An Outpouring of Power

The first Pentecost was a "water shed" event in the life of The Church.  Those 12 disciples, after ten days of prayer and waiting, were overwhelmed by an Out Pouring of "The Promise of the Father" - the promised Holy Spirit.

Spoken of from nearly 700 years in advance, this day was the new beginning that the 12, now become 120 in that Upper Room, had to have to see the reality and the fullness and the power of what God was doing in their midst.  The Holy Spirit is the motive power for our life in Christ!  He is, in fact, the very presence of Christ himself, living in and subsequently, out - through us.  Jesus was clear with his followers on his last night, as they walked past the vineyards towards the Garden of Gethsemane, "I am the vine & you are the branches... apart from me, you can do nothing!" (Jn 15)

It is by the power of the Holy Spirit, living in us (see Jn 14 & 16 and Acts 1-2) that we are able to live the life of Christ today - being His Body now on this planet!  The New Testament is very clear on our need and his provision.  The Holy Spirit is referred to as "The Promise of the Father" by Jesus in Luke's gospel, as Jesus refers to the Old Testament Prophetic promises of a new heart and new spirit given by God, in Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

The tapestry is rich and colorful around this OUTPOURING of God's Power into our lives.  We are given His Spirit in order to live His Life !!  In Acts, just as Jesus ascended he said to his followers there,  "in not many days hence you will receive all that my Father has promised.  So stay here and wait for this promise, and when the Holy Spirit has come and filled you with His Power, you will by My witnesses (literally martyrs) in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria and out to the furthest corners of the earth."

Join us in this adventure, with Jesus, His Father and the Holy Spirit given - poured out - in a real, day to day, walk of faith. There is no adventure on earth that can match it!  Come & See!

Fr. Phil+