Opened Doors

The first Pentecost was a remarkable occasion. But the weeks and months that followed were equally remarkable for the disciples and the people who listened to them. Amazed political leaders wondered what to think and what to do when uneducated men began proclaiming God’s Word with power. The leaders wondered even more when miracles followed the men's words—because the men were led by the Holy Spirit.

Meanwhile, the people listened to the message and witnessed everything that happened. Many responded. Then, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NIV)

The jealous, stymied leaders felt they had to do something. So, They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. (5:18) Imagine the leaders consternation the next day when they learned that during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors. . . . (5:19)

For the disciples and for all people, a new era—the era of the Christian Church—was underway. Nothing could stop the spread of faith in Jesus when the disciples proclaimed God’s Word. God’s Church became a living reality.

Originally published June 3, 1983.

The Holy Spirit Descended

When Jesus left His home in heaven, he came disguised as a seemingly ordinary person with no unusual characteristics. Hidden with His family in Nazareth, he lived and absorbed the human experience with its many joys and sorrows. Paul says of this period that Jesus made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant. . . . (Phil 2:7a NKJV)

But during Jesus’ baptism, John the Baptist saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him [Jesus]. (Mt. 3:16b) The Son of God was hidden no longer. Armed with the Spirit of God, He battled Satan in the Wilderness and then began His ministry. He preached the message of the Kingdom of God and performed miracles—and many believed He was the Son of God.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus sent His disciples out to share the good news of the kingdom on two occasions. But after the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost, Peter, the rest of the disciples, and the other Christians were different. The Spirit of the Son of God had been poured out and was no longer hidden. Like Jesus, the disciples preached the Kingdom of God, they performed miracles—and the church grew exponentially as people began to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. (Acts 2)

Originally June 5, 1992.
Picture: Tulips, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God Sent His Spirit

Pentecost is the day on the Christian church calendar that celebrates the birth of the Christian Church. On that day Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit upon His followers. In fact, the church became the Church—a supernaturally-connected group of believers—when the Holy Spirit arrived.

He didn’t come quietly. We read, And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they [the disciples] were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4 KJV)

People in the area gathered and were confounded, because every man heard them speak in his own language. (v. 6b) Then Peter preached to a large crowd and about three thousand souls joined the disciples by accepting Jesus. (v. 41)

Originally published May 28, 1993.