Pentecost 2022
Brother Edward shares a message on Pentecost. The sermon centers on Ephesians 3:16-17, where the Apostle Paul prays for the church to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in the “inner being,” so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. Brother Edward also integrates Ezekiel 36:26-27, highlighting God’s promise to remove the “heart of stone” and replace it with a “heart of flesh” (or a “fleshy heart”).
The core argument is that God prioritizes the internal state over external appearances. While humans focus on rituals and outward behavior, the Holy Spirit seeks to perform a “deep work” within the inner man. This internal transformation is what creates a sustainable, fresh, and vibrant relationship with God, rather than one based on monotonous habit or temporary emotional highs.
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Brother Edward challenges the congregation to move beyond a “need-based” relationship with God. He shares a cautionary tale of a man who only sought God when facing deportation, illness, and heartbreak, only to return to his old ways once his problems were resolved.
Shift from Need to Love: Base your relationship with God on love and devotion rather than using Him as a “troubleshooter” for life’s problems.
Seek Depth over Emotion: Do not rely on “charismatic highs” or musical worship alone. Allow the Holy Spirit to work when the music stops.
Internalize the Word: Move past “one ear and out the other” listening. Memorize and meditate on Scripture until it takes root in the “inner man.”
Be a “Fleshy” Heart: Remain soft, receptive, and empathetic to God’s leading, rather than becoming hardened or indifferent like a stone.