पेन्तिकोषको अभ्यास-१, पा. सन्तोष खतिवडा

Spiritual health of our church has of course been boasted from previous sermons series, ‘practicing resurrection’ and sub heading ‘practicing ascension’. Congregation is taught adequately in the scripture, especially the life and atoning work of Jesus Christ. And this has provoked their desire, and love, to reorient their hearts in advancing the gospel. Also, everyone in the congregation is encouraged to practice their faith in a given context which in future will certainly maximizes the potential fruits of the Gospel – and the Spirit otherwise. In line with previous series, we are beginning a new sermon series on ‘Practicing Pentecost’ (what happens at the church when Holy Spirit comes?). And the objectives of this series are: a) to equip our people in the work of the Holy Spirit as God in the Trinity, b) to encourage our people to have desire for the fruits of the Spirit, and practice them and, c) to exhort our people to embody the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit as we thrive becoming an excellent Nepali church. The need of this sermons series lies basically in the cultural, traditional, and arbitrary interpretation and application of the Pentecost, Holy Spirit, and the fruits of the Spirit which has caused malpractices, and confusion in churches then and today. Also, our people should clearly understand and desire the work of the Spirit at xWay and its empowerment in our everyday life. The primary work of the Spirit is to renew our hearts and mind (software, I would call it). The Spirit works to makes us (individual) in the image of His Son Jesus Christ (Col.3.9.10). It also, works to make His body that is church well-functioning to grow and be a blessing hub for its non-members. The Spirit also empowers church to reach out to community at large by evangelism, church planting and diaconal services. We can find examples throughout the book of Acts. Thus, Christ, His mission and the church should be our contexts in interpreting Pentecost, Holy Spirit and fruits of the Spirit. In this series, we shall thoroughly understand Pentecost – coming of the Spirit and practice the presence and the work of the Spirit in our midst.