Celebrate!Sample

Holy Spirit’s Power As the Father sent His Son to announce forgiveness, so He sent His disciples to do likewise. Thus, Jesus gave to His followers “the keys of the kingdom” so that “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19). Forgiveness of sin is “the key” that unlocks the relationship between God and man. Such forgiveness is possible because Jesus died and rose for our sins. We are sent as His ambassadors to announce this good news, proclaiming the forgiveness of sins for those who repent and believe in Him and the retaining of the sins for those who do not. What an awesome task! But through the Spirit’s power our words become the word of God as we implore people on Christ’s behalf. “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20). Let Jesus Himself again speak peace to us! Hear and respond to His invitation: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Let Him send us as He was sent by His Father—empowered fully to forgive freely in His Name!