"A Word"
From Your Shepherd

Dr. Leland (Gus) O. Flaherty

Past "Words"

E-mail Pastor Gus

    "Christ is Risen!" "He is Risen, indeed!" That was the declaration we all made as we celebrated the foundational assertion of the Christian Faith - Easter…The wonderful reality that Jesus rose from the dead, confirming that He is, indeed, the Son of God. For a period of about 40 days, Jesus appeared to His disciples, speaking to them about the Kingdom of God. Jesus actually appeared to 500 people at one time.
     At the end of this 40 day period, Jesus gave His followers one final set of instructions before He ascended into heaven. He said, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:4-5) Jesus elaborated on the value of being baptized with the Spirit in Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Several days later, 120 devoted followers of Christ were baptized by the Spirit. The coming of the Holy Spirit infused the disciples with a supernatural power that helped them live holy lives and for them to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus throughout the world. On that first day of God pouring His Spirit on mankind (the Day of Pentecost), the church was born and the voice of Jesus began to echo through the corridors of the world.
     Throughout the month of April, we will continue to look at what it takes for Fair Haven to be the V.O.I.C.E. of Jesus Christ in Central Wayne County. We'll talk about having a vibrant worship experience with God as we gather each week. We'll examine the need to be growing in 3 vital areas as we become more Christ-like in our character. (We'll look at our beliefs, our Christian practices…the things we do as Christians, and our character development) And then we'll take a closer look at the role the Holy Spirit plays in our lives, devoting some specific time to understanding this powerful bestowal of power that comes to us through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
     Just as the Spirit empowered the first followers of Jesus so that they could boldly proclaim the message of salvation and relationship with Jesus to their world, we, too, (if we are serious about being the V.O.I.C.E. of Jesus Christ in Central Wayne County) need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
     I am looking forward to some wonderful things for us all as we seek God diligently in our quest to become the V.O.I.C.E. of Jesus.

Blessings to you!

Pastor Gus Flaherty