Paul wrote an amazing letter to the church in Rome. He gives us this great framework of theology, how the Gospel is to be understood. Sometimes we narrow that down, but we shouldn’t. Let’s look at what Paul writes how he writes it and see this symphony that he orchestrates.

Elijah is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. He seems like a real life superhero! And there is a moment we witness where he seems so human. That is one of the reasons he is one of my favorites. We can learn some lessons from Elijah’s story.

Paul has an experience on the way to Damascus. He comes face-to-face with Jesus. It changes his whole outlook. He has a resurrection experience. May we also have face-to-face experiences and really see who God is.

Philips encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch is Spirit led. We see the advancement of the Gospel to the “ends of the earth” through the encounter. May we always be just as Spirit led with the things we do!

Peter explains through a sermon what Pentecost means through a passage in Joel and a Psalm of David. Those around were cut to the heart and repented. There was a restoration that happened. There is always hope for restoration.

What happens in Acts 2 is an amazing story of transformation. The transformation that happens when a group of people allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in what they are doing. On this day of Pentecost we are reminded of the transformation that has happened in our lives. We are reminded of the promise God gave of transformation. Thank you Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Ezekiel 37 gives us this vision of resurrection. That God will bring a transformation of the heart. No longer do we have a heart of stone but a heart of flesh when there is that transformation. There is a difference in the Bible between a resurrection and a resuscitation. Resurrection means transformation. Lord help guide us in that transformation.

For such a time as this is a line Mordecai gives Esther in 4:14. It is something we can take to heart today as well. We aren’t here by chance. God has something specific for us and we just have to listen for direction for the Holy Spirit.

We have this image given to us in the Old Testament and New Testament of the Israelites being a royal priesthood and a holy nation. We are brought into that image as Gentiles. So how do we live this out?