill to do so.

In contrast to human beings, the Lord our God has an excellent track record when it comes to keeping promises. First, God never makes a promise he does not intend to keep. Secondly, God does not get distracted or bored, or forgetful about anything including promises; even though sometimes we think that might be the case.

Finally, there is nothing the Lord promises that is beyond his control to fulfill. When it comes to God, however, his promises do not often have a specific time frame. His timing is not like ours and so it may seem that the Lord has forgotten or has changed his mind, or can’t do what he promised. But when God does say a promise will be fulfilled within a certain time frame it does happen.

Today’s reading from Genesis concerns both kinds of time frames when it comes to God’s promises.
God made a promise to Abraham that through his wife Sarah he would have a son. But then a little over two decades went by, and nothing happened.

Finally, the time came when both of them no longer really expected God to keep his promise, since Sarah became much too old to have a baby. In Genesis chapter seventeen, the Lord reaffirms his promise to Abraham. Listen to his response: “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”

But God insisted a child would come through Sarah-since his son Ishmael was not the promised child.
Sometime after this Abraham was outside his tent when he saw three men traveling his way. He immediately offered them hospitality, which was the cultural norm of that time and place. They accepted, and Abraham himself saw to their needs.

These men, were possibly angels, but many believe at least one was God appearing in the form of a man. Either way, when one of them spoke to Abraham to say Sarah would have a son within a year, he was speaking with the voice of God.

Sarah, who was in the tent overheard this promise and laughed to herself because it seemed impossible.
The Lord heard her silent laugh and called her out, which was when she, probably out of fear, lied to God. But the Lord knew the truth and she was challenged to have faith when he said: “Is anything impossible for God?”

The question, of course, was rhetorical, since God has the power to do anything that God wishes to do.
Jesus, as recorded in Mark 10:27, would later affirm the truth of God’s power. When speaking about salvation he tells his disciples: “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”

And for Abraham and Sarah God did the impossible- a year later she gave birth to a son. God commanded the baby to be named “Isaac”, which means “laughter”, revealing God also has a sense of humor. So, we can see that today’s reading from Genesis contains a call to trust in God’s ability to do whatever it is he wishes- for, through, and in us.

It is, of course, easier for us say we trust in God no matter what, than to live out this belief. This is why again and again the Bible reminds us to trust in the Lord.
The reading from Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is a good example of this. He was writing to Christians who thought they had reason to doubt their salvation because they were not Jewish.
There were some Jewish Christians who insisted, to really be sure of salvation, a person had to follow all the Old Testament laws and traditions.

Paul insisted this is not the case because Jesus’ sacrifice provided salvation for Jew and non-Jew on an equal basis, through God’s grace and our faith. In the sentences preceding today’s reading, the apostle explains Jesus was handed over to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Paul rejoices in God’s grace and love revealed in Christ’s death and resurrection, which makes peace between us and our creator, whom we all rebelled against.

It is because we are now justified- meaning reconciled with God through Jesus, we have hope and new life even though we are still sinners. This is a sure and certain hope because it is based on God’s promises and Christ’s sacrifice; and not on our words or actions. The apostle in particular is reminding his readers that one of the benefits of being justified through faith in Christ is- the Spirit’s presence that can empower us to endure and grow when our own resources fail.

His confidence that our hope in the Lord triumphs over all adversity in life is drawn from the fact Jesus died for sinners -meaning all kinds of people. Paul is therefore able to face suffering, especially for the faith, not because he is certain things will eventually get better, but because of his hope that God will have the final word.

Paul, however, does not say we should want to suffer or it is wonderful when we do suffer, as some people mistakenly think. Instead, he insists Christian suffering is not a sign God has broken his promise to Us. To the contrary, God’s faithfulness remains with us even when we suffer, and for that we can continue to rejoice that we are loved and saved.

He assures Christians that God can and will bring some positive things out of suffering even when it seems impossible to us. He gives the example of how with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can endure, if not overcome, what mortal life can throw at us. This endurance also builds character, which is what the apostle himself experienced.

And the love and grace of God demonstrated in Jesus includes our ability to continue on the right path in our Christian journey, against all odds. This perseverance on our part works with God to bring out of adversity hope for new life.

A powerful example of hope and new life coming out of a terrible incident is found today in NYC on the site where the twin towers once stood. The towers, along with other buildings and things around them were destroyed. and almost 3,000 lives that day, and in the aftermath, were lost.

