The next great holiday on the Church calendar is Pentecost.  The name is derived from "fifty," as it fell on the 50th day (seven weeks) after Passover.  The Hebrew Bible often calls it the Feast of Weeks for this reason (cf. Exodus 34:22-23).  The day celebrated the completion of the harvest, and was spent in gratitude to the God who gives us every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

 

It was on this day that the power of the Spirit fell on the followers of Jesus: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:1-4).  And the Kingdom of God became a movement which would reach the entire world (Acts 17:6).

 

In these days between Easter and Pentecost, it may be helpful to learn how the Spirit did such life-transforming work.  There can be no doubt that our churches and nations need this power again.  In a culture which is becoming increasingly secular and materialistic, our congregations and members must understand God's purpose for our lives, and experience God's power to fulfill it.

 

So I'd like to begin discussing an unusual Scripture passage with you--the entire book of Acts.  Don’t worry--you won't be reading today's essay all morning.  For the next few essays we'll overview the 28 chapters of Acts, then decide how God wants us to write Acts 29.  Participating in such a mighty movement of the Spirit in our day would be a joy and a privilege beyond words.

 

Jesus earlier promised his disciples, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18).  The Master Carpenter knows that a building has three requirements: an excellent blueprint, a strong foundation, and an effective structure.  So Jesus first drew the blueprint in his last words on earth (Acts 1:8).  You know them well.

 

The purpose of the church is clear: "You will be my witnesses."  We "will be" his witnesses--this is not optional.  This is our reason for being.  The people is clear: all believers.  "You" is plural--not just Peter or James or John; there is no clergy in the book of Acts.  Being the witnesses of Jesus is the life purpose of each Christian.  How do we fulfill this purpose?  Let's continue in the morning.

 

Copyright © 2008. GodIssues.com.  All rights reserved.