“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 tongue as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:1-4
Dear HBIC Family,
On Sunday, we join with Christians all around the world in celebrating Pentecost. A few years ago, I started reflecting on the significance of this Sunday to the worldwide church but also historically in our faith. What happened in Jerusalem after Christ’s ascension has taught us many things, including the following:
Pentecost is celebrating the coming, commission, and completing work of the Spirit.
Pentecost is a promise fulfilled.
Pentecost is a deposit that guarantees our inheritance.
Pentecost is tongues of fire to and for every nation under heaven.
Pentecost is the kingdom come.
Pentecost is celebrating the Spirit’s work with all of God’s people today, yesterday and forever.
Pentecost is the Spirit entering in, dwelling in and living in Christ’s Church and in you.
Pentecost is the Spirit working in us, for us, through us and with us.
Pentecost is a reminder that God’s plan is for us and God’s love is for all of the world.
Pentecost is the reminder that Jesus’ work on earth was accepted and ours must continue.
This week, we will be returning to Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. We will join the gathered group of faithful disciples as they await and then receive what Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit. To prepare for this week’s services, I invite you to read and meditate on Acts 2:1-13. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:
When have you waited on the Lord and what was God’s reply?
What does it mean to be filled by the Spirit?
What is the most meaningful way God speaks to you?
Who has God placed in your life for you to help point to Jesus?
Where do you currently see God moving in your world?
I have found that one of the biggest challenges to our faith is reminding ourselves that being members of the Body of Christ makes us both global and historical. In our society and culture, our default posture and mindset are individual, but Christ invites us into his community. Our work is often for me and mine, and the Spirit invites us into we and ours. Our hopes are often pinned on what we can do or accomplish, yet our Father invites us to what we can do in partnering with the Spirit to do God’s kingdom work down here.
Pentecost is a reminder that God fulfills promises. The Spirit coming down is a foretaste of glory divine and an invitation to partnering with God. Praise God for Jesus, who not only fulfills promises, but came down to show us that on earth as it is in heaven is possible and is the reality we’re all called to work for in our everyday scenes.
God bless you all.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Hank (Acts 2:1-4)