The risen Christ Jesus said the following words to the Apostles on the day of His ascension: “But you will receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth”.
Literally ten days had passed and these prophetic words were fulfilled when the Jews gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate their Day of Pentecost. The 2nd chapter of the Book of Acts describes these grand events. The timid and fearful disciples of Jesus suddenly experienced the promised Holy Spirit coming down upon them. “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other tongues, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability”. The moment the fiery tongues touched the disciples, God began to act, and then they continued.
The God’s action through them stirred a reaction from people. What was the result? Three thousand people received salvation! What great power and glory of God! Such was the reason for Pentecost. The era of the Holy Spirit began. The Trinity, the fullness of God, brought into action the plan of salvation plan for mankind. The Father, together with the ascended Son, Lord Jesus, sent the Spirit to save the dying world. This is the main reason for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God saves people, but what do we do? The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not given for tender emotional experiences, but it is given to equip us with the power from above, so that we would work alongside the Lord.
This month, we as the church of Jesus Christ, will celebrate this historical event and thank God for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost is one of the greatest days. Rivers of living water flowed through the entire world. Sometimes, we are amazed at the beginning days of the early church; but it’s not the times, nor the people who made it special, but baptism of the Holy Spirit itself. This promise belongs to all people. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17). “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). Every generation needs Pentecost.
May God bless us all and fill with the Holy Spirit.
Love,
Pastor Yuri Georgiev
Russian Gospel Temple