Sunday Backwards & Forwards / Holy Spirit Comes Down
Each week we want to give you a chance to look back at what we discussed the previous Sunday as well as look ahead at what we will be talking about this coming weekend. The hope is that it gives you a sense of how these texts come together and allows you to prepare your heart and mind for what you will be hearing as we move forward.
January 9th
First, let's look back through the verses we read and a few quotes that came up. Then you can go watch our YouTube or check out our podcast to dive deeper.
Verses
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 - "As He was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended"
Acts 8:14-17 - "For [Holy Spirit] had not yet come down on any of them;"
Ephesians 1:13 - "you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit"
Key Quotes or Ideas
We started our journey through the church calendar and the lectionary for the second year as we recognized Epiphany. Read our blog post on what Epiphany is and why it matters. Best way to sum up why we're observing in a general sense the church calendar? This is how we, as people of God, tell time.
The pattern we see in multiple verses is this: As Jesus Ascends, The Holy Spirit Descends. So the question we must ask is how we, in our daily and regular rhythms, lift up Jesus in our minds and hearts.
The first thing God did for Jesus when the Holy Spirit showed up was tell him He was well pleased. He affirmed his identity and his love for him (Luke 3:22). He even says, "I take delight in You!" This is the first and primary thing God will do in your life through the Holy Spirit. You are in Christ and the Holy Spirit seals the deal (Ephesians 1:13). He loves you and delights in you before you do a single thing to earn it.
This is the only Gospel that makes mention of Jesus praying at his baptism. It seems to be an important distinction that also mirrors the disciples in Acts 1:14 and throughout Acts. As we pray, God moves.
January 16th
Now, let's take a second to look ahead. You'll find the verses we'll be reading this Sunday along with a few questions to consider as we prepare to gather in worship and word.
Verses
Consider This
Read Psalm 36:8 in multiple translations and think about the what it looks like to delight or feast in the Lord.
In John, what is Jesus responding to? And in his response, what do we discover about who He is and what He has come to do?
In 1 Corinthians, what is the primary focus? Is the gifts or the purpose of the gifts? And what is the purpose of the gifts that Paul states?
Can't wait to see you this weekend church! Invite a friend and let's see Jesus together!