Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 20: 21-23 Artwork

Elmhurst CRC

Welcome to Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church! Here you will find the audio version of the messages from the weekend services taught by Pastor Gregg DeMey and Pastor Jeff Klein with occasional guest pastors, as well as our weekday devotionals. We hope you enjoy the messages and are encouraged by God’s Word.

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Elmhurst CRC

Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 20: 21-23

October 10, 2025 • Erin Pacheco • Season 1 • Episode 927

Erin Pacheco, Director of Worship

Erin Pacheco 0:06

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God. Today is Friday, October 10, and Sunday is coming! I’m Erin Pacheco. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, as we journey through the Bible this year with the spotlight on Jesus and with the Apostle John as our guide. . Here is John, 20 verses, 21 to 23

Erin Pacheco 0:33

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Erin Pacheco 0:56

In John’s Gospel, these are some of the first words Jesus says to his disciples after his resurrection. They’ve witnessed his traumatic death. They’re hiding in fear that they are next. They have no idea what to do with the report of an empty tomb. The doors are locked and emotions run high. And then Jesus shows up, and says “Peace be with you.” Maybe today, you too feel afraid. Worried about the future. Not sure what next step to take. Not sure how to be faithful in this moment, in this season. Maybe you too know a measure of grief, or shame, or confusion. I invite you to slow down, and breathe deeply. Feel the resurrection life of Jesus in your lungs. And listen again to his words, spoken to you. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you…. Receive the Holy Spirit.” Receive my life, my authority, my self, living in you. Receive my forgiveness and freedom. And then pass it along to others.

Erin Pacheco 2:36

Let’s pray. Jesus, you are the same, yesterday, today and forever. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit – Your peace within us. Your power working through us. Your presence, still with us, as close as our very breath. Send us into the world today with courage and boldness. May our words and actions be a blessing to others — an extension of your ongoing ministry here on earth. Amen.