There were also some trees planted near the towers. several months after the attack a worker on clean up duty saw a branch poking out of the debris field, and it had given off some leaves. When it was dug up. although it was partially burnt it was still alive because its roots were healthy. The New York City parks and recreation department took custody of the tree, and brought it to a nursery in the Bronx.

They worked hard to save it. by the following spring, the tree had recovered and bloomed with life. It is now planted on the 9/11 memorial site. And every year, seedlings cultivated from the “Survivor Tree” are gifted to communities around the world. They go to places that have endured tragedy and hardship, helping to spread its legacy of hope. This tree is an example of how God can bring life out of death and a sign of hope from tragedy. If God can do that with a tree we can trust in God’s promise through Christ to do even greater things through people.

Paul’s message to the church of Rome is the same message through scripture given to Christians today. We can trust in God’s promises and rejoice in his love and faithfulness in the midst of suffering, grief, and uncertainty.
This compliments Jesus’ call for us to lean on him, found in Matthew 11:29, where he said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

This is the heart of biblical hope, which is anchored in God’s trustworthiness and power, his love and grace, and not in human emotions or views. This hope also shows us that just like our spiritual ancestors we may laugh and cry, doubt and fear, and wonder about God-but the Lord loves us always God is faithful when we are not, and more patient than we are able to be.

May we learn from Paul’s words to the church in Rome and his encouragement for them to hold on to faith as much as they are able to. And if the time comes when we feel we are not able, let us turn to- rather than away from- the Lord. May we lean on Jesus and let him help us. Amen

06/14/2026

Join us for worship this morning.

Petersburg-Bethel Presbyterian ChurchJune 14, 2026Rev. Lori Danie...

06/07/2026

Sermon Summary: Hosea 6:1-7 & Matthew 9:9-13 “The Next Step”

The next step- sometimes it is forward, other times it is backward, and occasionally sideways. Taking the next step- when we use the phrase as a metaphor for growth or change- is an inevitable part of life.
Sometimes we need to move forward on the same path, other times a change of direction, or a new path is needed. Life is all about taking the next step-even if the step we must take is from life on earth to life in heaven.

There are also occasions when circumstances require us to take a step whether we wish to or not. Graduation is one of the milestones in life that forbid us to stay where we are. This could be graduation from one grade level or school to another, or graduation out of school to the next stage in life-which usually is work of some sort.

There is also another kind of next step that is predominately of a spiritual nature. This can be taken at any age level that one is able to make a responsible choice or decision. Both of today’s Scripture readings concern taking the next step in our relationship with the Lord.

The prophet Hosea addressed God’s people at a time when they had been verbally chastised for choosing not to obey the Lord their God. They were also under threat of war. So, speaking as the voice of God, Hosea calls the people to return to the Lord.

The passage opens by describing how God’s message to them has wounded them, for God’s word has power. But the greater message is God’s faithfulness and mercy, and his promise to heal those who sincerely return to him; and seek to remain faithful to the Lord.

Another word for this turning back to God is repentance. And the first step of repentance is to recognize you have sinned. The next step is to be sorry for your sin. The problem voiced in Hosea 6:4 is the Lord’s lament that for most of his people their repentance is superficial.

They are willing to say the right words and perform the correct sacrifices and rituals; but are not committed to really turning back to God. This is a common problem, not just for the people of Israel but people of all nations, races, tribes, economic and social classes.

Human beings are often quite capable of fooling one another and even themselves. However, we can never fool God, not even for a moment. This was something the leaders and peoples of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah often forgot.

God’s issue with them was not that they failed to attend worship or make the required sacrifices, but that they did not really love the Lord. Some compromised their obedience to God by seeking wealth or power in ways that went against God’s will. Others, while they worshiped God also made some prayers or sacrifices to idols.

This means that their repentance was superficial and lacked sincerity. The text from Hosea suggests they may have felt some sincere regret for sins, but it did not last. The loyalty of the people to the Lord their God was much like dew that is on the land in the early morning, but quickly dissipates.

God’s faithfulness is constant. The Lord promises mercy that refreshes like rain. The prophet points out that the faithfulness of the people to God and their mercy towards fellow human beings was not like God’s.

God’s final plea in today’s reading from Hosea, is one expressed at other times as well. “For I desire mercy not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” We know what happened, the people did not take God’s call to be merciful seriously.

