"The Work of the Holy Spirit" Sermon May 19, 2024

"The Work of the Holy Spirit"
John 16:7-11
Preacher: Pastor Mike Vieregge
Last week we remembered our risen and ascended Lord, who is seated at the right hand of the Father. Next week is Trinity Sunday, where we look to our Triune God. Today, we highlight specifically the work of the Holy Spirit.
We know the work of our Creator and Heavenly Father and we are very familiar with the work of our Redeemer Jesus Christ, but we are less likely to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit. We give Him many names, The Helper, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Advocate and the Paraclete. We try to describe Him in many ways, as wind, fire, oil, or as water or breath; however, He is still rather unknown to us.
Jesus states twice that it is to our benefit that He leave us​. The first was when He went to the cross and tomb. The ​second is in our Gospel text today when ​He says " I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." ​This Pentecost weekend, we will focus more on the Holy Spirit​, and all the days we have this side of heaven.