Introduction to Scripture: In Chapters 14, 15, and 16 of John’s Gospel, there are telling and descriptive words of Jesus about the Holy Spirit. Since this is Pentecost Sunday, the occasion on our Christian calendar when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church, I’m again leaping ahead in my preaching through this Gospel to consider these power-packed words of John concerning the nature and ministry of the Holy Spirit. In the Sermon, I’ll refer to a number of these words, but for now, let’s read from chapter 14, verses 15-24. Remember that everything that Jesus says about the Spirit, He says in the context of his announcement to his disciples that he is going to leave them. He is preparing them for his crucifixion and resurrection.

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