PENTECOST

ACTS 2:1-6                        

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Pentecost is the old Greek and Latin name for the Jewish harvest festival, Shavuot, found in the Old Testament. Shavuot is also called the Festival of Weeks; Festival of Reaping, and Day of the First Fruits. When Christians mention Pentecost, they usually have in mind the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ as found in Acts 2. But that’s where it gets hazy.

 

I. WHAT HAPPENED TO PENTECOST?

 

1. It’s Been Confused [Jn. 7:38-39, 20:1, 19-22]

-it is NOT the day the Holy Spirt began indwelling believers

- He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

- The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when, it was yet dark, unto, the sepulchre, and, seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

- Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

2. It’s Been Called- it is NOT the “birthday of the church” – no hint of that in Scripture, see point 1 above. Good men disagree. Was it the “Come and see” of Jn. 1:39 [J.C. Ryle], the calling of the 12 [Lee Roberson], Pentecost [J. Vernon McGee], the first person saved [John R. Rice] or something different?

3. It’s Been Convoluted- it does NOT say speaking with tongues is THE evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit

 

II. WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST?

 

1. It Was a Day of Fulfilment- [Lk. 24:49, Acts 1:1-9, 2:14-21, cp. Joel 2]

- And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

2. It Was a Day of Fullness- [Acts 2:4, 13, 16-18]

3. It Was a Day of Fruitfulness- [Acts 2:41]

 

III. WHAT HONORS PENTECOST?

 

1. Recognizing it was a Special Day- [#246 Pentecostal Power] “Lord as of old at Pentecost Thou didst Thy power display”]

2. Recognizing it was a “Specimen” Day -called by D.L. Moody, John R. Rice [Acts 4:8, 31, 33]

3. Recognizing it is a Supernatural Day- [Eph. 5:18-20, 6:18-20]

- And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

- Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly , to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.