WHAT IS PENTECOST?
Originally written in 2020
This Sunday, May 19th is Pentecost Sunday! What is Pentecost and why does Calvary recognize this Sunday?
Pentecost is the Greek name, the Jews originally called it the Feast of Harvest or the Feast of Weeks. Pentecost means fiftieth because it was 50 days after the crucifixion of Jesus when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem. Every year, Pentecostal churches like Calvary Church observe Pentecost on the seventh Sunday after resurrection Sunday.
The day of Pentecost punctuates the beginning of the first and early church on fire for God. The Holy Spirit was like a flame that lit the church with courage for proclaiming the Gospel and it hasn’t stopped burning since.
Luke, the Christian doctor, records the works of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. Luke writes, “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability” (Acts 2:1-4 NLT).
The timing couldn’t be better. Historically, Jerusalem would be packed during this feast of the harvest because Jews would pilgrimage from every corner of the earth to celebrate the provision of God and the abundance of the wheat harvest. What an opportune time to preach the good news of Jesus to every nation and tongue!
God intentionally planned this moment. Pentecost is included in what theologians call the salvific redemption history of the Bible. In other words, it’s an important part of the redemption story of Christ. There are three significant points I want to share that make Pentecost such a powerful and meaningful moment for Christianity. Pentecost is the fulfillment of prophecy, the fulfilled promise of Jesus, and infilling power to proclaim the Gospel. Pentecost has and always will be considered essential for the continued work of redemption or salvation of the world.
Pentecost is the fulfillment of prophecy
"Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below—blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Acts 2:14-21; Joel 2:28-32).
The coming of the Holy Spirit in power on all believers was prophesied or foretold hundreds of years before this moment. The beauty of this prophecy is the Holy Spirit would not discriminate any age, race or gender. Salvation is a gift for all, so is the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost is a promise fulfilled
On the day of Pentecost Peter explained, “‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.’ Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!’” (Acts 2:38-40)
Jesus kept His promise to the disciples that they would never be alone (Matthew 28:20). He kept His promise when the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost to dwell within and help them do God’s will on earth! (Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16; John 14:15-17; JOhn 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-15)
The baptism of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is a wonderful reminder of God’s promised presence within us!
Pentecost points to the infilling power of the Holy Spirit for gospel ministry
Jesus said to the disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” (Luke 24:49).
The infilling of the Holy Spirit was purposeful. There are many roles and purposes of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us that we can read about in John 14 and 16. Acts 1:8 and throughout the book of Acts we see the unquestionable power for ministry of the gospel. The Holy Spirit would give the disciples and Christ followers power to be witnesses and testify of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit would accompany the followers as they obeyed the mission to go and make disciples.
We don’t commemorate Pentecost as if it was a historical power we can only remember. No, the Holy Spirit continues to baptize and fill all believers who seek this prophetic, promised power from God. We can have a similar experience the first church had on the day of Pentecost. This promise for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit continues because the mission continues: Go make disciples and be witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
Salvation is already an amazing and gracious gift, above and beyond what we deserve, but God continues to offer more of His grace. God wants to fill you with His Holy Spirit's power to enable you for the great responsibility of fulfilling the great commission we received from Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20.
Perhaps, the next best thing to do is surrender your life as Jesus’ followers did to serve God. Then, prayerfully wait in the presence of God until He “clothes” you with power, the Holy Spirit.
For more on the day of Pentecost and questions about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, click here
With Love,
Pastor Ryan