Spirit Filled Living Sept 7 The Spirit enlightens John 16:5-15 Sept 14 The Spirit speaks 1 Corinthians 2 Sept 21 The Spirit celebrates Luke 15:11-32 Sept 28 The Spirit renews John 3:1-8 Oct 5 The Spirit empowers Acts 6:1-15;7:54-60 Oct 12 The Spirit guides Acts 16:1-15 Oct 19 The Spirit liberates Romans 8:1-27 Oct 26 The Spirit strengthens Ephesians 6:10-18 Nov 2 The Spirit equips 1 Corinthians 12 Nov 9 The Spirit remembers Matthew 16:1-19 Nov 16 The Spirit transforms Galatians 5:13-26 Nov 23 The Spirit influences Ephesians 5:15-21

But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:26-27) Remember

Background to Matthew 16 Pharisees: “Long on talk and doctrine; short on charity.” Sadducees: Earthy comfort before Eternal character

Reading Herod Archelaus Galilea Herod Antipas Herod Philip II Decapolis Caesarea Philippi (formerly Paneas)

Pan: God of the wild, shepherds and flocks, hunting, rustic music, pasture, fields, groves, and wooded glens; fertility and the season of spring. Philip II: Son of Herod the Great – ruler of Galilee, but economically, politically and militarily subordinate to Rome. Ceasar: Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus. Christ: Priest - put people in touch with God. Prophet - showed people what God was like. King - exercised God’s rule over God’s people Caesarea Philippi (formerly Paneas)

*Individualism Comfort *Consumerism *Capitalism Relativism Leisure Celebrity Nationalism Rights without responsibility *Economic exploitation Cherry Hinton

In between bad religion and bad economics and bad political power we are invited to remember the signs and live under different management.

Matthew 16: Remember the Signs 1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,‘ 3 and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. 5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 7 They discussed this among themselves and said, "It is because we didn't bring any bread."

8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Thank God for his written Word to us

In between bad religion and bad economics and bad political power we are invited to remember the signs and live under different management.

From Amen to Action May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.