Sunday, May 19, 2013

Winds of Change


Wind of the Holy Spirit
courtesy photobucket.com

Gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon, on Pentecost Sunday.  He was reading from Acts 2:1-21 about the account of those congregated in the Upper Room, as they were obeying the words of Jesus to seek for the Holy Spirit.  

The setting was the festival of harvest and people from many nations were present in the city.

Actually the followers of Jesus did not know what to expect, and were somewhat surprised when a strong wind blew over their midst, and tongues of fire set upon each of them. 

They began to loudly speak in foreign languages about the wonderful works of Jesus and were praising God. 
 
Others down in the street could hear them, and many were puzzled, and some mocked and made fun. 

The amazing thing was that these unlearned men were speaking in languages unknown to them, but understood by the foreigners present.  “What meanest this,” is all they could say. 

* Even today in our society, many avoid spiritual phenomena’s and are afraid to seek the Holy Spirit.  Instead they wonder why their church is dry without life and substance.  They have forgotten that it is the Holy Spirit that gives life. 
 
* Yet all over the world in groups and on individuals, the Holy Spirit is falling anew and afresh upon earnest seekers!

Peter began to explain that this event was prophesied in the Old Testament, and the promise of the Holy Spirit was available to them on that day. 
 
The promise would extend unto their children and their children’s children. “Your sons and daughters will see visions and prophesy,” proclaimed Peter. 
 
Five Thousand were added to the church on that day.

Pastor Jerry likened a church confirmation prior to membership to this event that birthed the Christian Church. 
 
This was a confirmation of another comforter promised by Jesus who would guide them and be in them as well as with them.

Pastor mentioned that we cannot duplicate the exact happening on the day of Pentecost, which is probably truer than it should be. 
 
* But as I thought about Pastors remark, I realized that each and every one of us – today - - can and should have our own personal Pentecost.

Finding a place to seek God, and invite his Holy Spirit to baptize you with an anointing for service.  When the fire falls, allow it to burn out the dross, when the wind blows, allow it to sift the chaff.  When your tongue desires to praise God with another language, allow the Holy Spirit to praise God through you.

Perhaps it is time to raise our sails and to move with the Wind of the Spirit.

* Words in red are mine

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

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