May 7, 2023 - Cantate Sermon

Cantate
Introit: Ps. 98:1b, 3-4; antiphon: Ps. 98:1a,2b
Old Testament: Is. 12:1-6
Psalm 66:1-8 (antiphon: v. 5)
Epistle: James 1:16-21
ProperVerse: Ps. 118:16, Romans 6:9
Gospel: John 16:5-15

Jesus Promises to Send His Holy Spirit, the Helper
Though Jesus has departed from us visibly to the right hand of the Father who sent Him, yet this is to our advantage. For Jesus-who is Lord over all creation, who intercedes for us before the Father, who is preparing a place for us in heaven-has sent the Helper, the Spirit of Truth (John 16:5-15). "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" through Jesus Christ (James 1:17). The Holy Spirit helps us by taking what is Christ's and declaring it to us. In the Word of truth, the Spirit works repentance and delivers to us the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ, and victory over the devil. For the ruler of this world is judged and defeated by the cross. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we have been brought forth to new life in Him who is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Confident of our resurrection with Christ we confess, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid" (Is. 12:2).