The Spirit of Pentecost
Jesus taught, “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14). Pentecost, which includes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the elect, also pictures that only a few will find the way in this age–but implies that others will later.
A “straight and narrow way” in Tobago
Tonight, beginning after sunset, until sunset Sunday June 12, 2011 is the Holy Day known as Pentecost.
Here is today’s commentary from Rod McNair of the Living Church of God titled The Spirit of Pentecost:
God gave the Holy Spirit to His Church on the Day of Pentecost, but few understand the meaning of this Holy Day. God’s Holy Spirit is vital for true Christian living, but many are unaware of what it is, what Pentecost is, and what it means to Christians today!
Do you feel the Spirit of God moving in your life? Can you be filled with the same Spirit of Pentecost as Christ’s first disciples? Yes, you can!
The 50 days following Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection had been an unforgettable time for His disciples. Their Teacher had come back from the dead after a brutal execution, and had taught them for 40 days. More than 500 at one time had seen Him (1 Corinthians 15:6). The disciples ate with Him, talked with Him and even touched the wounds where His body had been pierced.
But that was not all. After 40 dramatic days of instruction, the Savior ascended into the clouds, while His disciples watched with wonder and amazement. But He did not leave them alone—He promised to give them something that would empower them with spiritual vitality they had never before experienced (Luke 24:49).
The disciple Luke describes Christ’s encouraging words. ‘And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now’’ (Acts 1:4-5).
What event was the risen Christ speaking of? What was this ‘promise’ to come? Most Bible students know the basic story, but many are not fully aware of the profound impact this momentous 50th day would have on the Church of God from that point forward. It was the day of Pentecost—the day of miracles—the day the New Testament Church began!
What happened on that amazing Day of Pentecost in 31ad? Luke records the day’s events: ‘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 to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance’ (Acts 2:1-4).
The beginning of the New Testament Church was characterized by astonishing sights and sounds. It was an awesome display of divine power, reminiscent of the awesome sights God had shown on the day He gave Moses the law on Mount Sinai (Hebrews 12:18-21). In fact, according to Jewish tradition, the law of God at Mount Sinai was given on the Day of Pentecost many centuries earlier!
But more important than the sights and sounds were the events that could not be seen or heard. These manifestations of God’s majesty signaled the outpouring of the power of the universe—God’s Spirit! The same power that ignited the sun and the stars—the power that formed and set the planets in motion—would now literally abide in human beings on Earth (John 14:17).
Is that same Spirit transforming you? Is it motivating you? Would you like to have more profound, personal change in your life? Would you like to have more evidence that you are being led by the Spirit of God? And would you like to be more personally involved in the Work Christ is doing today?
To learn more, read our informative article, ‘The Spirit of Pentecost.’ For an overview of God’s Plan as revealed through the annual Holy Days, read our booklet, The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan.
Pentecost is an important step in revealing the truth about God’s plan of salvation.
To learn more about God’s Holy Days and God’s plan of salvation, please consider studying the following articles:
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits.
Pentecost Quiz This is a Pentecost quiz based upon the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
What is the Holy Spirit? An article by Rod Reynolds that was published in the Living Church News.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Is there a place called purgatory? Does God have a plan to help those who did not become saints in this life?
What is Limbo? Is There Such a Place as Limbo? What Happens to Babies When They Die? When did Limbo start being taught? What is the truth about dead babies?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
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