From our Pastor...
"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", (Acts 2:1-2 NIV)
There they sat in the place Jesus had instructed those early disciples to wait in Jerusalem. Alone and afraid they sat cowering in an upper room trying to figure out what the next step would be. Making several appearances to his disciples or "followers" was not enough to steel their hearts. Then, six weeks after his resurrection Jesus returned to the Father at his ascension. Wait a minute. What about your promise? Here we are in Jerusalem just as you commanded us waiting for your power. What's next?
Acts 2 describes the scene when the Holy Spirit fell with transforming power. A power the disciples would need if they were to carry out Jesus' commands and make him known throughout the known world.
Pentecost-meaning "fiftieth day" for many churches and denominations is commemorated as the birthday of the church. The day when the Holy Spirit descended upon scared and confused believers binding them together as the body of Christ. A church not relying on the power of the Holy Spirit is condemned to come to the end of its own ability in and of itself. To witness to Christ in this world, complete reliance on the Holy Spirit for vision and power is essential. The result? Empowered by the Holy Spirit the early church grew rapidly under the apostles' leadership.
As we move toward Pentecost Sunday an image fills my mind. How many of us are waiting to take the next step in our own discipleship? We are alone, or in small groups, waiting for further instruction and just afraid to step out in speech and living for the Lord. What if we understood the living Lord is alive within every believer? What if we understood the Holy Spirit is leading us and empowering us to live a life of humble confidence as we follow our living Lord? Empowered by the same Holy Spirit our church would continue to grow rapidly. How about you? What are your next steps?
Here are some personal implications for Pentecost.
Pentecost presents us with an opportunity to consider how we are living each day. Are we relying on the power of God's Spirit? Are we an open channel for the Spirit's gifts? Are we attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Is the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) growing in our lives? Most Christians I know, including me, live in the presence and power of the Spirit, but only to an extent. We are limited by our fear, our sin, and our low expectations, not to mention our tendency to be distracted from God's work in us. Pentecost offers a chance to confess our failure to live by the Spirit and to ask the Lord to fill us afresh with his power.
How will you celebrate this birthday of the church? What is the next step for you? Join me in prayer for Pentecost. Join me in opening your heart and mind and life to the power of the Holy Spirit calling and enabling you to take that next exciting step.
Blessed in your service, I remain,
Email Pastor Sam
