Introduction: Jesus told his disciples that they will become his witness when they receive power of the Holy. On Pentecost, the disciples received the Holy Spirit and became powerful witnesses of Christ; God was glorified among all nations.

 

1.Pentecost is a significant mark of God's grace. Pentecost (50 days after the Passover) was called the day of first-fruits (Num 26:28), and it also commemorated the day when the law was given to Israel. In NT, it is the day people received the Holy Spirit, power, sings & wonders, God's grace & salvation.

 

2.An antecedent of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. "all with one accord in one place"-having unity, love, one purpose, focusing more on heavenly things & spiritual things. We should be filled with love of God and unity in order to allow the work of the Holy Spirit in our church.

3.The coming and work of Holy Spirit as wind and fire. Wind-sudden, powerful, marvelous, & both Hebrew and Greek words for spirit refer to wind. Fire-purification (refining gold), consuming what is temporary & leaving what is last, powerful. John the Baptist also proclaims that Messiah will baptize people with Spirit and fire (Matt. 3:11). God showed his special pleasure/favor with sacrifice by fire (1 Kgs 18:38; 2 Chron. 7:1). The experience of the followers of Jesus on Pentecost is another example of God sending fire from heaven to show His pleasure and power.

 

Let's live in unity & love with the purpose to glorify God; then let's experience the marvelous works of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen!