Acts 2: 1-21
verses 1-4: 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 tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
I learned this morning that Pentecost was a feast day, celebrating the first harvest of the season. This is why so many people were gathered when the Spirit came down and filled the apostles. The apostles began speaking in many languages, and the individuals in the crowds could hear and understand their own language. Later in the chapter, Peter tells the crowd they also will be filled with the Spirit when they repent and accept Jesus. What an incredible, momentous day! It is truly a day for celebrating and for remembering God’s grace and love for us.
God above, Thank-you for your gift of the Holy Spirit, which you have sent to live in me. Help me to listen, and be guided by you, through your Spirit, every minute of every day. Please help me to not lose sight of this vital truth. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Acts:2: 1-21 The New Testament records three special times that God the Holy Spirit came down in a unique way. The first was the miracle of the conception of God the Son into a human being. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit miraculously overshadowed the young virgin Mary to produce the child Jesus. The second major coming of the Holy Spirit was at Jesus’ baptism. The Holy Spirit identified Him as the long-awaited Messiah. The Spirit of God then led Him during His entire public ministry. The third major coming of the Holy Spirit was to the church on the Day of Pentecost. At that time the Spirit of God came down in a unique way upon th…
Acts 2: 1-21
21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
I read a daily devotional by Max Lucado this morning and I feel it relates to this verse, at least in my thought process. Unearned Salvation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). It goes on to say that we contribute nothing, salvation of the soul is unearned. It is a gift from God. Our merits merit nothing. God’s work merits everything. If they could be made God’s people by what they did, God’s gift of grace would not really be a gift. (Romans 11: 6). I fee…
Acts 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Holy Spirit power was poured out on Pentecost, and is in our day as well, for a specific purpose. We are empowered to be God’s witnesses. This does mean we are all street preachers or professional evangelists. But it does mean every aspect of the Christian life should reflect the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.
Prayer - Holy Spirit, I am a leaky vessel in need of frequent re-filling. There are too many…