THE ROLE OF THE SPIRIT

“And I (Jesus) will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor -- Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.”  (John14:16-17 AMP)

Without Pentecost, Easter reminds the church that Jesus has now gone to be with God and His followers are left alone in the world.  Without Pentecost, Easter offers us a risen Christ whose return to glory leaves the church to face the world armed with nothing but fond memories of how it once was when Jesus was here.  But with Pentecost, Easter’s Christ promises to return and has returned in the Holy Spirit as comforter, guide, teacher, reminder, and power.  With Pentecost, the church does not simply celebrate but participates in Easter.  With Pentecost, the risen Christ says hello and not good-bye to the church. 

-- Dr. Fred Craddock 

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WITH BOLD ASSURANCE

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”  (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come “boldly.” Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask Him to meet their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say. Come with reverence because He is your King. But also come with bold assurance because He is your [Loving Father], your Friend and Counselor. 

-- Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation

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