Embracing Authenticity and Unity Through the Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit of Jesus Lives in Us**

The story of Pentecost is a powerful reminder that the Spirit of Jesus is still alive within each of us. This same Spirit that once preached good news to the poor and offered freedom from oppression continues to work through us today. We are the vessels through which the story of Jesus is still being told, and this ongoing narrative invites us to live out His teachings in our daily lives. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us is not just a historical fact but a living reality that empowers us to carry forward the mission of Jesus. [44:40]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively live out the story of Jesus in your daily interactions this week?

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Day 2: Authentic Expression Through the Holy Spirit**

Pentecost reveals a profound truth about the freedom to speak authentically when the Holy Spirit is present in a community. This freedom allows us to share our true stories and experiences without fear of rejection. It is not about performing a miraculous act but about being able to communicate in our native language, our truest self. This gift of the Holy Spirit encourages us to embrace our unique voices and share them openly, knowing that our authenticity is a divine gift meant to be shared with others. [48:01]

"For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one aspect of your true self that you have been hesitant to share? How can you begin to express this part of yourself more openly?

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Day 3: Unity Beyond Differences**

Pentecost calls us to a unity that transcends mere correctness. It invites people of different ages, races, backgrounds, and perspectives to come together and share without reservation. This unity is not about agreeing on every point but about recognizing that the same Spirit that was alive in Jesus is alive in us. This connectedness is a powerful force that can bring about profound change and understanding within a community. It challenges us to build a space where diversity is celebrated and every voice is valued. [52:52]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your community who has a different background or perspective than you. How can you reach out to them and build a connection this week?

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Day 4: Embracing Authenticity in Community**

Authenticity is essential for building a genuine community. The story of a mother who wondered if she could share her whole story and still belong illustrates the importance of speaking our truth, even if our voice shakes. Pentecost is about the freedom to speak in our native tongue, our most authentic voice. This first gift of the Holy Spirit encourages us to create a space where everyone feels free to share their true selves, fostering a community built on honesty and acceptance. [50:45]

"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:25, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt you couldn't share your true self. What steps can you take to create a more authentic and accepting environment for yourself and others?

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Day 5: Empowered to Confront Injustice**

The Spirit of Pentecost empowers us to speak out against injustice, spread love and compassion, and build a more loving world. This empowerment emboldens us to be bold in our faith and unwavering in our commitment to justice. Trusting in the voice that God has placed within us, we are called to uplift the voices of others and work towards a world where love and justice prevail. This call to action is a vital aspect of living out our faith in a tangible and impactful way. [01:00:10]

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an injustice you feel passionate about. How can you use your voice and actions to make a difference in this area today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church! Welcome to worship at Royal Oak First. My name is Jeff Nelson, and I am one of the pastors here. Today is a special day as we gather to celebrate Pentecost and recognize our graduating seniors. We are a welcoming and affirming congregation, and we are glad to have you here, whether you are joining us in person or online. This morning, we will lay our hands on our graduates, bless them, and remind them that no matter where life takes them, they can always come back here.

Pentecost is a day of great significance, much like professional wrestling in its wild and spectacular nature. Both gather committed crowds and invite them to be part of an unfolding story. The story of Pentecost asserts that the Spirit of Jesus is still alive in us. The same Spirit that preached good news to the poor and offered freedom from oppression is alive in you and me. This means the story of Jesus is still being told through us, and it is an incredible story that continues to reveal new levels of understanding.

The mystery of Pentecost unfolded in a new way for me this year. The text says that when the Holy Spirit is alive in a community, people are free to speak in their native language, their truest self. This is not a weird magic trick but a profound truth that when the Spirit of the Living God falls upon a community, people are free to speak authentically. This freedom to speak in our native tongue is a gift of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to share our true stories and experiences without fear of rejection.

I want to share a personal story that illustrates this point. At my last church in Redford, a family had been attending for a few weeks. The mother approached me and asked if it was okay that she was not married to her children's father. She wanted to know if she could tell her whole story and still belong. This is what Pentecost is about—speaking your truth even if your voice shakes. The first gift of the Holy Spirit is the freedom to speak in our native tongue, our most authentic voice.

Pentecost reminds us that we are invited to be part of something larger, a connectedness that extends beyond simply being correct. On this Pentecost Day, we invite the Spirit of the living God, the same Spirit that was alive in Jesus, to be alive in us. Your unique, authentic voice is welcome and needed here. The world needs your experience, background, and cultural perspective. Your questions, doubts, and long-held beliefs are all welcome here.

