Pentecost

Last Sunday (9th June 2019) was Pentecost.

Pentecost has its roots in Jewish religious tradition. The Jewish Pentecost fell on the 50th day after Passover, and it celebrated the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

At Pentecost, Jesus' disciples experience being filled dramatically with God's Holy Spirit. We learn from Christ’s early disciples that God’s deeds of power brought wellbeing to the wider community and the praise of all people.

The Holy Spirit filled, encouraged and equipped ordinary people to transform their world through generosity and love as they practiced their faith through community living. This all started in one house and a movement happened because the Holy Spirit touched and equipped them. God calls us as ordinary people to make a difference.

'When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place' Acts 2:1

Helen and I attended church at Trafalgar Square for the Thy Kingdom Come celebration. Fantastic worship led by Matt Redman and the Kingdom Choir. Different church traditions becoming one body. 3,000 Christians attended and on the day of Pentecost we all came together in one place.





How will people know the gospel of hope and love if we don't go beyond our walls?

We are reminded in Acts 2 that 'those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day' v41. The early church grew from 12 individuals to 3,000 people. All because the apostles were open to the Holy Spirit!

After Christ's Ascension, the Apostles were uncertain about what would happen. They spent the next ten days in prayer, waiting for a sign. They received it in tongues of fire when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. All because the Apostles were open to the Holy Spirit. 

Imagine what the Christian church could do if we go beyond our walls and put our trust in the Holy Spirit. Last Sunday was a great start! 

The Holy Spirit inspires confidence and to go beyond our comfort zone. No tradition can hold back the Holy Spirit. So let's be open to what the Holy Spirit can do. 

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