“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.  I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.” John 14:25-31

A retired preacher once said in response to this question: “What advice would you give to young people today about living in this day and age?” He said, “Live life without fear.”  He was obviously referring to these words from John:  “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” 

So, how can we live life in the 21^st century and live without fear? My advice is that it will take a healthy dose of the Holy Spirit. Martin Luther writes in the Small Catechism, in response to the third article of the Apostles Creed: “I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith…”  You see, it is the Holy Spirit that enlightens us and teaches us, that builds our faith, and calls us through the means of the Gospel, which is imparted to us through Word and Sacrament. It is through the presence of the Holy Spirit that we hear G-d’s word, where we are strengthened by G-d’s very essence through bread and wine, and then are strengthened to live a life in Christ.

Pastor Dave