First the kingdom of Israel fell to foreign conquerors, and years later the kingdom of Judah followed. God, as we know from Scripture, eventually brought his most of his people home to Jerusalem. Sadly, the lessons of the past were not taken to heart, which brings us to the time Jesus walked the earth. Rome had conquered even the kingdoms and empires that had once held God’s people captive.

The Jewish people longed to be free again, and prayed for the promised Messiah to deliver them. Jesus was the promised Messiah, but his deliverance was from a different kind of enemy. Christians understand Jesus came to deliver God’s people, and all peoples, from sin and death.

This is one reason why Jesus clashed often with many Jewish religious and political leaders. Today’s gospel passage about the call of the tax collector Matthew, and Jesus eating and fellowshipping with him and other sinners, is an example of this.

Pharisees worked hard to be right with God, by committing themselves to following all rules and regulations, including ceremonial ones. They were caught up in proper words, sacrifices and rituals in order to earn God’s favor; and most were sincere in their desire to please God.

Jesus’ point was God wants us to love him and others more than rules and regulations. God is a God not just of the Law, but also mercy. Grace in fact, is mercy towards those who have not earned it and do not deserve it.

This brings us to the day Jesus walked by Matthew in his tax collecting booth. Jesus’ home base was in Capernaum where Matthew lived and worked, so Jesus must have seen him many times. Undoubtedly Matthew heard some of Jesus’ teachings and heard about them by others.

Jesus saw something within Matthew, saw not just who he was but who he was capable of becoming. And Jesus called to this man despised by his fellow Jews for being a Roman collaborator and thief, saying simply “follow me.”

We might wonder why Jesus did not ask him to repent first? If we think about it, we will discover Matthew’s very act of leaving his booth behind in the middle of the day never to return, was an act of repentance.

Still, it was a scandalous thing for a Jewish rabbi to call a man barred from synagogues and the temple to be his disciple. Then Jesus did something just as bad in the eyes of the pharisees. He entered Matthew’s house and shared a meal with more tax collectors and other sinners.

A sinner in the eyes of the pharisees was anyone whose sins were both obvious, and not repented of. It was inconceivable to them that anyone who was a godly and righteous person, especially a man who was a rabbi, would associate with sinners. It went against everything the pharisees stood for and lived out.

Some approached Jesus’ disciples asking them why their master was hanging around sinners. Their intention was perhaps to cause the disciples to question their choice to follow Jesus. He overheard them and responded in a way meant to teach all who heard the question and his answer. The Savior’s words were also a rebuke of the pharisees’ shortsighted devotion to rules, and their neglect of what the rules were intended to do.

First Jesus quotes a Greek proverb saying those who are healthy do not need a doctor, but the sick do. The second remark he makes was meant to rebuke and correct the pharisees, as well as teach others. Jesus told them to learn the meaning of Hosea 6:6, where God says: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.:

Remember, God’s law is meant to help us live in ways the show we love God with our whole being, and others like we love ourselves. The Ten Commandments are based on love of God and love of others. And part of love is showing to others the mercy and forgiveness God has shown to us.

The gospel story shows us how Jesus took the next step in his mission to reach out to those who needed God’s love and mercy, but thought it was beyond their reach. And in a way it was beyond their reach, it is actually beyond the reach of all of us and every human being.

However, God’s love and mercy is not beyond God’s reach, for his arms are longer than ours and his hands are stronger. God reached out time and time again to his people, and finally to them and the whole world in Jesus his Son. He calls both those who the world sees as worthy, along with those the world sees as unworthy. But when the Lord calls the next step is up to the one whom he calls to follow, just like it was for Matthew.

A Facebook post by a group called “Mindful Christianity” explained one reason for anyone taking the next step. The post said: “You don’t have to see the whole path to take the next step. God is not asking you to figure it all out. God is asking you to trust him one step at a time. Take the next step. He’ll meet you there.”

Let us never forget or doubt that Jesus did not call perfect people; but called imperfect ones. He then transformed them into faithful disciples as they followed him and learned from him step by step. Jesus
still calls imperfect people and continues to transform us-when we are willing to listen and learn, and follow. And while we do not have Jesus with us physically like his first followers did, we do have the Holy Spirit to help and empower us.

