Pentecost: A New Era

In Genesis 2, God breathed into Adam’s nostrils. He gave him the “breath of life.” In other words, He “enspirited” Adam. He animated him. Brought him to life. Spirit and breath are the same word in both Hebrew and Greek. So, in the same way, in Acts 2, God breathed his Spirit into the church, animating it. “Enspiriting it.” Just as humankind bore the image of God, in the same way, humanity was created afresh in the image of the Risen Christ.

This new community of believers called the church were birthed anew in the spirit. As Jesus asserted to Nicodemus in the cover of darkness, in order for one to see the Kingdom of God, they must be "born from above.” They must be born of water and spirit. This is Pentecostal language. When we read of the Spirit being poured out on those gathered, it’s important to keep in mind that it coincided with the Shavuot Festival which celebrated the giving of the law to Moses on Sinai. It is no coincidence that the church is birthed in the era of the spirit, water, and grace of the new covenant on the same day the old covenant is commemorated. Something new and reformative was happening.

Tongues of fire were used by Rome on top of the head of the face depicted on their coinage to represent a new era. A new era had begun. And people would attest in the flames that something new was happening. A new era had begun. A church had been birthed as people were born from above with fire, water and spirit.

It was indeed a new era. We even see this in the disciples, as they girded themselves in the Spirit to share the gospel to Jewish pilgrims, facilitating the baptism of thousands. The church is surely born anew. Born again. Born from above. However we put it, God animated his church with great and unmistakable power.

We are part of that same church. The same church infused with the Spirit of God. For we cannot separate the Spirit and the Church. As we affirm in the Apostle’s Creed, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal) church.” The Spirit calls, gathers, and enlightens every person in the church.

In the same way, the Spirit unites the uniquely gifted individuals that make up Jesus’ bride called the church in a community of shared life. There is unity where the Spirit is active. That is why unity so indispensable in the church.

Perhaps some questions to ask ourselves might be, how might we connect with the Spirit of unity despite deep differences between us? What is God’s desire for his church? How can our mission and ministries reflect the family-oriented ideal of our own church?

Dear friends, Emmanuel is a unique congregation made up with a lot of people with wonderfully, unique gifts. What are your gifts? How might your gifts be utilized to enhance Emmanuel’s impact on people?

God is doing something new. He is orchestrating something new right now in our midst and I cannot wait to see what he’s got in store.

Walking in the way of Jesus together,
Pastor Dan Hues

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Youth Ministry Update

One of the biggest blessings of the past year has been seeing how much personal discipleship is happening naturally within our youth and young adult ministries. When most people think of youth ministry, they usually picture games, events, or lessons, but increasingly I am realizing that some of the most important ministry happens outside of the scheduled gatherings. It happens sitting across from a student at a coffee shop, during a long conversation after youth group, or checking in with someone individually during a difficult week.

Over the last several months, I have had the opportunity to regularly meet one-on-one with both youth students and young adults, and I cannot overstate how meaningful that has been. These conversations go far beyond surface-level questions. We talk about faith, doubts, relationships, purpose, Scripture, family struggles, future plans, and what it actually looks like to follow Christ in everyday life. In many cases, these are conversations students simply are not having anywhere else.

This kind of discipleship is rare, especially in a culture where everyone is increasingly busy and distracted. Real discipleship takes time, trust, consistency, and presence. It means listening carefully, asking good questions, encouraging when needed, and sometimes challenging someone toward growth. Most of the time, though, it simply means being available and walking alongside someone faithfully over time.

I continue to believe this is one of the greatest strengths of Emmanuel Church. Because we are a smaller church, relationships can form naturally and personally. Students are not getting lost in the crowd. Young adults are not just becoming anonymous faces who disappear after high school graduation. 

As we head into summer, I am excited because while many youth groups tend to slow down during this season, we are actually preparing for even more fun and connection opportunities. We have several events planned already, including another Nerf event (which was one of the biggest hits from last year), a bread-making event, and another paint class. 

Please continue praying for our youth and young adults this summer. Pray that they would continue growing in wisdom and maturity, that strong friendships would form, and most importantly that they would continue drawing closer to Christ. Also pray that God would continue raising up faithful adults within the church who are willing to invest in the next generation personally and relationally. Programs are helpful, but discipleship changes lives.

Thank you all again for the constant encouragement and support you give to these ministries. It truly makes a difference.

-Nate

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