Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

The third person of the Trinity and the work of G*d in this world – it is the Holy Spirit that builds faith

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 5:30 am on April 4, 2015
Tags: Holy Spirit,   

Easter Vigil – Rev. David J. Schreffler

April 4, 2015
Easter Vigil, Easter Saturday

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ has set me free from the law of sin and death. For G*d has done what the law could not do: sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh.” Romans 8:1-3

“What is happening? Today there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence, and stillness, a great silence because the King sleeps; the earth was in terror and was still, because G*d slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping from the ages. G*d has died in the flesh, and the underworld has trembled. Truly he goes to seek out our first parent like a lost sheep; he wishes to visit those, 2105 who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.” “For All The Saints” volume III (p. 1037) “The Lord’s Descent Into Hell” An Ancient Homily

Easter Vigil is one of my favorite services throughout the entire year – no not better than Easter, but almost. It begins outside, with a fire, an ancient symbol of light – it brings warmth, light and a reminder of the power of G*d. Then the entire congregation processes inside, in darkness to hear ancient words from G*d – Old Testament readings about the promises of G*d, the power of G*d, and the love of G*d. Then the congregation witnesses a baptism – and if not a baptism, they hear again the promises of baptism – that we are chosen through our baptism by G*d as children of G*d, infused with the Holy Spirit and are marked with the cross of Christ on our foreheads and hear that we are to let our light so shine before others….that gives glory to our Father in Heaven.

Then, in one magnificent moment, the lights come on in the Nave and the Chancel is clean, and white, and we are all bathed in the light of Christ. We celebrate Holy Communion and hear that Christ has Risen Indeed. It is a powerful service – it is a magnificent way to begin the Easter Season. Get Thee to an Easter Vigil Service tonight and experience again the power, the wonder, and the love of G*d as we experience again the resurrection of Christ.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:13 am on March 20, 2015
Tags: Holy Spirit,   

Clear Vision – Rev. David J. Schreffler

March 20, 2015

“They came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man, and begged him to touch him. And Jesus took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see men; but they look like trees, walking.” Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and saw everything clearly.” Mark 8:22-25

“As elsewhere indicated, blindness is a symbol of lost spiritual vision… For the blind man, faith is made strong by the touch of Jesus who moistens the eyes and lays his hands on him, and then asks: “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see men; but they look like trees walking.” Sight was only partially restored, possibly because his faith was still imperfect. “Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes, and he saw everything clearly.” This case of gradual cure is absolutely unique in the gospel story. No explanation is given as to the reason, and none as to the purpose of Jesus; but in the experience of his disciples similar examples are by no means uncommon. Many follow Christ for a time and know something of his healing power, who afterwards come to a crisis in their religious experience and seem to receive a new touch from the Master and henceforth to see divine realities with clearer vision. We are to conclude that the methods of our Lord in effecting cures were not always the same, and that the spiritual experiences of modern Christians are not always alike.” Charles R. Erdman (1866-1960) “For All The Saints” volume III.

There is a saying that goes like this: “It is always darkest before the dawn.” I find this analogy true for my faith understanding. Before my faith had its current form, there were many dark days – dark in terms of my faith understanding. I would wander this way and that way, like a blind person without any assistance. Once in a while there might be some sight, and insight, but often my sight was blinded by other things, and my insight was cloudy. What helped to bring clearer vision was the Holy Spirit that came to me in waves, in words, in wanderings, and in water (as in my baptism, but that comes later in my devotion). I like Charles Erdman’s description in the odd healing of the blind man – that his doubled healing represents the fact that not every person learns and is impacted by the Holy Spirit in the same way. Some have a cloudy vision. Some think they see, but their vision is just a little off. But through our baptism, we have been chosen by G*d as children of G*d – and have been infused with the Holy Spirit. It is that same Holy Spirit that will help us with our spiritual vision, and our faith understanding – and just like the blind man, Jesus will not give up on us.

Pastor Dave