And so, the next step is up to each one of us, and all other individuals, churches, and Christian groups.
One final thought about the next step is our need to discern which direction the Lord wants us to go. It could be forward, backwards, or sideways. It might be a leap of faith type of step or a baby step, or some other type. What matters is when Jesus calls to us are we willing to obey and take that next step? Amen

06/07/2026

Join us for worship this morning.

Petersburg-Bethel Presbyterian ChurchJune 7, 2026Rev. Lori Daniel...

06/03/2026

Join us for VBS 2026 from June 22-25 from 6-8pm for Pre-K through 9th grade!

Registration is now open!

Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, we'll plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. We’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, our creator, a safe place in life’s storms.

Here's the registration link:
https://forms.gle/HpkiZSBpTnhgrSsJ8

05/31/2026

Sermon Summary- Matthew 28:16-20- “Jesus Lights the Way”

One plus one, plus one, equals one. On an arithmetic test that would obviously be the wrong answer.
and yet on a Christian test about the triune nature of God saying three ones add up to one is correct.
This of course defies human logic. The confession of faith that there is one God, revealed in three distinct persons cannot adequately be explained, or fully understood.

The Trinity is, in fact, what many call one of the great mysteries of faith. It is a mystery in the sense that there are no concepts or words in the human mind can offer a clear explanation as to how this is possible. Today is Trinity Sunday.

The gospel reading reminds us about Christ’s call to follow in his footsteps-because doing so fulfills the will of God the Father. Thanks be to God that Jesus perfectly lights our way to a right relationship with God.

We can also be thankful, that even though our task to follow Christ is challenging, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. The very heart of our faith as Christians is that the most holy God, our Creator, is made known to us in the sacrificial love of Jesus, which is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

The closing verses of the Gospel of Matthew remind us that our knowledge of God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; comes to us through Jesus Christ. When Jesus our crucified and risen Lord ascended into heaven, he proclaimed his authority over heaven and earth. Jesus also authorized his present and future disciples (meaning all committed Christians)- to spread the light of his gospel into all the world.

This happened, as we know, before Pentecost, so the eleven remaining disciples did not immediately dash out into the world in obedience to Jesus’ command. Nor did the Savior expect them to, since the Holy Spirit had not yet come to them. Jesus was preparing them to act after they were equipped to do so.

The fact they were not yet ready to obey Jesus is revealed by Matthew’s comment: “When they saw Jesus, they worshiped him, but some doubted.” It might help to hear what the Greek word translated into English as “doubt” means. The word literally means “double standing” or double stance. It conveys the idea of vacillating.

This should not be surprising since the disciples had not yet been empowered and inspired by God’s Spirit. Consequently, being uncertain about what happens once Jesus left them makes sense. What is important to know is- in spite of their doubts Jesus commissioned them to be his messengers not just to the Jews, but all nations and peoples.

His command brings to mind the Lord’s teaching during his sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:14-16.
“You are the light of the world. a city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And in John 8:12 Jesus made one of several refences to himself being the Light of the world. “Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

When we join those statements with the great commission to go and make disciples, we hear Christ’s followers are meant to reflect and shine his light so others can see him. Indeed, we are called to carry the light and love of Jesus Christ with us wherever we go.

And in order for us to do this we need to continually be learning about and from Jesus, and share our knowledge and our faith with other people. A man named George Hunsberger wrote this about Jesus’ final instructions: “Being witnesses is not our assignment; it is our identity.”

And remember, we learn to live out our identity in Christ through the study of Scripture, worship, prayer, that motivates us share the light of Jesus. We offer our learning to others through our words and actions-especially ones that show we love God with our whole being, and love other people as if they were us.

Hearing this, we might not be surprised that some disciples doubted as they saw Jesus leave them. But as we place ourselves in the footsteps of the first disciples, let us consider this statement from a Bible commentary: “It is not to angels or perfect believers, but it is to the worshipping-wavering community of disciples to whom the world mission is entrusted.”

This means we each can and do follow the light of Christ in our own unique ways, however imperfect they at times may be. Afterall, Jesus alone was the only perfect person; and yet in his godly wisdom the Savior authorized us to personally shine the light of his saving love in our lives.

Here is a story that may help us realize our individual power and responsibility to shine our small lights for Christ. The story is about a small church in a European village long before electric lights were invented. A nobleman lived nearby. one day he realized his time on earth was growing short.

This fact motivated the wealthy man to search for a legacy to benefit his neighbors. He decided to build them a church, and during its construction no one but the laborers saw the inside of the sanctuary.
Furthermore, they all promised not to speak about the interior design to anyone.

