Dear Friends,
I loved Sunday’s Pentecost Celebration in both services! We had people speaking the same words of scripture in German, Hebrew, Greek, Mandarin, Dutch, English, and Lingala. When they spoke all together it gave me chills!
You may recall that Pentecost was the moment after Jesus’ resurrection when God gave His Holy Spirit to anyone who believed in Him. In Acts 2 it says the sign of the Holy Spirit’s coming was tongues of fire coming to rest on each of the disciples and as they were filled with the Holy Spirit they began to speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit enabled them. This sound caused Jews from many nations to gather round and everyone was amazed because each of them heard them speaking in their own language! It was the beginning of the Church.
Jesus had promised this in John 14 when He said “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Isn’t this wonderful news?!
However, I think sometimes we take the Holy Spirit for granted or forget about Him, focusing more on Jesus and God. Sometimes we may think the Holy Spirit is somehow secondary. No, the Holy Spirit is an equal member of the Trinity wherein each part works together in harmony. He is our comforter, our guide, and helper. He gives us gifts for ministry, molds us more in the image of Jesus, and teaches us. I have noticed that the Holy Spirit brings to mind scripture that I’ve read, gives me insight, and strength when needed.
The great American Evangelist, Billy Graham once said, “The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us.”
Friends, Pentecost was celebrated on one day but the impact of receiving the Holy Spirit is a lifelong relationship! His presence is within us!
I invite you this week to pay special attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Listen for His quiet voice. Rejoice that He dwells in your heart. If you haven’t yet made that commitment, all you need to do is invite Him in. You may contact the church office to speak to someone who will be glad to assist you.
God bless you all!
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