Today my message is “Pentecost, a Fresh Start!”
We will look at some Scriptures that answer the two obvious questions that pop up in your head – “what is Pentecost and how does it create a fresh start?”
So here we go on the journey of discovery.
Pentecost – The Greek name for the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which falls on the 50th day after Passover. As the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles on this day (Acts 2:1), the name was applied to the Christian feast celebrating this event, popularly called Whitsunday. (Concise Oxford Dictionary pg. 391)
The feast of Pentecost, of weeks, of wheat-harvest or of the first-fruits. On this occasion, every male Israelite was commanded to “appear before the Lord,” that is, to attend in the court of the tabernacle or the temple, and to make his offering with a joyful heart. (Smith’s Bible Dictionary, pg.192)
The typical significance of the Pentecost is made clear from the events of the day recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Just as the appearance of God on Sinai was the birthday of the Jewish nation, so was Pentecost the birthday of the Christian Church. (Smith’s Bible Dictionary, pg. 499)
Acts 2:1-4 NIV
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues [languages] as the Spirit enabled them.
1 John 4:13-15 NIV (John is talking)
13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because He has given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.
Acts 2:36-39 NIV (Peter is talking)
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
John 16:7-11 NIV (Jesus is talking to His followers)
7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (Advocate) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
8 When he comes, he will convict (prove to) the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me;
10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;
11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Romans 8:14-17 NIV (Paul is talking)
14 Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Galatians 5:18-25 NIV (Paul is talking)
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:17-22 NIV (Paul is talking)
17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
So now we know “What is Pentecost?” and “How does it create a fresh start.”
Therefore, I have only one question for you to take home with you.
Are you ready, willing and able to start fresh in your walk to and with God?
Whether you know Jesus personally or not, now is the time of Pentecost for you. You can discover the path to God and become part of God’s family, or rejuvenate the path you are on and start to grow even more than you have in your Christian walk.
Leave a Reply