Pentecost

June 2, 2014 Monday Message:

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:4a)

This coming Sunday, June 8, is Pentecost Sunday. It’s a special day. Jesus was born a Jew, so many of the things he did were tied to traditional Jewish festivals and holidays.

Pentecost means 50, the days between Easter and Pentecost, and is sometimes called the Festival of Weeks. But the Jews had already gathered to celebrate Shavuot (or Shavuos,) honoring the day God gave them the Torah through Moses on Mt. Sinai.

Three big things happened on the Day of Pentecost.

1. The believers were filled with the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit has always been with us on earth, but our awareness of His presence comes and goes. Think of it like the gas tank on your car. You filled up last Sunday, but as the week goes on you move closer to empty. It’s time to fill-‘er-up once again. “Top off” your Holy Spirit tank.

2. Peter preached the best sermon ever. Point-by-point he explained how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies, and then he challenged the listeners to become followers of Jesus. Miraculously, each listener could understand in his native language. At Peter’s altar call, 3000 were baptized that day, and the first church became a mega-church.

3. This community of new believers put “Love Your Neighbor” into action. They shared everything and eagerly helped one another, and the Lord added to their number daily.

Your assignment for this week is to take out your own Bible and read Acts chapter 2. It’s an incredible story, and most churches will be discussing it on Sunday. Wear something red to celebrate; you’ll match the liturgical color for Pentecost.

“Many signs and wonders were being done through the apostles.” Acts 2:43b

See you at church!

Norton Lawellin