2nd Term
THE HOLY SPIRIT AT PENTECOST
The promise
of the Holy Spirit (Act 1:8): Even before his death, Jesus had promised not
to leave his disciples lonely, but to give them a comforter, guardian and
spiritual companion namely, the Holy Spirit. Eventually, at the point of
ascension into heaven, Jesus reassured the disciples that His Heavenly Father
would send them the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit upon them
would empower them to witness to the whole world that the prophesy about the
Messiah has been fulfilled. To witness such a thing would require
extra-ordinary power because people would hardly believe unless they see signs
and wonders. Thus, the Holy Spirit comes to give Christians all that it takes
to accomplish The Great Commission.
The coming
of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:1-13): On the day of Pentecost, the believers were
gathered in one place. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came in with a strong wind and
rested on the head of each of them as a tongue of fire. Thus, they started
speaking in different languages as the spirit gave them utterance. Then, the
people that have come to Jerusalem from different parts of the world to
celebrate the Pentecost, were amazed by the fact that they could hear them in
their different languages. At first, they thought that the people were drunk,
and they started making fun of them, but Peter addressed them in response.
Peter’s
Speech (Act
2:14 -41): Peter told them that they are not drunk, but that what is happening
is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophesy which is that on the last days, God would
pour out his spirit upon all flesh… and whosoever that call upon the Lord shall
be saved. Peter reminded them of the great miracles signs and wonders done
through Jesus to show them that he is the Messiah. But out of unbelief, they
killed him, yet God raised Jesus back to life just as David prophesied. Jesus
has been raised to the right hand of the Father who has sent us the Holy Spirit
as promised. What you now experience is his gift poured out on us. When the
people heard this, they were greatly touched, and they asked what they must do
to be saved. Peter told them to turn away from their sin, believe in Jesus and
be baptized. Most of them believed, and about 3,000 people were converted that
day.
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