https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-power-of-the-holy-spirit-to-open-blind-eyes

Dear Friend,

The arrival of spring signals all kinds of new beginnings. Plants that have been dormant “spring” into life, and birdsong, long silent, beckons us to a new day. The clocks change, and Easter arrives, bringing us once again to the cross, the empty tomb, and then to the ascension and Pentecost. At Pentecost, we are reminded of the indispensable work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.

Jesus promised His disciples, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). He went on to tell them that His departure would prove to be a plus. The Holy Spirit would come and convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. Surely the disciples must have wondered just how that would happen. Perhaps no one was more surprised than Peter when the response to his first post-Pentecost sermon was that his listeners were “cut to the heart” and asked, “What shall we do?”

The apostles realized the truth we must embrace: Only the Holy Spirit opens blind eyes and softens hard hearts. This is our confidence in speaking to others about Jesus. Let’s encourage one another to be proactive this Easter by inviting friends and colleagues to learn more about the risen Savior who now reigns as Lord and King. And let’s not be remiss to pray for the Holy Spirit to work savingly in their lives.

We’re offering resources this month that will be helpful in this endeavor. Is Easter Unbelievable? Four Questions Everyone Should Ask About the Resurrection Story is a short, informative book that addresses questions commonly asked by those unfamiliar with the Gospels. We’ll send you three copies to give away, perhaps along with an invitation to your church’s Easter Sunday service. You might also want to include a copy of the small booklet The Story. Also, beginning April 22, we’ll explore Paul’s final missionary journey as recorded in Acts on our daily program. Please encourage your friends to download the app and listen along with you. Nancy Guthrie’s new book Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts is a helpful companion to the teaching.

Thank you for your kind greetings and assurances of prayer as I step away from the Parkside pulpit. At the same time, be assured that I am not going away but rather will be ramping up my involvement at Truth For Life. Your prayers and financial support are even more vital as we look to reach the world with the greatest story ever told: that “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.”

As ever, with my love in the Lord Jesus,

Alistair

PS: Let me also recommend watching the symphonic event, From the Garden to Glory: A Musical Journey Through the Story of Redemption at truthforlife.org/garden.