Expressions of Faith

Jesus commanded His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and await the promised Holy Spirit, who would empower, guide, and teach them, marking the beginning of the Church's mission and spiritual transformation.

Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr.

Acts 1:4b-5

4b) wait here to receive the promise from the Father which I told you about.

5) John baptized you (people) with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.Jesus tells His disciples to do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you heard Me speak about.

In John chapters 14-16, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples emphasizing the role, the teaching, the guidance, and how the Holy Spirit  would empower them.

In John 14:26; Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit also called the comforter, or helper after His ascension. He states that the Father will send the Holy Spirit in My name. John 14:17; the Holy Spirit will dwell in the believers and give you new life. In John 14:26; the Holy Spirit will teach and remind the disciples of everything Jesus has said, in John 15:26; the Holy Spirit will testify that Jesus is Lord, and in John 16:8;  the Holy Spirit will Convince the world to come into righteousness, John 16:13; the Holy Spirit will guild you and empower you. The Holy Spirt would empower them to be witnesses for Jesus and spread the Gospel through out the world. The disciples were instructed to remain in Jerusalem and await the fulfillment of this promise of God. This is Jesus post-resurrection appearances to His disciples before His ascension and the end of His earthly ministry and His exaltation to the right hand of God, where he reigns as Lord and King. Jesus promised His disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to empower them and guide them after His departure. The Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples ten days after Jesus’ Ascension, fulfilling the promise of the Father, beginning the churches mission.

Acts 1:4a

4a) and being assembled together with them, He (Jesus), commanded them not to depart from where you are. Stay here until a new economy would begin by the Holy Spirit. Stay here until justice is served to all mankind. Stay here until the legal system has upheld fairness and reached a correct outcome. Stay here until satisfaction is done. There must be ethical standards held for all people and actions taken so that everyone can present their case and the right decisions made based on evidence and established laws or ethical guidelines. The Holy Spirit will come in and give power and covering like to the prophets of old, and the Spirit will come to live within them just as it did with Jesus. What the disciples received from God as His promise s the same for the sons and daughters of God. This is you and me.     

Democrats sweep nation as Tennessee stays red

Democrats sweep Congress as Tennessee stays Republican in the 2026 midterms, while historic governor races expand Black political representation.

Tennessee Black Caucus legislative summit set for November 13-14

Join the Tennessee Black Caucus Legislative Summit Nov. 13–14 at Lane College in Jackson to discuss education, healthcare, voting rights and more.

Family challenges ruling in toddler’s police shooting death

Kohen Wiley’s family seeks federal intervention after Mississippi authorities ruled the police shooting that killed the one-year-old justified.

Mayor announces committee to plan Nashville General Hospital’s future

Mayor Freddie O’Connell forms a vision committee to assess Nashville General Hospital’s future, including facility needs, potential locations and costs.

Senegal makes Olympic history amid economic concerns

Senegal makes history hosting Africa’s first Olympic event as the Dakar 2026 Youth Games spark debate over public spending, jobs and lasting economic benefits.