The Comfort of the Word and Spirit

By Tom Petter

When Martin Luther reflected upon his ministry that literally changed the face of Christianity, he was able to say, "I did nothing, The Word did everything." And (not "but") he also believed the Word was the work of the Holy Spirit: the Spirit-filled Word. There was no false dichotomy between what the Scripture teaches us (Romans 15:4) for our instruction and encouragement (the same word where we get the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7) and the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2).

When Peter, a Galilean fisherman-turned-apostle, seeks an explanation for people speaking in languages they have never learned (Acts 2:1-13), Peter turns to the Word of God (Acts 2:14-35). Joel 2:1-32 is a chapter of restoration and great comfort (Joel 2:26-27). After the devastation in the land, the Lord promises He will restore the harvest in abundant ways (Joel 2:23-24). Only now in Christ, it's no longer in the form of bread, wine and olive oil (Joel 2:24), but it's a spiritual outpouring of the Presence of Christ by His Spirit (Joel 2:28-29). The Spirit fills us and we are filled with His Comfort (John 14:26; see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7). As we are filled with the affective experience of His presence, we are also drawn to the equally encouraging experience of His presence in His Word (Romans 15:4).

"Lord, pour out your Spirit upon us, our families, upon our community, our towns, our neighborhoods. May this outpouring be of Your Spirit in Your presence and Your Word."

Then, we too will say, "we did nothing; the Word did everything."

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie Bauder as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bauders have been strong pillars of this congregation for well over 50 years. Ernie was a true father in the faith at TCC. There will be time in the future when we can appropriately celebrate his life. For the time being, we mourn and grieve with Lorraine and the children, Larry, Kevin, Anita and Janette, and the grandchildren, extended family and friends (many of whom are at TCC). We lift the family up before the throne of grace and pray for His comfort and protection especially for Lorraine during the pandemic.

Click here to leave a comment with a memory of Ernie or condolences for the family.

From left to right: Ernie Bauder, his wife, Lorraine, and daughter, Anita.