Dear Christian friends:

Today is Pentecost Sunday, and the whole Christian Church remembers and celebrates because on that day Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples (refer to Epistle lesson). We, too, need the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and rule our lives. (Without the Holy Spirit we can't even believe in Jesus, "No man can say (confess) that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit) (Martin Luther's explanation of the Third Article) Without the Holy Spirit we cannot do truly good work and please God. So we need the Holy Spirit very much. Does the Holy Spirit Live in Your Heart? That's the important question I want to ask you today and want you to think about that. Let's see: In our text Jesus says three things about a person who has the Holy Spirit living in his heart:

I. He loves and keeps His word. Do you love Jesus? Do you keep (obey) His word? It's easy to answer yes. "Talk is cheap" Jesus says, "If any man loves Me, he will keep My Words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

If you really love Jesus, you will gladly learn and remember His words: "Love one another" "Forgive as I have forgiven you" "Forgive those who sin against you" "Love your enemies" "Visit the sick and prisoner" "Feed the hungry and give water to the thirsty" "Go, into all the world and preach the Gospel to all people" "Baptize and teach all nations."

II. Jesus knows that it is very hard for us Christians to remember and obey his words, because we still are very selfish and greedy. Also the sinful world and Satan tempt us to forget Jesus' Word and be proud and selfish. We'd rather get revenge and hate and punish, than love and forgive someone. But if we daily attend to His Word the Holy Spirit can help us be ashamed and sorry. He will come and live in our hearts; He will give us new faith and new life to obey Jesus' Word more and more better and better. In verse 28 Jesus says, "The Father will send the Holy Spirit in My name. (in My Name = the Word of God(Gospel)) And that teacher will teach you all things and will make you remember all things I spoke to you."

So it is very important and necessary for us to attend to God's Word daily. Do you read your Bible daily? "Portals of Prayer" is a good guide and reminder. Use it daily. Don't miss Church on Sundays. Because through that the Holy Spirit admonishes you and teaches you and strengthens your faith and love.

So if the Holy Spirit lives and rules in your heart, you will attend to His Word regularly.

III. Finally, if the Holy Spirit lives in your heart, you will have wonderful peace.

Jesus says in verse 27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives to you. Let not your hearts be troubled and don't fear."

Jesus says, "I do not give (peace) to you as the world gives to you" A policeman is called a "peace officer" Police and governments establish and keep peace by force with guns. Russia and the U.S.A. have peace only because both are strong equally and afraid of each other. That's very shaky uneasy peace. But the peace of God is not shaky. It is very sure and strong and never breaks out unto war. It is peace between God and man. Peace established by love. God's love for sinners. He gave His Son to win forgiveness and peace.

If we have Jesus' peace in our hearts, we fear nothing, not even death. With Paul we say, "Whether we live or die we are the Lords! If I live, I live for Jesus; if I die that's better I will be with Jesus in heaven."

Do you have that wonderful peace and joy in your heart? If you do have it, then the Holy Spirit lives in you. But if you are always afraid and worried and feel to give up, the Holy Spirit does not live and rule in your heart.

Do you have the Holy Spirit living in your heart? Test yourself here today! Ask yourself: Do I really love Jesus and obey His Words? Do I gladly hear His Word and believe it? Do I have peace and a satisfied heart? Do I have joy and hope about going to heaven?

If you do not have the Holy Spirit now, today is the time to confess your sins, be sorry and accept Jesus for your Savior. Jesus says to you: "Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you will open your door, I will come in and My Father and I will live in you."

If you do have Jesus living in your heart, pray God to have Him more and more. Attend to His Word more regularly. Pray for stronger faith and love. Daily obey and practice His Commandments. Walk with love and compassion.

Amen.