John 3:16 says:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

But this faith, in Jesus Christ, comes not from ourselves, as we read in Ephesians chapter 2:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Today we commemorate that glorious day when God revealed the spirit of truth unto the world by sending down of the Holy Ghost unto the apostles, to baptize them, as Christ foretold.

See, we speak in the church, rightly, of doctrine and of dogma, but each of us, as our epistles recounts today, hear God’s revelation spoken to us in our own language.

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” (Acts 2:2-6)

Yes, there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, and He is “the same yesterday and today, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8)

But each of us hears him calling us in our own way. Some in too accurate answers they find in scripture, some in coincidences for which they cannot account, others in personal experiences that they dare not utter. Each of us hears God ourselves. Though these ways may be different, their source is the same. 

For as Jesus said:

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16)

When we are called, many may find the way a struggle, for they know that they are currently very far from that Good Shepherd who calls them. But let us all take comfort in the readings from our second lesson at Morning Prayer today:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:1-6)

For the Comforter is come “Even the spirit of truth”

“[T]he Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless: [says Jesus] I will come to you.” (John 14:17-18)

This is the truth, the comfort that is the promise of eternal life. For God does love us. Even after all we’ve done to run away from him. He is calling on us now, so let us turn away no more.  

Remember that even Peter denied Christ 3 times. Like Abram given a new name Abraham, made new with God by the promise of God. Likewise, Simon was made a new man by faith given in his confession of Christ divinity. Made Peter, still he denied knowing Jesus 3 times.

But when Jesus rose from the dead and spoke to Peter face-to-face, He did not say to him “You denied me.” No. Instead he asked 3 times, “Do you love me?” Peter, like us, replies, “Lord, you know I love you” (See John 21:15-17)

Yet, it may be asked “How does God know when we love him?” We are told just this things in our Gospel today:

“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” (John 14:23)

God has called us to Him. Though we’ve been rebellious, He has sought after us. He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us home, where with Him we can all, eternally may abide.