Monthly message

“God's Timing”

“But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.” Act 2: 16-18

The last days are not just in the distant future but were inaugurated at Pentecost. It has been 2000 plus years and they will continue until Christ returns. They began as predicated in the Old Testament in the coming of the Messiah “Jesus Christ our Lord.” In Jesus, the Messiah’s saving death and resurrection has been accomplished and now the work of the Holy Spirit in building the church was, is and always will be a key event in the history of salvation that needs to occur before Christ returns.

As I asked the congregation on Pentecost Sunday, have you ever wondered what it must have felt like that first Pentecost? Can you imagine the energy that must have filled the air? The disciples were so giddy that the people thought they were drunk. This excitement drew a crowd and all those who gathered left changed. They were changed by the Holy Spirit. They had not only heard the Good News of Jesus Christ but it abided in them for all eternity. I believe the same energy surrounds the font at each and every baptism.

I was asked during the meet and greet on May 31, “why St. John’s and why now?” The answer is simple. I believe the Spirit of Pentecost is very active at St. John’s and it is exciting to experience it. There is no way I can pass up serving in a congregation that is experiencing the Spirit of Pentecost.

St. John’s now worships in a renewed worship center. This is a project that has taken much time, effort and work by many people. More important, it stands as a symbol of the working of the Holy Spirit in our midst. This project was discussed for over 8 years, and now it has been completed. It was completed in God’s time.

When we started the renovation project, we thought we would be back in the sanctuary one to two weeks before we were able to worship in our renewed space. The first Sunday after you voted to call me to be your Pastor, we baptized a child here in our renewed worship center. God’s timing again. For various reasons, the vote to extend a call to me was delayed by a month.

This can only be the work of Holy Spirit. I believe this is more than a renewal of a building, it is a symbol of the renewal of God’s people in this place.

It is so exciting to just be a part of it. It makes me giddy with excitement when I think of where the Holy Spirit is going to lead us in this place at this time. I am honored to accept the call at St. John’s.

In Christ,

—Pastor Ernie

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August 9Community Breakfast

Saturday 8:00 AM — 10 AM at St. John's.
Come & bring your neighbor—Donations accepted to benefit Iredell Christian & 5th Street Ministries

 

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