Sunday, June 4, 2006
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began t o speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
At Jesus' Baptism the Spirit descended -- and did not return. The visible sign, the dove, was for a few moments, but the Holy Spirit's special presence with and in Jesus continued throughout His ministry.
At Pentecost the Spirit descended -- and did not return. He still continues to be present in the hearts and lives of Jesus' disciples. As New Testament Christians we also experience the power of the Spirit.
To understand better just what that means, let us return to that Pentecost in the year 30 and note the signs of the Spirit's presence that day.
A sound like a strong wind filled the whole building where the disciples, about 120 of them, were gathered. The Holy Spirit's power is like the power of the wind, an unseen force whose effects we see and feel. As the wind brings the weather patterns that bring life from the soil, so the Spirit brings and nurtures the Christian life, for He is the Creator and Sustainer of faith in Jesus.
Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. The Spirit is also like fire. For the Spirit enlightens sinners enthralled in sin's dark night. Through the light of new sight -- spiritual sight -- He enables us to see Jesus' saving work for us. Like fire that purifies, the Spirit cleanses our hearts by means of Christ's blood-bought forgiveness.
And just as the application of fire and heat is often used to change the properties of things, even so the Spirit makes continual changes in the hearts and lives of Christ's people. Like a flame deep within, the Spirit warms the believers heart toward God and neighbor.