As we gather to celebrate our graduating seniors, we commend them into God's hands. We thank God for the roots planted in their hearts through their relationship with Christ and for the wings they will spread as they take that love into the world. Each of them is an unrepeatable miracle, and we pray for their protection, guidance, and inspiration. We also give thanks for every parent, grandparent, Sunday school teacher, and person who helped prepare them for this moment.

In closing, let us remember that the Spirit of Pentecost is alive in this place today. May we continue to use our voices to speak out against injustice, spread love and compassion, and build a more loving world. Empower us to be bold in our faith and unwavering in our commitment. Guide us as we go forth, emboldened by your freedom, and let us trust in the voice you have put within us. Amen.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Spirit of Jesus is Alive in Us: The story of Pentecost makes the bold assertion that the Spirit of Jesus is still alive in you and me. This same Spirit that preached good news to the poor and offered freedom from oppression is alive in us today. This means the story of Jesus is still being told through us, and we are the characters involved in its telling. Let this profound truth sink in and inspire you to live out this story in your daily life. [44:40]
2. Freedom to Speak Authentically: The mystery of Pentecost reveals that when the Holy Spirit is alive in a community, people are free to speak in their native language, their truest self. This freedom to speak authentically is a gift of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to share our true stories and experiences without fear of rejection. Embrace this freedom and let your authentic voice be heard. [48:01]
3. Pentecost as a Call to Unity: Pentecost invites us to a connectedness that extends beyond simply being correct. It is a call to unity, where different ages, races, backgrounds, and perspectives come together to share without reservation. This unity is not about agreeing on everything but about recognizing that the same Spirit that was alive in Jesus is alive in us. Let us strive to build a community that values this connectedness. [52:52]
4. The Importance of Authenticity in Community: Authenticity is crucial in building a genuine community. At my last church, a mother asked if she could tell her whole story and still belong. This is what Pentecost is about—speaking your truth even if your voice shakes. The first gift of the Holy Spirit is the freedom to speak in our native tongue, our most authentic voice. Let us create a space where everyone feels free to share their true selves. [50:45]
5. Empowerment to Speak Out Against Injustice: As we go forth from this place, let us be empowered by the Spirit of Pentecost to speak out against injustice, spread love and compassion, and build a more loving world. The Spirit of the living God emboldens us to be bold in our faith and unwavering in our commitment. Trust in the voice God has put within you and uplift the voices of others. [01:00:10]
### [60:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:14] - Introduction and Announcements
[10:16] - Recognizing Graduating Seniors
[13:08] - Endowment Fund and Community Impact
[20:21] - Special Presentations
[26:13] - Blessing the Graduates
[27:13] - Congregational Support
[28:22] - Circle of Love and Care
[29:22] - Prayer for Graduates
[30:36] - Graduation Gifts
[42:15] - The Spirit of Pentecost
[43:09] - Pentecost and Professional Wrestling
[44:40] - The Spirit of Jesus in Us
[46:18] - The Mystery of Pentecost
[48:01] - Speaking in Our Native Language
[50:45] - Authenticity in Community
[52:52] - Call to Unity
[55:12] - NFL Draft and Connection
[55:53] - Moments of Connection
[56:44] - The Holiness of Connection
[57:29] - Invitation to the Spirit
[58:26] - Welcoming All Voices
[59:21] - Prayer for Freedom and Truth
[60:10] - Empowerment to Speak Out
[64:49] - Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) — > When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

John 14:16-17 (NIV) — > And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV) — > It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Observation Questions

What event is described in Acts 2:1-4, and what miraculous occurrence took place?
According to John 14:16-17, who is the advocate that Jesus promises, and what is the role of this advocate?
In Galatians 5:1, what does Paul say Christ has set us free from, and what are we encouraged to do with this freedom?
In the sermon, Pastor Jeff mentioned a personal story about a mother asking if she could tell her whole story and still belong. What does this story illustrate about the freedom to speak authentically? ([50:05])