When the building was finished the whole village turned out to see the church that was built for them.
everyone was delighted in their neighbor’s gift to them. But then, someone pointed out a huge flaw. He noticed an error in how the inside of the building was finished. There was not a single candle or oil lamp inside to provide light.

The nobleman explained this was not an oversight but intentional. He showed them the brackets on the walls beside each pew, and then provided lamps and oil for each family. He then explained that they were expected to carry the light with them to church to illuminate the sanctuary. This meant, of course, the less people who attended worship the darker the sanctuary would be.

This taught the villagers the importance of each of them carrying their little light for the glory of God. The same is true for Christians today. We are expected to carry our light. The more we shine Christ’s light the brighter the world will be. And conversely the more we fail to shine our light the darker our homes, communities and the world will be.

Let us also remember, that- Jesus is with us always. This remembrance is important. Jesus made this promise, not as an afterthought but to reassure and encourage his disciples. Reassurance, we should note, is only one result of remembering Jesus is with us always.

Another result is the availability of his power, through the Holy Spirit and our faith, to do what he asks of us. And the first of thing Jesus asks is for us to be a disciple, meaning a committed follower of him.

Christ’s presence with us also might prompt us to stop before we speak or act and ask what will Jesus think? Or to be more precise- what will he think about our action and inaction-our words and our silence in our encounters with other people. In other words what will Jesus think about- how well or how poorly we live as his witnesses?

Today’s gospel passage challenges to follow the example of the first disciples of Jesus, who worshiped him. They overcame their doubts enough to stay together like he commanded until they were gifted with the Holy Spirit who sent them out into the world.

They went out to teach and preach, to pray and to serve others in Christ’s name, and tried to follow his example. Of course they did not always do it perfectly. They had to continue to listen to guidance and learn to respect one another and those they met. Sometimes Christians forget this today, and either become apathetic about sharing Christ’s love, or come across as judgmental or pushy. Remember how we present Christ to others, how we approach them and treat them is actually part of how we can interest others in the gift of salvation Christ offers.

Let us therefore seek the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer and Scripture. The Spirit can open our hearts and minds to the best way in each circumstance, to share our love of the lord and the gospel message. Let us pray for the hearts of those who do not know the Lord to become open to Christ and come to love and follow him. Amen

05/25/2026

Join us for Vacation Bible School 2026! Registration is now open!

Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, we'll plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. We’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, our creator, a safe place in life’s storms.

Here's the registration link:
https://forms.gle/HpkiZSBpTnhgrSsJ8

05/24/2026

Sermon Summary: Psalm 104 24-35 and John 7:37-43 “Remembrance and Celebration”

Our nation is celebrating Memorial Day this weekend. Actually, we should say we are commemorating rather than celebrating. Indeed, this is not merely meant to be a long weekend to enjoy, but also a time to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, in times of war and peace.

It is fitting for us to not only remember the fallen, but also to lift up our thoughts and prayers for- the families and friends of those who gave their lives, because they too have made a sacrifice. Therefore, the focus of our nation this weekend ought to remind us that there are people and events in our past that are worth remembering.

It also is meant to remember the lives of all veterans who have died. Many memorial markers are set up for the purpose of remembrance throughout the country. These markers are important ways for the generation who set them up to help future generations learn about the past. They help people in the present and future remember special places, special people, and special sacrifices.

Listen to this comment I came across, written by a Canadian who was expressing the importance of what they call “Remembrance Day.” “It is good to remember, lest we forget the sacrifice made by those we did not know, for those they did not know.”

This statement captures the idea of us remembering not only those who in our lifetimes died for their country, but also those who did so even before we were born. Our remembering will hopefully encourage us to not allow either fear or fatigue to compel us to give up the rights for which so many died to win and maintain.

It is even more important for Christians to remember what God has done, not only for us, but for the world and all people in it. Psalm 104 remembers and gives praise for all God has done. The psalm begins a call to remembrance, saying: “Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great….”

The section read today focuses on God as the Creator of the sea and the creatures of the sea. It remembers also how God gives breath, meaning life to all creatures; as well as takes breath away.
God’s gift of life, and God’s sovereignty over all life is good to remember.

Just as importantly, we remember God’s incarnation in Jesus his Son, and the gift of his life and death and resurrection. We, by faith, are gifted with new life in Christ-a life that begins here on earth, and continues when we die leaving our mortal bodies behind.

