This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday around the world in the Christian church, marking fifty days after Easter. It is a day when the church gathers in worship to celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our midst as the “body of Christ.” In some ways, it is the birthday of the church as an organized group of like-minded followers of Jesus. We read in the books of Acts these words of direction from Jesus to His disciples before He left this world to return to His heavenly Kingdom… “But 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)

When the Holy Spirit descended on the global church in Acts 2, great power and testimony erupted on the people gathered in that place, and the church became a movement of disciples of Jesus. They left their homes and traveled out to the world to share the love and message of Jesus, both near and far. All of this happened 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus; hence the name “Pentecost”, which means “50th”.

Check out this beneficial and insightful article on this special event/festival from the Bible Project website… What Is Pentecost? And Why Is It Important?

Henry Blackaby has a lot to say about the Holy Spirit in his writings, Experiencing God. This excerpt is from his study Bible… “In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit’s role was to equip believers for their divine assignments; however, He came to indwell every believer and was never removed. (Acts 2:2-4, 38) John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15). Jesus had the Holy Spirit come on Him at His baptism (Luke 3:22). Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be “another Counselor” just as He had been to the twelve disciples. (John 14:16) The Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth, and he would prepare them for what was to come. (John 16:12, 13) He would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:8-11) While the Holy Spirit comes on every believer, Christians must surrender fully to his presence in their lives if they are to be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)”

The Holy Spirit is on the move, and as followers of Jesus, we are to “keep in step” with him. (Galatians 525) The Spirit does not rest and does not remain stagnant, but continually convicts, challenges, and cheers us on to “run the race” of faith with one another as we “keep our eyes fixed on fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

As you, church, gather for worship, allow the Holy Spirit room to reign and move in your midst. And the joy of the Lord will be present, and your heart will be filled with gratitude for what the Lord has done and is doing in your life and your congregation, and you will again experience God’s purpose and plan for your lives together.

You are on a mission from God, being led by the Holy Spirit to share the love of Jesus with others.

Carry on…