He is not here.  He is risen!

  Luke 24:6

Welcome

to the

Church of the Holy Spirit

Current Sunday Scriptures below!

Archived Scriptures in The Family Room!

 Who We Are 

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a Christian church.

We believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son

and

Holy Spirit the Comforter, Teacher and Healer.

We believe that God made the heavens and the earth,

 and gave all creatures His son, Jesus,

who died on the cross to forgive our sins

 and

to give us eternal life.

We believe Jesus went to heaven, he is now seated at God’s right hand,

 and

that God gave us Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us.

 

We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God.

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Who are God, Jesus and Holy Spirit?

God is our heavenly Father who created heaven and earth.  He gave us His Son, who died on a cross to allow our sins to be forgiven and give us eternal life becoming our Lord and Savior.  When Jesus died, Holy Spirit was made available to us to comfort, teach and guide us.

God in the beginning:  Genesis 1:1

Jesus:  Matthew 1, 2 & 3

Holy Spirit:  John 15:26

Are you one with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit?

 If you have not accepted the Trinity into your life and you would like to, pray this prayer or use your own words from your heart:

“Dear Heavenly Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, please forgive me of my sins known and unknown.  Please come into my life, heal me and make me whole.  Give me a new life in and with you.  I wish to receive all that you have to give.  Baptize me in the fullness of your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn all I can about you to love you, and others, as you love me.  So I can love myself.  Thank you for giving me this new life.  Please send other Christians to surround me to help me grow and be strong to defeat Satan and the things of the world.  Help me to be worthy of your love.  Thank you God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.  In Jesus name I pray by and with the power of the Holy Spirit to dear Heavenly Father God.  Amen.” 

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If you have prayed this prayer, please email us at TrinityMissions@msn.com, so we can agree with you in prayer, praise God, and uplift you with prayer support.  We are thrilled to welcome you into the family of believers and encourage you to find a church home nearby where you can study, grow and fellowship with others.  Someone may need your support as much as you need them.  We are commanded to come together in fellowship to worship His majesty.

If you choose to fellowship with us via the web, we are honored to welcome you to the Church of the Holy Spirit.  We pray you will be enriched and uplifted in the fullness of the Trinity to their glory.  Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing from time to time.  As the website grows, we will have a special page for this purpose, and, you will be able to list prayers for all to see, so that we may come together as a body of believers, for ‘wherever two or more shall gather, there will I be.’   Don’t forget to send prayers of thanksgiving, as well as petitions of tears.  

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You are who I call ‘The Promise Children’, as in Romans 9:25-26 NLT:

“Those who were not my people, I will now call my people.  And I will love those whom I did not love before.  And, once they were told, ‘You are not my people.’  But now he will say, ‘You are children of the living God.”

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“The Kingdom of God is near you now.”

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The Apostle Paul gave us a “Prayer for Spiritual Empowerment” in Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT.  It reads

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.”  

Jesus told us to remain in his love in John 15:9-13 NLT:

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.  Remain in my love.  When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy.  Yes, your joy will overflow!  I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you.  And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.” 

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May 3, 2009

John 20:19-23 

From John's Memory

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John

That evening, on the first day of the week, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.  Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them!  "Peace be with you." he said.  As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see, and he showed them his side.  They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord!  He spoke to them again and said, "Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, so I send you."  Then he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven.  If you refuse to forgive them, they are unforgiven."   

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Thoughts...

I titled this "From John's Memory" for a couple reasons.  It is interesting to note that everyone sees and remembers different things and at different times it is recalled.  Luke was a Doctor and very detail oriented and literate.  His book was written about 60 A.D....after the death of Christ.  John's book was written about 85-90 A.D.  And you'll see in further weeks how John told more of the story of Jesus' life after death before his ascension into heaven and gave a little different detail of the first upper room encounter with Jesus.

Let's talk.  In Luke' story, the apostles and the disciples were gathered.  Jesus told them to stay in the city until the Holy Spirit comes upon them.  Here in John's telling of the story, he grants them 'the great commission', as it is called, in Matthew 28:18-20 and also referenced in Mark 16:15-18.  It seems interesting to note also, that scripture is specific in reference to disciples vs. just apostles.  When disciples is used, it usually refers to both apostles and disciples, when apostles only is used, it is clear this reference pertains merely to them.  So here we have reference to all followers of Jesus (disciples) being given a gift....the Holy Spirit...and...directive...a command...to go forth forgiving everyone's sins and preaching the Gospel.  This was not only for the apostles, but for all disciples...followers of Jesus Christ.  

That's huge for us folks.  ALL of us bear responsiblity as believers in Jesus to go forth sharing the gospel that Jesus lived and died as a child of God for God, and for us...offering us forgiveness of our sins, if we but ask, and offering us eternal life if we obey.  

John is eloquent and passionate in his telling of the facts.  He says, 'Then he breathed on them...'.  The other fact writers say 'told them'.  Either way, the disciples...who we are...were meant to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and go forth sharing who he is, that he is, and how wonderful he is...as you've read in prayers a lot by now, if you've been tuned in for long.  Chronologically we are a bit time wise ahead of when the world traditionally celebrates Pentecost, so I won't go into great detail right now about that.  We'll cover more when I get into Luke.  And I'm late getting this out due to a security breech, so I don't want to keep the message too late today.  Forgive the delay, please.  But I want you to read the references between the 4 gospels and see how it pertains to all of us, not just a select few who believe in apostolic succession.  Apostolic succession is the laying on of hands from one to another with the responsibility entrusted from the first to the last as in the mainline churches of Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran and a few others.  Their belief is that Jesus gave his authority to Peter, and Peter passed it on to others, who passed it on to others.  That's what some churches consider ordination....by the laying on of hands.   But, in reading the scriptures, it is clear....very clear...that not only all but one of the apostles were in the room with Jesus, but disciples...other followers of Jesus were there, too, and received the same gift of the same Holy Spirit with the same commands as the apostles.  

