"Purpose and Function of the Holy Spirit" Pt 1 - Thursday May 7, 2026

“Purpose and Function of the Holy Spirit” Pt 1:

Trying to explain the Trinity to a single person or group most likely will still leave each person walking away scratching their head. Some things are complicated and maybe somethings aren’t to be entirely understood. At least in this life. My desire is to put practical thoughts that hopefully help you understand the purpose and function of the Holy Spirit.

 

God as our Creator makes sense, as does Jesus, the Son of God who died for our sins on the cross becoming our Savior. The Holy Spirit makes up the third person of the Trinity, and the Bible teaches the three are One. What? Again, some things are complicated. Let me simplify.

 

Jesus ascended into Heaven 40 days after His resurrection. While on earth he was human, but also divine. He was God but also walked among us as a man. He experienced everything you and I experience in life; except he was perfect and never sinned. The only sins Jesus carried was yours and mine and took them to the cross. That’s why we’re to seek forgiveness of sin through Christ who sacrificed His life for ours. He told his disciples, I must go away so the Comforter, the Holy Spirit can come.

 

While on earth, Jesus could only be in one place at a time – remember, at that time He was human. Returning to Heaven and sitting at the right hand of his Father, the Holy Spirit came and filled the hearts and lives of the early disciples (Acts 2). We know and embrace that powerful experience as Pentecost. The Holy Spirt was sent because He CAN BE everywhere, with every believer, at the same time. That’s why we have confidence in praying for a loved one that may be thousands of miles away. The Spirit of God is alive in your life while giving comfort to another person.

 

I’ll give more details on the function of the Holy Spirit tomorrow but let me close with this. The Holy Spirit is God’s voice (communicating) convicting us of our sins. When one is convicted of a crime, there is a formal declaration by a court that someone is guilty of a criminal offense. It’s an unshakable belief implying the person is guilty as charged. The Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins and draws us to God. God’s presence provides an opportunity for us to confess our sins.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

"Who Is the Holy Spirit" - Wednesday May 6, 2026

“Who Is the Holy Spirit”

Between the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension, our Lord told his disciples to return to Jerusalem and pray “until.” “Until” WHAT was the question. Jesus didn’t actually say what this meant but indicated they would know. Ascension Day arrived 40 days after Jesus walked out of the grave. Standing on a mountain with His disciples He gave the Great Commission – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Then He ascended into the clouds.

 

The disciples shouldn’t have been shocked by this as Jesus had surprised them before. I mean, He died, but came back to life on the third day, “Just as He said.” Let’s give them a little grace though as this was a bit hard to believe. He died, then came back to life! Now they are being told to “go pray until you’re filled with power.” “Power?”

 

We can speculate and perhaps debate the actual feelings of the disciples as they walked back to the place of prayer. Are you ever anxious when He asks you to pray or do something that’s out of your comfort zone? And maybe this is a good place to mention, there were several times Jesus became irritated with his closest followers, and it was always for the same reason – “Their lack of faith” in trusting He would do what he said he’d do! Do you have trouble trusting?

 

The disciples gathered to pray. One day, two days, three days, but they continued and on the 10^th day as “they were all together in one place, suddenly a sound like the blowing of violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1-2). Leaving the room, they went out and faced a massive crowd of people which had gathered from every nation under heaven.

 

Amazed – Perplexed – Bewildered – Astonished – Awe – are words the Bible uses to describe the reaction of the people as they saw something within these early disciples never witnessed before. Jesus had said, “I must go away so My Father can send the “Comforter” (Helper, Advocate, describing the Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit is a person referred to as “He” (John 14, 15, 16). He doesn’t have a body, but has characteristics of a person and is known as the third person of the Trinity. (Tomorrow – The purpose and function of the Holy Spirit).

 

Pastor Carnes

"Living Like Jesus" - Tuesday May 5, 2026

“Living Like Jesus”

You can’t always choose the path you have to walk, but you can choose how you will walk it. As believers, followers of Christ, Jesus warned, “You will have trouble in the world. But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

 

Becoming a Christian is easy, living the Christian life has its challenges. Innocent of all sin and every charge, Jesus was found guilty and died on a cross for everything you and I have ever done wrong. But He rose on the third day and walked out of the tomb, just as he said he would.