Interpretation Questions

How does the event of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4 demonstrate the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church?
What does Jesus mean when he refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" in John 14:16-17, and how does this relate to the idea of speaking authentically in the sermon? ([48:01])
How can the freedom mentioned in Galatians 5:1 be applied to the concept of speaking in our native tongue or truest self as discussed in the sermon? ([48:01])
Pastor Jeff compared Pentecost to professional wrestling, noting both gather committed crowds and invite them to be part of an unfolding story. How does this analogy help us understand the communal and participatory nature of Pentecost? ([43:09])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt free to speak your authentic voice. How did it impact your sense of belonging and connection with others? ([48:01])
Pastor Jeff mentioned that the Spirit of Jesus is still alive in us today. How can you live out this truth in your daily life, especially in your interactions with others? ([44:40])
The sermon emphasized the importance of unity and connectedness beyond simply being correct. How can you foster a sense of unity in your community, even when there are differences in beliefs and perspectives? ([52:52])
Think about a situation where you felt pressured to silence your true self for the sake of fitting in. How can you embrace the freedom to speak authentically in similar situations in the future? ([49:25])
Pastor Jeff encouraged the congregation to speak out against injustice and spread love and compassion. Identify one specific way you can take action against an injustice you are passionate about this week. ([01:00:10])
How can you support and encourage others in your community to share their true stories and experiences without fear of rejection? ([50:45])
The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing and valuing different cultural perspectives. How can you actively seek to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those around you? ([52:52])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I love Pentecost. It might be one of my favorite religious holidays. I love it in the same way that I love professional wrestling. Hang in here, I'm gonna make the connection, right? I love both Pentecost and I love professional wrestling because they're both a little wild and weird. Right? I love them because they're both kind of a day of big spectacle. I love both professional wrestling and Pentecost because they both got pyrotechnics. Right? And they've got special effects. I love both professional wrestling and Pentecost because they gather committed, loyal crowds." [43:09](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "The story of Pentecost makes this bold assertion that the Spirit of Jesus is still alive in you. And in me. Let that sink in, people. The same Spirit that was alive in Jesus is still alive in you and in me. I don't think that's sunk in yet. I mean, I'm telling you, the same Spirit that preached good news to the poor, that proclaimed freedom to the imprisoned, that offered vision to those blinded by hate and prejudice, the same Spirit that offered freedom from oppression, that same Spirit is in you." [44:40](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "Speak your truth, especially when you fear no one will understand you. Your truth may very well contain the exact words or ideas that help someone else to find what they're experiencing in their own life. You are not alone in what you're feeling or experiencing in this world. Be the voice that brings people together. So, yeah. Pentecost. It's the great invitation to something larger, to a connectedness that extends beyond simply being correct." [57:29](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "May we continue to use our voices to speak out against injustice, to spread love and compassion, and to build a world that is more loving and reflective of you. Empower us to be bold in our faith and unwavering in our commitment Guide us as we go forth from this place emboldened by your freedom. Let us trust in the voice you have put within us and uplift the voice of others." [01:00:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The text said that when the Holy Spirit, the Goodness Glued, that Jesus naturally exuded, when that Spirit is alive in a community of people, that the people are free to speak in their native language. They're free to speak in the language that is most natural to them, in the language of their truest self. I never thought about it like this before." [47:35](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "That's what I find so amazing in the Pentecost story is that it says, speak your truth even if your voice shakes. The very first gift of the Holy Spirit gives to the community of faith is the freedom to speak in our native tongue, to speak from our most authentic self." [50:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "In that first falling of the Holy Spirit. Those 16 voices didn't spend that moment arguing about what they believed. They did not spend that moment debating doctrine or dogma. They did not spend that time quoting scripture to prove their positions or their politics. No, the story for today reminds us that those 16 voices were freed so they could declare the mighty work of God in their own language, in words that were true to their own, in expressions and experience that matched their native tongue, their most authentic self." [52:52](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "So on this Pentecost Day, let me simply proclaim that we invite the Spirit of the living God, the same Spirit that was alive in Jesus, to be alive in us. And in doing so, we remind everybody here today that your unique, authentic voice is welcome here. That your unique, authentic voice is needed here. I say this to each of our graduating seniors. The world needs your experience. The world needs your background. The world needs your insight, your hindsight, your unique cultural perspective. It needs you to be heard." [58:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "The same Spirit that death could not contain. That Spirit is alive in you and it's alive in me and it's especially alive when we gather together in one place like this. And so you know what that means? That means that this Jesus story, this story is not over yet. It's still being told. And you and I are the characters that are involved in its telling in this day and in this age. Seriously, let that sink in. The story of Jesus is still being told and it's being told through us." [45:37](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

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What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?