Does this nullify ordination in the mainline churches?  No.  Does this reinforce our responsibility as disciples, followers, Christians in the body?  YES!

Upon confirmation, youths or adults receiving the laying on of hands by a bishop, in the mainline churches is done to allow the adult (or young adult) the ability to accept and confirm that what was accepted for them upon baptism as a child (infant) usually, that being that Jesus would be their Savior and they would be raised and walk as a Christian and they receive the Holy Spirit upon confirmation, so to speak.  In the non-mainline churches, traditionally, a young adult or older child has the opportunity to hear the salvation message and accept it for themselves and a bishop, minister, or pastor lays hands on them to confirm and pass on the Holy Spirit.  Ok...so scratch that I wasn't going to go into detail.  But we know, or I hope I have conveyed in the past, or you may yet learn that Holy Spirit can come upon a person prior to all of this as evidenced in the scriptures.  But the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the one that Jesus grants upon his leaving.  

We know that Holy Spirit is needed for understanding.  And the apostles and disciples had their eyes and minds opened before Jesus conferred the Holy Spirit upon his leaving.  And we know from Matthew that the evidence of Jesus conferring the Holy Spirit prior to his leaving is inline with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  So, how am I going to tie this in?  I'm not sure....

Ok, what we need to have is not just an understanding and knowledge that Jesus lived and died for us.  We need to ask him to please give us the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which, yes, is different than water baptism.  Can we go to someone that we know who is a Christian and ask them to lay hands on us, or breathe on us or verbally grant us the baptism of the Holy Spirit?  Yes.  Do we need to go to an authority of the church like an 'ordained Priest, Pastor, Bishop or Minister?  No.  Because per scripture, for those of us who chose to receive, we are all commissioned and ordained by God, when Jesus conferred upon us the Holy Spirit.  And can you go directly to Jesus and ask him to baptise you with the Holy Spirit?  Absolutely, I believe you can!  And you must.

Years ago I heard a story about a Russian woman who was married to an authority figure who had heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.  She went into her shower and asked God to let that be her water baptism and asked him to baptize her with the Holy Spirit.  She went forth CAREFULLY sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Do you think that Jesus was not there when she asked?  Of course he was there!  Do you think she could have gone forth and preached without him?  Not likely.  Do you have to only be a man to share the gospel?  No.  I am not....I am woman...hear me roar.  It is a convoluted version of man's laws that changed who could lead and who could not in man's church guided by man's laws, doctrines and dogmas.  In God's new testament church, with Jesus...all are equal and all are called.

So, I encourage you...strongly...to ask Jesus into your heart and life.  And then I embrace you saying, ask him for his baptism of the Holy Spirit.  There are many references to support what I have told you to help you understand.  And there is more to come in the following weeks.  Just know that Jesus will be with you always....even to the end of time.  And with Holy Spirit, you will know more, and be able to share more, and be more passionate about all that the Trinity has to offer yourself and others.  Being one with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit is love like no other.  Years ago, a friend of my Mother's made a statement saying, "I'm having an affair with Jesus".  I get that now.  I hope you will be able to embrace all the love he has to give including the Holy Spirit.  I cannot wish more for you as a gift.  

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Let Us Pray

Dearest God, Jesus and Holy Spirit,  be with me today...please.  And everyday.  Come into my heart and mind and bless me as only you can.  Give me the fullness of all you have to give me.  Help me know, that I know, that I know, that you are with me.  Forgive me of my sins and heal me in all the ways you can.  Baptise me and fill me to overflowing with your Holy Spirit, so that I may go forth praising you and sharing who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are with everyone.  Even in the midst of trial, I want to know that you are by my side and will never leave.  And I thank you.  I have so much to learn and so much to grow.  And so much to heal so others can see your glory through me.  Help me Father...God, Brother...Jesus, Friend...Holy Spirit.  Carry me when the road is long and tough and the waves of life are tumultous.  Bear me on eagles wings.  And love me always.  And help me to love you always.  Now, give me voice and wings.  That I may go where you want me to go and say what you want me to say.  I am ready.  Take my hand and lead the way.  I am yours.  How wondrous that sounds.  And you are mine.  I love you.  Thank you.   Me    

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Jesus Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Alleluia!

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation.  

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regulary to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:16 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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  Our Current Cause

 We have a family in crisis who could desperately use your prayers and support.  The Mom, a good Christian woman, is young still...she just turned 50, and she has 3 young children under 15.  She has just been diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer.  Her husband died 3 years ago from Cancer, and her Mother, who has her own health issues, is trying to care for her and her children and help her along life's way.  They do not have enough money to meet their everyday expenses right now.  But I am confident that, with your help, we can find some balance for them.  If this touches your heart, we hope you will pray earnestly for her to be healed, and pray for her family.  And, if you would, please send any amount of money you can to help them.  Please note 'Elizabeth and kids' in your note line on your check and we will see that all funds go directly to them.  Please consider reaching out to help them.  I know they will be sincerely grateful for anything you can do to help.  

Please accept our sincerest thanks....and may God bless you.

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 Checks can be made out to

Church of the Holy Spirit

and sent to

Church of the Holy Spirit

P.O. Box 86076

Tucson, Arizona

85754-6076

If you have any questions, we can be reached at:

1-866-402-GIFT

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Mountain Time

As we grow, you will have options for allocating your gifts.

In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

We will be integrating Pay Pal soon for your convenience.

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rythms of Grace'

 "Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

  Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.

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 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

Scriptures may be taken from the New Living Translations website.

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