Let's get this fire started

I know I have been a little scarce this week; only two posts so far.  In addition to my busy schedule of work and play, I have been planning for Sunday night's service.  I am preaching again (third time lucky) at the 6PM service, and it is more than just a service. 

It's Pentecost.

(cartoon courtesy of Alex at Cake or Death)

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them

Acts 2:2-4 (New International Version)

2000 years ago the Holy Spirit came on the disciples, and the Christian Church was born. 

Now, 2000 years later, I wonder if we have forgotten Him.  Like when we invite one of the cool kids to our party, and he brings his younger brother with.  We invite Jesus into our hearts, but sometimes we still expect the Holy Spirit to sit quietly in the corner, and not speak unless spoken to.

I am going to be doing things slightly differently at the service, so please pray for us if you get a chance.  I am hoping that once we come out of that church, we can really say we had an experience with the fullness of God.  I am hoping that others are hoping the same thing as well.

The church... for too long has followed Casper, the friendly ghost instead of seeking the fire of the Holy Spirit. We have turned limp at the thought of our own cross; we faint when we think of suffering or sacrifice. Beloved, it is time to embrace the fire of God's Presence. It is the fire that purifies our sacrifice.

Francis Frangipane

Let's get this fire started. 

 

Biblios Hokku - Acts

I am back to posting about my Biblios Hokku, and I have actually finished the whole Bible now.  That's right, all 66 books in Haiku.

Today we look at Acts.  I don't think I need to say much about this book.  It follows on from the Gospels, most particularly from Luke's Gospel, and tells the story of how the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and empowered them to build a church.

ACTS

A church arises

Soaked in the Word and Spirit

Power from on high.

To read the whole Bible in Haiku, go here.  Otherwise stick around, and we'll go through the rest of the books one by one.

Biblios Hokku - Luke

The Gospel of Luke is a unique Gospel. Luke is (probably) the only Gentile writer in the New Testament. Luke includes in his account words spoken by Jesus as a child, and many parables not found elsewhere. It appears from the introduction that Luke studied and researched the stories told about Jesus, and probably used Mark as one of many sources.

The Gospel is focused on showing that Jesus was a saviour for all people, both Jew and Gentile. Stories of salvation being extended to all are prevalent. The book ends with Jesus going up to Heaven, however it foreshadows the coming of the Spirit, and the book of Acts is considered by many to be a continuation of the Gospel, also written by Luke, showing how Jesus' life lead to the growth of the early Church.

LUKE
Salvation for all,
Through his great mercy and love.
So much more to come.

Read the rest of the Gospels, as well as the Old Testament, here.