Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

-Acts 2:1-4

This past weekend, the Christian community recognized a historical and unique moment that raised the 1st century church. It was prophesied and promised to the church; the pouring of the Holy Spirit, now known as the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity that dwells within every believer, convicting, regenerating, and producing fruit within us all for the Glory of God.

After the ascension of Jesus, the disciples were left with a promise that God will send a Helper to continue the ministry that He began. In Acts 2, Luke writes a detailed account of what exactly happened when the power of the Holy Spirit descended on the twelve disciples, describing a sound of violent wind and seemingly tongues of fire above their heads. They all began to speak in every nation’s tongue about the works of God. People from every nation were amazed and gathered around them, understanding the Gospel in their own language!

After this phenomenon, Peter addresses the crowd and begins to preach the Gospel, explaining how this moment was prophesied by Joel and how Jesus of Nazareth, whom they crucified, is both Lord and God. The Holy Spirit worked in that moment to pierced their hearts, so that three thousand gladly received his word were baptized!

The day of Pentecost is unique; God orchestrated this miracle that twelve Galileans would speak the languages of every nation in order to proclaim the Gospel. This had never happened nor will it ever happen, displaying God’s hand and power to the 1st century church.

But the point of the Pentecost wasn't simply to demonstrate the power of God nor showcase the gifts of the Spirit, it was to bring people to Christ. God does not leave us helpless once we are His. The Holy Spirit dwells within us to guide our conscience away from sin and towards righteousness. The Spirit empowers us to proclaim Christ and endure persecution. Most importantly, the Holy Spirit convicts the sinner of his need for repentance and how helpless he is without the grace of God.

May we take some time aside and thank God for pouring his Spirit on us and the regenerative effects it has to and through our lives.