The Easter Difference – Pentecost is the final message from our Easter sermon series. As we end, we celebrate the beginning of the New Testament church.
Party Time
If you heard the sound of rushing children to a table, if the parent were huddled around not in fear, but joyful expectation, if little tongues of fire came to rest on top of a candle crowned cake, where would you be? A birthday party of course! Today on Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the birthday of the New Testament church. But we’re not going to talk about a rushing wind, little tongues of fire, or the gospel being heard in different languages. Our text takes us back to the time when Jesus had to share some sad news with his disciples. Jesus would be leaving them.
Better Off
When it’s time for a relationship to end you may hear one person say, you’re better off without me. I just slow you down. I have bad habits that are rubbing off on you. I’m a bad influence. I’m always bringing you down. I get you into all kinds of trouble. All we do is fight. You deserve someone better than me. We need to part ways. I won’t keep hanging around your life. I don’t want to be the person you can’t get rid of. All of these thoughts make sense – when we hear the phrase, “You’re better off without me.” The trouble is that NONE of these apply to Jesus. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Jesus did say you’re better off without me; it’s for your good that I’m going to heaven. Jesus promised that he would always hang around, never will I leave you. Jesus didn’t cause trouble in their life, peace I give you my peace I leave with you, do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. Jesus wasn’t a bad influence – he’s been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was with out sin.
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s message taken from John 16, The Easter Difference – Pentecost.
Book(s): John
Series: Easter Difference
Tag(s): Holy Spirit