God's Great Gift of Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven

and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed

to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other

tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

 (Acts 2:1-4 NIV)

After Jesus ascended, the disciples were gathered together in observance of the Festival of Pentecost, waiting for the gift from God, the Father (Acts 1:4). Though promised by Jesus beforehand, they could not have imagined the dramatic coming of the Holy Spirit. He came upon them in the wind and fire of heaven.

Born anew of the Spirit, these apostles would establish and launch the church into the world.

United, one to another by the indwelling Spirit, they were enabled and empowered to fulfill the Lord’s great commission.

The Spirit unites all in Christ—from every tribe, tongue, and nation. He is creating one new humanity—to love one another, to glorify the King, and worship God.

That remarkable day was a new beginning for a new creation in Christ to spread the gospel and build the church. Though imperfect, the church is being moved forward through history by the Spirit—transforming and sanctifying every member of the Lord’s blessed Body.

It is by the Holy Spirit we are being made holy.

It is by the Spirit we are able to share the gospel in grace and truth.

By Him, we are able to live lives in a manner worthy of our calling. As one humanity.

By His power, we battle and conquer sin. And are sanctified for obedience.

He is how we love.

What Gift!

Which makes Pentecost a day of miraculous grace to commemorate and remember.

So, in honor and celebration of such a good and gracious Gift, let us together—united by one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, as one Body—cooperate with the Spirit in discipling and serving the Lord’s church. And “may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with [us] all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).