There is another P.T.A meeting today at most elementary schools in the Oita City area for children's families. This event should be special for both the children and their teachers because they know that families, and their own families are watching them. One time, I heard, a teacher had an idea that would help students not to feel ashamed when the class was asked questions. All the students were supposed to raise their hands acknowledging that they knew the answers. But, of course, some didn't know the answer. So, this teacher asked these students to raise their hands anyway, but with their thumbs withdrawn. This way the students wouldn't have to be ashamed at not being able to answer the questions correctly in front of their parents -- this teacher was a big help to these students. Well, our big help is, of course, Jesus Christ. But, we also have another helper.

Once Mother Theresa said "The saddest thing in life is being alone, even though one is surrounded by families or friends." A pastor met a man who couldn't help but demonstrate his loneliness, even when he was among his own family. This man had never had the experience of being called "father." Even though he had a blessed family in many ways, he always felt lonely in his family. There was no love between them. His children never called him "father."

Lonliness is something we all share. As you know, we have a little dog, named Anne [after the famous story: Anne of Green Gables]. Even a dog can demonstrate loneliness. Whenever we have to go out, she tries to come with us. But many times she just can't come with us. In such situations, Anne shows us her loneliness using her whole body. So, it is evident that we all feel loneliness.

Reading John 14:16-26, we are reminded that Jesus is leaving this world. However, Jesus never leaves us alone. He provides us with another counsellor; the Holy Spirit. Look at John 16:7. When Jesus was on earth in the flesh, He could only be in one place at one time. But, the Holy Spirit is not limited like that! He can go anywhere with anyone. He can be any where in the world with those who believe in Him.

Read Acts 10:38. While Jesus Himself was on the earth, He also needed the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Even though He was God, yet here on earth He was also a human being who needed help from the His Holy Spirit so that we could all follow the path after Him.

In His birth, the work of the Holy Spirit was necessary: He was born as a result of the Holy Spirit's work in Mary. When He was baptized, He received the full blessing of His Holy Spirit as His Spirit settled fully upon Him. See Luke 3:22.

When He was in the wilderness, after He had fasted, He needed the help of His Spirit to drive away the work of Satan. See Luke 4:1-18.

On the cross, Jesus needed the strength of the Holy Spirit to endure the bitterness of the cross. See Hebrews 9:14.

While I was preparing today's sermon, I couldn't help but feel how truly blessed we Christians are to have this wonderful God with us all of the time! In the Greek, what we have translated as Holy Spirit actually means "comforter", or he who come to you immediately after you have called for help. I would like to thank all of you this morning for the prayers you gave on behalf of my wife's sick aunt. When we visited her last week, she really was dying. We took time to be with her and share with her the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, and she really reacted to this good news! Now she is much better! She was lonely in her sickness. Even beloved couples will have to face a time when they will be separated. When we leave this world, we all become isolated and lonely. However, we are not really alone; we are always with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Counsellor.

Whenever you need help, ask Him for it. When you need to know what to do, or what to say, ask Him.

Read Romans 8:15,16. Jesus called God, the Father in Heaven, "Abba, Father." And we also can call Him "Father."

I've been reading a book entitled "When we feel disappointed in God", and it says that there are actually three kinds of situations that can surround us when we feel that way; 1. When we feel life has been unfair to us - compared to other people, 2. When we haven't received any answers from God, and 3. When we feel God has hidden Himself away from us. When even a committed Christian experiences these three conditions, he tends to act unfaithfully towards God [of course, the answer to these conditions is given to us at the end of the book]. Remember though, at all times, in any kind of situation, God is there - hearing your prayers, and He is our God and great provider.

Translated by Junko Okamoto - Edited for the Net by Shido
For another sermon see: Oita Evangelical Christ Church
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