 

Easter Sunday was Resurrection Sunday! Soon we’ll celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is when the power of the Holy Spirit filled the lives of the early disciples after being told by Jesus to return to the city and pray. After ten days, something happened which dramatically changed their lives. Leaving the place of prayer, they faced a massive crowd of people from every nation and dialect. Peter spoke and everyone understood the message in their own language with 3,000 people accepting Christ as their Savior (Acts 2).

 

Acts 9 shares the story of a man named Saul, who’s named was changed to Paul after his conversion. This well-known Apostle met some professing Christians in Ephesus and asked, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” Their response was, “No, we’ve never even heard of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Following Christ is more than believing in his birth, death, and resurrection. We’re called to be witnesses in this world. Christianity teaches the birth, death, and resurrection, but consecrating our lives to Christ is believing and experiencing Spirit of Jesus in our lives. He becomes more than a Savior – He is now LORD of our life.

 

Our sins are forgiven at salvation. At that moment we receive Christ as Savior. Consecrating our life to Jesus means giving ourselves completely to Him. Our heart, life, family, and possessions. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to love, forgive, and treat others as we want to be treated. God demands it, your family deserves it, and the world needs to see professing Christians living like Christians. Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

"Waiting is Hard" - Monday May 4, 2026

“Waiting is Hard”

There are things we all may have in common, but one ranked near the top is “impatience.” Years ago, people were referred to as having a micro-wave mentality. I’m not sure what term is used as a description today but its definition is, “I WANT IT NOW!!!”

 

We’re in a hurry to complete a task. We want a problem solved immediately. Sometimes we may be guilty of trying to help a traffic light turn from red to green by saying loudly, “COME ON” while pounding the steering wheel. Evidently impatience comes naturally because King David, thousands of years ago asked a question, “ How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I Wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:1-2). Question: How long O Lord?

 

Impatience is a universal emotion that every age group deals with. The more serious a situation, the greater impatience grows. Reaching the high point of, “I can’t take this anymore,” generally means whatever the situation is, there’s nothing we can do about it. It’s out of our hands. So, we do the next most natural thing; worry and fret and too often say unkind things to loved ones and friends who would change things in a moment, but they can’t.

 

David was expressing feelings of abandonment, sorrow, and despair: he was asking God how long will He hide His face and allow his enemies to prevail. Waiting for an answer is hard. Waiting for an answer that could bring bad news is worse. Is this the end of a relationship? What can I do when (if) my employment comes to an end? When O Lord, will you bring healing, or relief to my pain and sorrow?

 

Life is filled with questions when a person becomes anxious and afraid. Most will stand in a crisis as long as they know it will pass quickly and no one will be hurt. But reality tells us, we never know for sure the outcome or it’s lasting effects. The phrase “how long,” appears four times in the two verses mentioned above. How long must I wait? How long O God will it be before you act?

 

These verses describe David’s distress. We can relate because we’ve been there, even though the circumstances were different. It’s important to note, David was expressing his feelings to God and found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to express hope and trust in God. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God’s justice to be realized. When God doesn’t answer immediately, continue your prayer as David did, “But I TRUST in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (v. 5).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"The Goodness of God" - Friday May 1, 2026

“The Goodness of God”

“Good morning, how are you today?” The reply, “Fine, how are you?” We’ve all asked this question in kindness, and w also given the same response as a courtesy even though we may be suffering from a broken heart. We do this because we don’t want to be unkind, nor do we want to burden someone with our problems. Is this a correct assumption?

 

Here’s some thoughts for you on this beautiful Friday. I have several friends when asked how they are, they respond without hesitation, “Better than I deserve!” I love that response because the truth is, we’re all better than we deserve because everything we have is a gift. Our life, loved ones, friends, job, home, the food we eat, clothes we wear, bed we sleep in, and the ability to face another day – even one filled with challenges.

 

Life itself is better than I (we) deserve because of the “Goodness of God.” The moment many of you read those words t your mind went immediately to the song created by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson with the same title. If you have time, you’ll gain some inspiration for the day by pulling it up on YouTube and listening to it. The words are amazing and we all need to be reminded once in a while about God’s goodness and faithfulness.

