A sermon preached by Jim Hackney, LLP, at zion-episcopal-church-washington on the Day of Pentecost, May 24, 2026. This transcript corresponds to the sermon video recorded in page-3192054.

Biblical Texts

• Acts 2:1-21
• John 20:19-23

Key Concepts

• Spirit as Breath: Hackney highlights that the Hebrew and Greek words for "spirit" also translate to "breath" or "wind." Just as God breathed life into Adam in Genesis, the risen Christ breathes new life into his fearful disciples.
• Movement vs. Institution: The sermon contrasts static institutional preservation (budgets, buildings) with the Church's true origin as fire, wind, and breath transforming ordinary people.
• Unity in Diversity: Pentecost does not erase cultural or linguistic differences. The miracle is that each person hears the Gospel in their own language, demonstrating how the Holy Spirit creates unity without demanding uniformity.