“Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac shows his complete confidence in God’s promises (Genesis 22:1-14). Although we sometimes question how long we will have to endure certain trials, we remember God’s past faithfulness and trust him to see us through them (Psalm 13 and Psalm 89). Therefore, we need to yield to God, who offers us eternal life, not giving into sin (Romans 6:12-23) and offering hospitality in God’s name to others (Matthew 10:40-42).” -Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Commentary
“We are offered living water and the assurance of God’s continuing love and protection (Genesis 21:8-21). Through baptism, we are crucified with Jesus and die to sin, resurrected to a new life (Romans 6:1b-11). We need not fear anything, for we are precious to God (Matthew 10: 24-39). We continue to ask him for help, guidance, and direction and pray he will preserve us from our enemies (Psalm 86 and Psalm 69).” –Thomas Oden
“Abraham was quick to recognize God, to be obedient to him and to believe his promises (Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7). We rejoice that through Christ’s death for our sins we have lasting peace with God (Romans 5:1-8). God’s goodness and love cause us to sing his praises (Psalm 100 and Psalm 116), and in gratitude, we therefore share the good news of God’s grace with others (Matthew 9:35-10:8)” –Thomas Oden
The glorious life of the Trinity created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1-2:4a). God’s creation is spectacular and demonstrates that He has not abandoned His creation, but continues to sustain all life (Psalm 8). In the light of this gift, Christians are called to gratitude, peace, and love (2 Corinthians 13:11-13). We can find hope in Jesus’ promise to never leave us as we baptize, teach, and live in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:16-20).
“On Pentecost, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-21). Through Christ, we are given the living water of the Holy Spirit, poured out on believers on Pentecost, so that we might “thirst” no more (John 7:37-39) and that we might use the spiritual gifts we are given to his glory (1 Corinthians 12:3b-13). We look at the wonders of creation and cannot help but praise God for his wisdom, originality and the beauty of the world around us (Psalm 104:24-34, 35b).”
The Ascended Christ Sends His Spirit and Makes us One
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower his followers until his return (Acts 1:6-14). This promise gives us the strength to pray and follow God, even in the midst of suffering and anxiety. These things may last for a little while, but we are encouraged to stand firm knowing that Christ himself has prayed for us (1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11). Though orphans, he has promised us a home (Psalm 68: 1-10; 32-35). He has granted us eternal life and the fellowship of other believers, even while we wait (John 17:1-11).
The true God has been revealed to the whole world through the life and death of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:22-31). God can truly be known, even when we suffer for his sake (1 Peter 3:13-22). We can be assured of God’s care for us and know that he listens to our prayers. In response, we offer our gratitude and confess what he has done for us (Psalm 66:8-20). We find freedom and take joy in his commands through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-21).
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