Pastor Quinn • May 19, 2024

Christ Has Not Left Us Alone

Jesus told his disciples that, though he was going to ascend into heaven, he wasn't going to leave them alone. He was going to send "the Advocate", a title for the Holy Spirit. But Jesus wasn't sending the Holy Spirit just to keep us company. Jesus would have the Advocate give us spiritual power so that we might participate in Christ's saving work. Here is the final resurrection reality. The Spirit gives us the ability to raise the spiritually dead to life. We see this happen on Pentecost. The festival of Pentecost was held fifty days after the Passover. (Pentecost is Greek for "fifty".) It was a time to thank God for the harvest. But on that day, through the Church at work, the Holy Spirit gathered another harvest, a harvest of souls. Therefore, Pentecost is the third great festival of the Church, along with the Nativity and the Resurrection. With the Festival of Pentecost, the festival half the Church Year comes to a close.

By Pastor Quinn May 3, 2026
Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to wonder if he wasn’t just a human being. If my last view of him is a criminal crucified on a cross, he would look like someone to be rejected. He couldn’t even help himself, much less anyone else! But he lives, and it makes a difference. He is the only way to heaven. This gospel message is the most inclusive message in the world. The benefits of the resurrection of Jesus are meant for every man, woman, and child who has ever lived.
By Pastor Quinn April 19, 2026
Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have little hope for the future. That’s how the disciples felt after this death. “We hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:19). Their hope for a better life had died along with Jesus. But he lives, and it makes a difference. My hope for the future is restored. I have victory over the feeling of hopelessness, because the one who heals me and gives me a better life is himself alive. He lives to restore my hope.
By Pastor Otterstatter April 12, 2026
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