 

The words, “All my life You have been faithful…,” give us hope, strength, and courage to place our hand in His and walk another day knowing whatever comes, we aren’t alone. David wrote in Psalm 37:25, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken…”. These words emphasize God’s faithfulness for those who follow him.

 

Isaiah said, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold hold you with my righteous right hand.” God is a “good, good, Father.” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in a time of need” (Psalm 46:1).

 

Many enjoyed unexpected blessings this week while others received bad news. At times we get caught up in the moment seeing only the situation before us. But when the dust settles, realization comes reminding us we weren’t alone. God was with us. We know that because He promised to be. His goodness is more than we deserve.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Feeling Forgotten" - Thursday April 30, 2026

“Feeling Forgotten”

The Bible mentions many examples of Jesus looking at an individual or group of people. His gaze in the Gospels often reveals his love, discernment, or intentional pursuit of individuals.

 

A few include Mark 3:34 “Jesus looking upon him (the Rich Young Ruler) loved him and said…”. “He scanned the crowd looking for a faithful family member” (Mark 3:34). “He looked at Peter to foretell his call” (John 1:42). “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Mark 19:26).

 

It can’t be denied; Jesus was interested in relationships and desires a personal relationship with each of us. His love, compassion, grace, mercy, desire to forgive, patience, and kindness never wavers. He “Came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). His love for us is never ending and his faithfulness endures forever.

 

These things are mentioned because there is an epidemic in the United States and around the world – it’s called “Loneliness.” Relationships are essential to good health – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Everyone wants some type of relationship and if scorned by a parent or surrounding peers, many seek and find acceptance elsewhere. Gangs don’t happen by accident – they are formed by individuals willing to accept one another. The point is, there are good and bad relationships because we really do need someone. As believers we are to love others and treat them as we want to be treated. Who do you know that needs a friend or could use some encouragement? Reach out to them.

 

A man named Zacchaeus knew what it was like to be on the outside of a crowd. He wasn’t innocent. He’d made choices that hurt people and he knew exactly what others thought when they saw him. When Jesus came through Jericho, he did something a respected adult man didn’t do. He ran ahead, climbed a tree, and tried to get a clear look.

 

Then Luke gives this line: “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up” (19:5). Jesus didn’t glance around. He stopped and looking up through the branches saw the person everyone else had labeled. Then he called Zacchaeus’ by name out loud. The point is, you may be struggling and feeling alone or maybe even unworthy. You’ve been hurt and shunned by others. You’re paying the price for some poor choices. My friend, Jesus knows where you are, how you feel, and what you need. If you listen, you’ll hear Him calling your name followed with, “Come to Me!” He not only wants to be your friend, but more importantly your Savior! You may feel forgotten, but not by Jesus! Developing a relationship with Him will change your life.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Hope" - Wednesday April 29.2026

“Hope”

Hope is the confident expectation and desire for positive outcomes, acting as an anchor that sustains individuals through times of difficulty. That’s a definition found on the internet. But so often the things we hope for is what people say when they want something to turn out well – “I hope things get better,” or “whatever will be, will be.”

 

The kind of hope just described depends entirely on circumstances, luck, or human strength. When those fail, hope collapses. But biblical hope is different. It’s stronger, deeper, and unwavering. This hope is the active application of our faith – a confident expectation that God will fulfill every promise He has ever made. As believers, we do not merely hope for good things; we anchor ourselves in the God who is good.

 

Scripture binds faith, hope, and love together (I Corinthians 13:13), revealing that hope is foundational to the Christian life. It exists even when we cannot see it. Hope is at work, quietly, when our emotions are overcome. It holds us steady during times of grief and when questions overwhelm our hearts.

 

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure (confident) of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The foundation of hope and faith, in my opinion is not so much as what we’re hoping for as the “objectivity” of our faith. It isn’t “what” we believe in, but “Who” we believe in. Are we trusting circumstances to work or our Creator who has a designed plan for our life?

 

Faith and hope are both active – not passive. Our faith and hope are anchored in Jesus who never wavers and always keeps His promises. In 1834 Edward Mote penned the words to a hymn that continues to give testimony to God’s amazing love and grace; “My HOPE is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other is sinking sand.” When everything around you seem to be failing or falling apart, JESUS NEVER FAILS! He’s the anchor that will hold you through every storm and adversity. Biblical hope is ASSURANCE!!

 

Pastor Carnes