This sermon was delivered by our guest speaker and ministry partner who serves the Lord overseas.
The foretaste of the gift of the Holy Spirit is what Jesus imparts to His disciples on Resurrection Sunday. The Lord Jesus gives His own presence to His disciples, specifically in the illumination of the Word of God. We today also have the presence of Christ with us through the indwelling Spirit of God. We likewise have the illumination of the Spirit, and the Word of God is living and active to us as the Lord, through the Spirit, teaches us, reproves us, corrects us, and trains us in righteousness. May the Spirit’s presence be manifest in this God’s church as we, on our part, continually walk in the wisdom of the Word of God.
Upon His resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples a mission: to proclaim the gospel and make disciples—a mission that would require self-sacrifice in the footsteps of Christ. Far from being a burden, this mission was a boon. No longer were they lost at sea, adrift without a rudder or wandering aimlessly through life. Instead, they were given a clear purpose and direction: to proclaim the unfathomable riches of Christ and to lead sinners to the Savior and the new life found in Him. This has been the mission of the church ever since. We are to be and to make disciples. May the Lord open our eyes to see what a great privilege He has granted us in allowing us to take part in His work on earth.