4th Sunday after Easter, " The Comforter According to Jesus"

 Easter 5/ Easter 4 ( traditional readings mostly -Job 19:21-27a; Revelation 19:1-9; Gospel John 16:5-15)

 Sermon- " The Comforter according to Jesus"

"A junior high music teacher had just organized a band in her school. The principal was so proud of the music teacher's efforts that without consulting her he decided that the band should give a concert for the entire school. The music teacher wasn't so sure her young musicians were ready to give a concert, so she tried to talk the principal out of holding the concert, to no avail. Just before the concert was ready to begin, as the music teacher stood on the podium, she leaned forward and whispered to her nervous musicians, "If you're not sure of your part, just pretend to play." And with that, she stepped back, lifted her baton and with a great flourish brought it down. Lo and behold, nothing happened! The band brought forth a resounding silence.

Sometimes we in the church are like that junior high band, unsure of our parts, tentative in our roles, reluctant to trumpet forth the music of faith that God desires of us. And that's because we have trouble deciding what's most important.

Most of the choices we make in life are not between what is trivial and what is important. Rather, most of the choices we make are usually between what is important and what is more important. This morning's Gospel reading is so timely for us because it shows us what is most important.

This morning's readings are so timely for us because it shows us what is most important. As we gather in worship today we affirm that the greatest blessing that God has given us is God's love for us & His Spirit -- God's love that forgives us our sins and makes us children of God; God's love that brings us together into a fellowship with one another...." sermons@sermons.com

Today's Gospel is about the work of the Holy Spirit. " The Advocate, who will be acting as their defendant  will also expose the world's errors....He will expose the naked truth that the root of sin lies in the desire of men to live their lives in self-centered independence"  Tasker The Gospel According to John

Our Lord had to go away so that the fulness of the Spirit would envelop the earth.

1. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.

Matthew Henry that great Presbyterian said it this way, " The Spirit shall convince the world, of sin; not merely tell them of it. The Spirit convinces of the fact of sin; of the fault of sin; of the folly of sin; of the filth of sin, that by it we are become hateful to God; of the fountain of sin, the corrupt nature; and lastly, of the fruit of sin, that the end thereof is death. The Holy Spirit proves that all the world is guilty before God"

Yes, God is love and Christians ought to reflect that, but start at the beginning.  Sin is the problem, and Christ dealt with sin on the Cross for all who would receive Him as the way, the Truth and the Life.

" When Christ is preached He becomes the touchstone of character" 

" of sin, because they believe not on me"- Certainly that is direct.  

Erdman The Gospel of John 

2.  Righteousness and Judgment

His Resurrection shows He is the Son of God and the Righteous Judge of all.

The application is that we have eternal life and can be light and life to others who need our encouragement and hope.

"Just a Person Across the Way

Edgar Guest, a renowned American poet at the turn of the century, tells of a neighbor by the name of Jim Potter. Mr. Potter ran the drug store in the small town where Edgar Guest lived. Guest recalled that daily he would pass his neighbor and how they would smile and exchange greetings. But it was a mere casual relationship.

Then came that tragic night in the life of Edgar Guest when his first born child died. He felt lonely and defeated. These were grim days for him and he was overcome with grief. Several days later Guest had reason to go to the drug store run by his neighbor, and when he entered Jim Potter motioned for him to come behind the counter. "Eddie," he said, "I really can't express to you the great sympathy that I have for you at this time. All I can say is that I am terribly sorry, and if you need for me to do anything, you can count on me."

Many years later Edgar Guest wrote of that encounter in one of his books. This is how he worded it: "Just a person across the way a passing acquaintance. Jim Potter may have long since forgotten that moment when he extended his hand to me in sympathy, but I shall never forget it never in all my life. To me it stands out like the silhouette of a lonely tree against a crimson sunset."

[Suggestion for personal application of this story]

I have wondered how it is that I want people to remember me when I come to end of my life's journey.

[name some personal accomplishments each followed by]

But I really don't care if someone remembers me for that. I really don't.

I do hope that people are able to say of me at the end of my life's pilgrimage: When we were sick he came to us; when we needed help, he was there; when I was down, he lifted me up. In short, I hope that my ministry is remembered for simple acts of kindness. For if that is the case, then my life would have been worth it and I might have come close to fulfilling the greatest commandment in life: Love God and love your neighbor. "

Brett Blair and Staff, www.Sermons.com

3. Lastly, we read the end of this Gospel again, "

12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you"

We are not left alone to our own devices and problems.  He does come to us in the Person of the Holy Spirit to encourage us with the words of Jesus. 

He knows there are things we cannot understand or bear, but He,he Holy Spirit  shines a light on Christ, and glorifies Him 

Conclusion- Sometimes we are like the Band who does not sound, for we are unable to know what the right course of action is, so we wait, till light and direction come, but often nothing is heard.

We should look to the Head of the Church, not men in pointy hats , but to our Lord who is Head of the Church.  His Word governs our lives, not the dictates of a denomination or leader.  Thank God we can trust in His Son and His Spirit that inspired the Apostles and OT prophets to speak in His name.  We can trust these things, not in men, but as Peter says in His letter, men who were moved by the Holy Spirit. ( 2 Peter 1:21 (KJV): "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."