Today Perry and Shawna continue to explore the beautiful gift of the Spirit of Christ in us.  First we hear Brandon’s story, who as a boy was lonely, picked on and withdrawn.  But when he was eleven he gave his life over to Jesus.  The Holy Spirit transformed him into a boy who now loved on those who ate lunch alone and were outcast like he used to be.  Then a conversation about Pentecost—the first Pentecost was the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai.  The raw presence of God came down to give his people his instructions on tablets of stone.  On the Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection, the raw presence of God came down and this time he put his words into his people through the Holy Spirit.  And that means that Christ is in us powering us to show our world how good he is and to boldy speak the good news of God’s grace. 

Next Perry and Shawna riff on Romans 8:12-13:  You have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.  This is the staggering truth that we who are in Christ have the power to kill our sin!  And finally, the Holy Spirit gives us everything we need for our journey to the New Jerusalem:  He reminds we are Abba’s children, he helps us understand God’s word, he helps us pray, he prays for us, and he powers us to please God.  If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?— Jesus (Luke 11:13).  Come Holy Spirit!