Preacher: The Rev. R. Eric Malmstrom

Genesis 11:1–9 / Acts 2:1–11 / John 14:23–31a

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace
In Eden and at the “new creation” after the Flood, God blessed His people, instructing them to fill the earth. All people were to exercise faithful dominion over the world by God’s Word. But the people after the Flood exalted themselves with “one language and the same words” (Gen. 11:1) building a monument to their own name. So the Lord humbled them. Dividing and dispersing the people by confusing their language (Gen. 11:9), God would ensure they went forth. That dispersal was sanctified on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God, the Holy Spirit caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in many languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. This preaching causes the “new creation” of faith, sanctifying the whole world: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).