Pastor's Column 5/23/21
PASTOR’S COLUMN
“And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At the time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!” Acts 2:4-6. NLT
4th Sunday - “Do You Hear What I’m Saying!”
Sometimes we misread the meaning of the Pentecost event. It is the most important and definitive message from God to Christian believers about the inherent value of both our unity, and differences. Prominent in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the post-Resurrection inauguration of the Church, is the gift of speaking and hearing another’s language. This is vital for understudying our faith, because it was communication that galvanized the believers and led them on the great mission of declaring the Good News to the world. We note the parting Commission of Jesus that is recorded in Matthew 28: “Go into all the world and make disciples.” Disciples hear and speak! The treasury official from Ethiopia asked Phillip, “How can I understand, unless someone guides (teaches) me?” The Holy Spirit embraced, empowered, and enlisted different languages, dialects, and people groups to be the Body of Christ in the world! Proverbs 18:21 says “the tongue has the power of life and death.” Pentecost is indeed joy, but it is more than ecstatic shouting and dancing. Pentecost represents the first fruits, the best of God’s harvest. A people united, who understand each other, and rejoice in the gifts that each person brings to the Body. God first breathed into us, the breath (sprit) of life, and because of Pentecost the Sprit breathes life in us anew! The 120 believers who were in Jerusalem on that day were so joyous, because the Holy Spirit allowed them to understand each other! This really is the understated purpose and of joy of the Pentecost life!
Related Posts
See AllPASTOR’S COLUMN “At last, the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people worked with enthusiasm.” Nehemiah 4:6, NLT “Each One, Contributes Some!” In his wonderful and
PASTOR’S COLUMN “He was buried and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that He was seen by more than 500 of Hi
PASTOR’S COLUMN “Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with y