Does anyone know what today is?
It is Pentecost Sunday.
For those whom lived on the other side of the Cross (prior to Christ death & resurrection) Pentecost – The Jewish Festival of Shavuot which commemorated God’s giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses.
For those of us living on this side of the Cross; it commemorates the infilling of the Holy Spirit of the disciples gathered together in the upper room.
Although Pentecost doesn’t get the same attention as does Christmas and Easter, it shouldn’t detract from its importance. Without Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost Gods redemptive plan would be incomplete.
Transition: What is Pentecost?
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[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4
Connection Points: What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is:
1. A promise Made
2. A promise Kept
3. A Promise Delivered
1. A Promise Made
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
a) A promise made- The relationship offered to man through the law – the Word became flesh and made his living among us. Through His death, resurrection and infilling of the Holy Spirt his word is written upon our hearts.
b) In me you find the purpose of life and the power to live out your faith in me.
c) You will live life as I have lived.
d) The Father will send the “Advocate, Comforter, Holy Spirit” to remind and teach you everything I have said.
e) You may grow in your faith.
2. A promise delivered:
a) Pentecost is a promise delivered.
Acts 2:1-4,13-15,38-41
3. A promise explained
a) God dealt with the problem of Sin through His Son Jesus. His victory over sin not only redeems but delivers us from the power and bondage of sin. He no longer lives apart from us, or even beside us but IN US!
b) No longer do we seek to live in fellowship with God through the law and on our own but instead in relationship with Christ through his power being lived out in us.