“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

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

Most believers can explain the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but have you ever stopped to imagine if Pentecost had never taken place? For one thing, without the Holy Spirit, the Church wouldn’t exist!

As we read yesterday, Acts 2 opens with a sense of anticipation. The disciples were waiting and praying in Jerusalem for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus told the disciples, “You will receive 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” (Acts 1:8).

While they were waiting in the upper room, something supernatural happened. Acts 2:2-4 tells us, “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.”

The promised Spirit had come to dwell in all His people! This was different than ever before. Unlike previous times, this was final, complete, and permanent. From that day onward, God’s presence would be manifested in people rather than in the temple.

This makes all the difference for us as believers. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us faith to believe the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit who seals us forever as God’s children. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to live by faith and put to death the flesh. It is the Holy Spirit who gifts us for service and empowers us to carry out the Great Commission.

Let us never forget the awesome truth that God Himself has chosen to dwell within us and empower us to live for Him!

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How does the Holy Spirit work in the Church?
  • How does the Holy Spirit impact the life of a believer?
  • How has the Holy Spirit empowered you?

 

Church Reading Plan: Ezekial 6; Psalm 44