Yes, this is good for us to remember, be grateful for, and celebrate what the Lord has done and is doing; which brings us to the gospel reading. Jesus spoke to the crowd in Jerusalem words that most did not understand, but that eventually his disciples and other followers would remember.

His message was that God his Father would send the Holy Spirit to refresh the memories of, and give understanding to, those who believe in him. In today’s passage from the gospel of John, the Savior also says the Spirit will be like living water flowing from the believer’s heart.

Jesus spoke those words, on the last day of a religious festival. at that time, they would have had strong significance for his fellow Jews. You see, each day during the festival, a priest would take a pitcher of water from the pool of Siloam and carry it into the temple and pour it over the alter.

The purpose of the ceremony was for God’s people to remember, and to thank God for the gift of water given to the Hebrew people while they wandered in the wilderness. The Festival of the Booths remembers the Hebrew people wandering in the wilderness and living in tents.

The people recall the physical thirst of their ancestors, and the times of spiritual thirst. They give thanks for the provision of food, and especially of life giving and sustaining water, in the dry land through which they traveled. Jesus used this festival as an opportunity to remind his people they were still thirsting for God, whether they acknowledged it or not. He called all those who realized their need to come to him, meaning believe in him and they will be filled.

This is a need still present within people of faith, as well as those who do not believe, which is why the gift of the Spirit on Pentecost is still relevant. From a Christian perspective- Jesus sending the Spirit upon all who believed in him is the fulfillment of this promise. It is also is the ultimate fulfillment of the promises God made through the prophets.

Another point of interest is Jesus’ use of the term living water. In Jewish thought—living water is not found in a pond, a lake, or a well. Instead, it is water that is constantly moving or flowing, like water in a river, stream, creek, or a spring.

What then does it mean for believers in Jesus Christ to have the Holy Spirit as living water placed inside them? It means the Spirit’s power is not something those who receive hold onto. Instead, it is God’s intension and desire we permit the Spirit to freely flow from us. Scripture tells us Christians are given spiritual gifts-so they may be used to build up the body of Christ- that is his Church.

It might help to think of the pipes inside a house or other buildings. These pipes not only contain water, but permit it to go to several different rooms, and even to the outside. Faucets allow us to control the flow of the water. If we keep the faucet tightly closed the water usually stays inside the pipes.

Similarly- the gift of the Holy Spirit- as the living water is sent into our inner most being by Christ. And like with water in pipes the Spirit needs to be let out if it is to freely flow through and from us, as God intends.
Remember. we are given spiritual fruit and, for the purpose of enabling our lives to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

However, we can only bear the fruit of the Spirit when we take our hand off the faucet of our wills and permit Christ to take control. Doing that takes faith and courage, prayer and practice, as well as patience and a willingness to be used by God.

Today we do not so much remember Pentecost as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Christian church. We celebrate our opportunity to, with the Spirit’s help, continue the work of Jesus in the world.

Acts chapter two records the fulfillment of the promise Jesus made on the last day of the feast of the Booths. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

We celebrate this event rather than simply remember it happened, because the gift of God’s Spirit to Christ’s followers is ongoing. While the literal descent of fiery tongues has not been repeated the empowerment of the Spirit continues to be.

Before the day of Pentecost, they were the community of the apostles and followers of Jesus; but they felt little inspiration, and had no discernable power. Since that day not only the first followers of Christ, but all those since have the powerful resource of God’s Spirit with and within them.

This is why we sometimes call Pentecost the birthday of the Christian church. The Holy Spirit continues to call, equip, and inspire us to be more than an organization, but to be the body of Christ-serving him in the world. Of course, like anything else we must use what we have, and be continually receptive to the Spirit’s influence and resources.

One of the ways we celebrate Pentecost is with an ongoing openness to the refreshment of the Spirit.
We need this refreshment and refilling because- like with love, the gift of the Spirit, while personal is not private.

The church would not have lasted long after her birth if the Spirit-filled apostles and other followers of Jesus had not shared their spiritual gifts and fruit. This is one reason Jesus described the Holy Spirit as living water that comes to us through him. Remember, living water is flowing water, not the kind captured in lake or pond or any kind of container.

This means that the Holy Spirit is not given to remain stagnant within us, but to flow through and from us.
May we be more and more open to the cleansings and refreshing flow of God’s Spirit. Amen