John told his followers about the gift of the Spirit long before Pentecost. Of course, most people couldn't fully grasp what he was saying, until the actual moment took place. God chose the annual feast of Pentecost to pour out the Spirit upon the entire Church - what perfect timing. From this point on (the Watershed Moment) the people of God were mobilised to share the Good News without fear.
Matthew 3:11 - “I baptise with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God.
But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that
I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will
baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."
As always Eugene Peterson puts these words into language we can all relate too.
“I’m baptising you here in the river, turning your old life in for a
kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this
drama—compared to him I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life
within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you,
changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a
clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper
place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be
burned.”
The real action of our faith comes from the inspiration of the Spirit.
The Spirit ignites the Kingdom of God in us.
The Spirit changes us from the inside out.
We serve in the drama of the faith, but the main character is always JESUS.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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