We are stirred by big dreams, and need big visions for following God's purposes. We need a growing awareness of his presence, and of the way our lives (where we are) belong to him. We carry the Spirit with us wherever we go. And this means that it is a time to make vows. Jacob made three vows: submission to God; to be a temple of the Holy Spirit; and to give generously. Jacob's vision of a stairway to heaven encourages us, too, to live as children of God. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 6 ]

Each generation thinks they will make good the world. But the generation that Jesus wants is characterised by three things: on-going repentence, on-going action, and then a generation that can rest in Christ. In fact, this is not any single generation, but all generations together. [ Organ - Pentecost 4 ]

Here in Australia, we know nothing like the persecution of Christians taking place in other parts of the world. We face only mockery and the corruption of the symbols of our faith in the service of Mammon. Jesus warned that following him would be tough: look what they did to the Master. But he encourages us to keep the faith, for this alone is the path to salvation. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 2 - Baptism of Felix C ]

In Australia, the driest continent, we can identify with the Jewish gratitude for water, and why remembering the provision of water in the desert was so important in the Feast of the Tabernacles. It's therefore a very appropriate image when Jesus talks of the Spirit as "the water of life". Today, as four young people are confirmed in their baptismal vows, may we all overflow with this water of life to share it with those around us. [ Blended - Pentecost - Confirmation ]

[ Organ/Choir - Ascension Day ]