Dear Northside
This Sunday is Pentecost. What does Pentecost mean to you? What does it really mean to celebrate Pentecost? Remember Pentecost as the birthday of the Church. More than just a historical moment, it was the beginning of a Spirit-filled movement. In Acts 2, we see the Holy Spirit as a presence not just to be studied, but to be experienced with joy, freedom, and boldness. The question is not just what happened that day, but how we’re still living it now.
In the Bible we see the Holy Spirit showing up in unexpected places and in ordinary people, like you and me. It is the Holy Spirit that makes our celebration sacred, our worship breaking through walls, and our joy becoming a form of justice. May I challenge us all to rethink what a Spirit-led community looks like?
- Pentecost marks the beginning of the Spirit’s dwelling in the Church.
- The Holy Spirit brings unity, joy, and transformation wherever God’s people gather.
- Worship is meant to overflow into acts of mercy, justice, and radical welcome.
- The Spirit cannot be contained or silenced by tradition or opposition.
Our theme this year is Walking in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit means we have to know who the Spirit is and what He was poured out to do. Yes, He walks with us, but I think it is more important for us to walk with Him. Where He goes, we go. What He does, we do. What He says, we say. Where He does NOT go, we do not go. What He does NOT do, we do not do. It works both ways! Can you say you live your life like this? Are you walking in step with the Spirit?
We can only be the church because of the Holy Spirit. He changes our hearts, so we can hear His call. He baptises us into the Body of Christ. He purifies us. He gives us gifts so we can do the ministry God created us to do. He transforms us into the image of Jesus. He helps us understand God’s Word. It is the Holy Spirit who keeps God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. The Holy Spirit does do much, but He never glorifies Himself. He never shines the spotlight on Himself. He always points to Jesus. There is so much more we can say about the Holy Spirit. What does He mean to you? What has He done in your life? Please consider giving a testimony in one of our services so you can encourage others.
The Bible encourages us to seek the Lord, and that if we seek Him, we will find Him. Are you seeking the Lord? So that you can walk in step with Him?
Next Sunday is Father’s Day! Please invite your fathers, grandfathers, spiritual fathers, and mentor fathers to the service. We will have a gift for them. And remember to make some time to say thank you to them, even if it is hard to do (you need to come to the service and see the video).
God bless, Pastor Gary