June twelfth represents the day of Pentecost. Some of the facts about Pentecost are indisputable. It occurred ten days after the ascension of Christ. His promise of the “official” coming of the Holy Spirit occurred. It, Pentecost, occurs fifty days after the Passover celebration, and is known as the Feast of Weeks. The Feast of Weeks was a celebration of the completion of the harvest season. Christians typically agree on those facts…..
Ask Christians about the significance of Pentecost, and they will provide a variety of answers. One Chicago Christian viewed Pentecost as the “beginning of the Christian church. It is a day where we (should) celebrate God’s blessings.”
Another Chicago Christian viewed Pentecost as “the fulfillment of the promises of Christ. He (Christ) promised us another comforter. He keeps His promises.”
Still others proclaim Pentecost as the confirmation of the importance of (speaking in) tongues in the growth of the Christian believer.
Pentecost is much more.
The number ten (days between the ascension of Christ and Pentecost) represents completeness in the Bible. God gave Moses Ten Commandments.
Abraham faced ten trials in the completeness of his faith. Tithing is the giving of ten percent of your money, talents, and time. Pentecost signaled the completeness of the first journey of Christ.
Pentecost was the announcement of the Holy Spirit. The arrival was celebrated by the Christians. They celebrated by/with the demonstration of their spiritual gifts. On display:
• Speaking in tongues
• Interpretation of tongues
• Giving
• Preaching
• Harmony
• Faith
• Signs and wonders
Peter, the disciple chosen to be deliverer of the gospel to the Jews, did not speak in tongues. He announced to onlookers that “these” men (speaking in tongues) were not drunk; implying that he was not speaking in tongues. After, he preached his first sermon.
Pentecost should also be a reminder to all Christians of the importance of celebrating Christ, His promised comforter, and His promise to return.
.gif){kind=small}
