The Pentecost was a Jewish celebration that occurred 50 days
after the Passover feast. The name itself
comes from the Greek work “pentekoste,” meaning “fiftieth.” Other names it was referred to as include “Dayof the First Fruits,” “Feast of Harvest,” and “the Feast of Weeks.”
The day of Pentecost, found in Acts 2, was an incredible
event. Peter taught the multitude that
this pouring out of the Spirit was a fulfillment of prophecy, that God said He
would pour out His Spirit in the last days.
He taught them of prophecy, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit.
Peter testified of Jesus Christ and His power. He invited the multitude to repent and be
baptized in Christ’s name and to receive the Holy Ghost. His testimony strengthened many and 3,000
people were baptized!
Many spiritual gifts were made apparent that day. They spoke in tongues and prophecies. They understood each other, even if they spoke
different languages. They were filled
with the Spirit of God. They were filled
with a desire to follow God and be baptized.
They were filled with love for each other, served one another, and took
care of each other.
I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and that it
continues to be on earth today. It’s
been a blessing throughout my life and has been a source of strength and
comfort. I know that God works great
miracles through the Holy Ghost and that gift truly shows of the deep love He
has for each of us.
I find Pentecost interesting in that it is a day observed by most mainstream churches, yet was a day given to ancient Israel - it seems to be unique that way.
ReplyDeleteIt has important meaning for Christians besides the gift of the Holy Spirit. As I show in my article, Pentecost shows that the Church is the first fruits to God, a small early harvest, not the great spiritual harvest to come. In the later harvest, everyone ever born, even if he or she was born and died without hearing the gospel, will have a chance for salvation.