The day of Pentecost was observed in Jerusalem fifty days after
the celebration of the Passover, which commemorated Israel's
deliverance out of Egypt. It is significant that this day was
chosen by the Lord to begin the fulfillment of Joel 2:28: "I
will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...."
The Spirit came upon the waiting,
praying disciples in an overwhelming manner. Their complete
commitment to Christ and His commission evoked a mighty baptism
of God's power. This was evidenced initially by their speaking
in tongues (Acts 2:4). The Spirit was resident in their lives
from that moment. The Spirit-filled early church witnessed many
outstanding miraculous happenings (Acts 3:1-7; 4:31). They were
able to lead victorious lives as a result of their Pentecostal
experience.
Two baptisms were disclosed on
the day of Pentecost. There was a baptism in the Holy Spirit,
and in the Apostle Peter's message that followed, water baptism
in the name of Jesus Christ was commanded (Acts 2:38). This
outward, physical baptism mysteriously merges with that of the
Spirit, and is the "one baptism" of Ephesians 4:5. This is what
Jesus referred to as being "born again" in John 3:3-7. And how
wonderful to be born into the family of God-changed,
transformed, and made a "new creature in Christ Jesus".
No, Pentecost is not a
denomination. It is a new birth experience. It is primitive
Christianity made relevant to today's world. The people referred
to as Pentecostal simply believe, teach, and receive all that
transpired on that birthday of the church...Pentecost, 33 A.D.
There is a church near you that embraces these basic Christian
truths and experiences. You owe it to yourself to attend-and see
what Pentecost can really mean to you!
