>>> The Spirit

30.
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit[1]
was given to the church.
In pouring his Spirit on many peoples
God overcomes the divisions of Babel;[2]
now people from every tongue, tribe, and nation
are gathered into the unity
of the body of Christ.

[1 Acts 2]
[2 Rev. 7]

31.
Jesus stays with us in the Spirit,[1]
who renews our hearts,
moves us to faith,
leads us in the truth,[2]
stands by us in our need,
and makes our obedience fresh and vibrant.

[1 John 14]
[2 2 Cor. 3:7-18]

32.
The Spirit thrusts[1]
God's people into worldwide mission.
He impels young and old,[2]
men and women,
to go next door and far away[3]
into science and art,
media and marketplace
with the good news of God's grace.
The Spirit goes before them and with them,[4]
convincing the world of sin
and pleading the cause of Christ.

[1 Matt. 28:18-20]
[2 Matt. 9:35-38]
[3 Luke 14:15-24]
[4 John 16:5-15]

33.
The Spirit's gifts are here to stay[1]
in rich variety—
fitting responses to timely needs.
We thankfully see each other
as gifted members of the fellowship[2]
which delights in the creative Spirit's work.
He gives more than enough
to each believer
for God's praise and our neighbor's welfare.[3]

[1 1 Cor. 12-14]
[2 Eph. 4]
[3 Rom. 12]