The Mission at Takara [Click >] Winter Update for 1-25-26

Brothers & Sisters —

Well the weather doesn’t look good for a second week in a row!  I’ve had several thoughts about it - and of course the first thought is for everyone’s safety we not meet.  But then when I heard Church would be closed, I thought hmm… I wonder if the Mission at Takara — those who live here — might choose to become the Church at Takara for Sunday?  I’ll wait to hear from some of you about that.

Anyway, in case we don’t meet I thought I’d share some of my thoughts/writing about this section in John 14:15-31 usually titled “Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit.”  All year long I’ve talked about how our understanding of the Trinity MATTERS.  We’ve talked at length about the concept of “homoousios” - a theological concept that explains how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are “of the SAME SUBSTANCE.”

Through most of John so far we’ve discussed and have come to a better understanding of Jesus in the Trinity - with God before the creation of the world! Hence — “In the beginning was the Word …”.  Now Jesus will explain the Holy Spirit — please pay attention to this — it’s so important!

JESUS PROMISES THE HOLY SPIRIT - JOHN 14: 15-31

I think many/most people have a hard time understanding the Holy Spirit because we think of him (not it) as some kind of force — a power or perhaps an intense experience for charismatics — or correctly as the indwelling presence of God.  We remember the functions of the Holy Spirit - to teach and remind and convict the world of sin, giving spiritual gifts and more.

But let’s remember to think of this in the context of the setting.  Jesus is speaking from the Upper Room the night before his arrest.  He is leaving and the disciples are AFRAID and anxious.  Speaking into that fear Jesus says “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Advocate/Parakletos).”

The word “another” (Greek - “allos”) here means “another of THE SAME KIND.” In other words the Holy Spirit will be of the SAME SUBSTANCE. Notice next what Jesus says:  “He lives with you and will be in you.” v 17. THIS IS A HUGE POINT!  A GAME CHANGER!

For you see, up until now God has been NEAR — whether through the Law and the Prophets, or at the Temple.  But now Jesus tells us that God will be moving INSIDE of us!  

————————————————

I’ll leave it there as a preview of our discussion to come!  Blessings!  Rob