What comes to your mind when you think of wind? I think most of us have many associations as wind is a big part of our lives. One association for me centers around a childhood memory. My bedroom as a boy was on the West side of our house and the cold winter winds whistled in the window. Here in Kirkville, I often think of my neighbor’s cheery wind chimes blowing in the breeze. Sometimes I think of the warm southern breezes that bring warming temperatures and birds flying in from the south in the spring. Today wind is in the news often as a power generation source. March is the month most associated with wind.
Exploring the Bible’s use of wind images will be exciting.
This year at Community Wesleyan during March and April, we plan to explore the Biblical imagery of wind. Three of the most defining Biblical passages for understanding how the Bible uses the idea of wind to teach us are the creation story, the prophecy of Ezekiel over the dry bones and the event of Pentecost. Because of Pentecost we cannot help but associate wind and God’s Spirit. These three Bible passages will play a big part in this series.
The planning so far
Tentative Schedule for Winds of Refreshing Series |
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Date |
Message |
Scripture |
Focus |
Suggested Hymn(s) |
Mar 6 | Our Need for Refreshing | Matt. 5:6; Ps. 63 |
As we hunger and thirst for God during Lent, we will find Him. | Near to the Heart of God (410) |
Mar 13 | Wind and God’s Power | Isa. 11:4 Acts 1:8 |
Admiring God’s power increases our fear of the Lord and our desire to see God’s Spirit’s power unleashed in our lives. | How Great Thou Art (16) |
Mar 20 | Breath of Life | Gen. 2:7; Ezek. 37:9,10; Jn. 20:22; Rev. 11:11 |
As we understand the many different ways that God’s spirit is the source of life for us, we desire to see more of that life in ourselves | Breathe On Me Breath of God (87) |
Mar 27 | Pastor Eric speaks The Spirit of Pentecost |
Acts 2 | What does Pentecost change? | In Christ Alone Spirit of God Descend upon my Heart (86) |
Apr 3 | Times of Refreshing will Come | Acts 3:19 Tit. 3:5-7 | As we repent and seek the Lord, God will send seasons of spiritual renewal. | Showers of Blessing (142) Old time Power (96) |
Apr 10 | God’s Refreshing after Failures | Hosea 6:1-4; Isa. 57:14-21 |
As we return to God and seek his face, he will restore us to fellowship with him. | Fill My Cup, Lord (271) |
Apr 17 Palm Sunday | Jesus is Coming | Acts 3:19 Matt. 21:1-11 |
The hollow welcome Jesus received on Palm Sunday reminds us to be prepared to genuinely welcome him we he comes back the 2nd time. | Holy Spirit by Keith and Kristyn Getty Is It the Crowning Day (260) |
Apr 24 Easter early |
Can We Live Again? Part 1 | Ezek. 37:12 2 Cor. 4:13,14 | To our joy, God’s mysterious question to Ezekiel has been conclusively answered by Jesus. | Christ Arose (232); Great Victory |
Apr 24 Easter later |
Can We Live Again? Part 2 | Ezek. 37:14 John 20:19-31John 10:10 | The resurrection of Jesus reveals the power of God’s Spirit in us to renew, restore and bring fresh new vigor to jaded, parched and anemic lives. | The Day of Resurrection (230) He Lives (550) Christ the Lord is Risen Today (231) |