Pentecost 2007

Pentecost marks a significant moment in the unfolding story of the Early Church. It marks the start of the fulfilment of the promise made by Jesus that his followers would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

It also marks a significant day in God’s unfold story, not just with respect to the church, but also in the context of his story of history. For the Jews, Pentecost had become a festival of celebration for the giving of the law. That amazing time when Moses went up the mountain to meet with God and God wrote the Ten Commandments on two blocks of stone and gave them to the people.

When we hear the phrase “the law” we think about rules and regulations, but from an OT perspective it’s all about teaching and guidance.

The purpose of the law was be a guide to life under the covenant of grace that God established with his people. As Paul puts it: the law was given to supervise and guide until Christ came (Gal.3).

Now, on the Day of Pentecost, a new teacher, a new guide, is given to the faithful followers of God’s purposes.

But, The “Day” is not the only “Pentecost” in Acts.

Four Times

Four occasions tell stories of the coming of the Holy Spirit in a special way.

The day of Pentecost: Tongues of fire, sound like a strong wind, spilling out on to the streets, speaking other languages.

Acts 8: the story of the Samaritan town. Philip had arrived there because of the scattering of the church after Stephen’s death. He preaches, they respond. The apostles come to visit and realise that something is missing? Why was it so? Perhaps God was working out his purposes is the best answer we can give.

Acts 10: Cornelius. The inclusion of the Gentiles.

Acts 19: Ephesus. Breaking geographical boundaries. Baptism of John is the core issue here.
Four questions

#1 What does this all mean?

Everyone in included.

The one thing that these four examples tell us is that no one falls outside of God’s reach. I everyone can be included in the promise of eternal life, if they choose to be included, then everyone who chooses to be included is also included in God’s promise of the Holy Spirit.
From Jew to Gentile, from resident of the Promised Land to non-resident, from college trained to life trained. We’re all included.

#2 Who is it for?

We've already said it, but it bears repeating: Everyone is included. And that's not all. This is not just about getting you into heaven. It’s also about who you will take with you. Yes, the Holy Spirit will guide you and comfort you, he will be there to pick you up when you fall, but don’t ever think that he’s only there to keep you from going backwards.

He’s there to empower you for both ministry and mission.

There’s a place for you in God’s big plan, a place that only you can fill and God’s Spirit is there to help you fill it.

#3 Why wait?

When you read the story of Cornelius you can’t help but notice God’s impatience. I don’t think he was bored with what Peter had to say, I think he was just bursting to show Cornelius how much he love him.

He just can’t wait, and he asks us a similar question: Why wait?

#4 Did you receive?

How straightforward can you get? No big theological discussion, no deep examination of motives and assessment of things. Just a simple question: Did you receive?

The power of everybody

If everyone is included, then what does that mean for the local church?

We might not like being separated into volunteers and paid-staff. We might prefer to think of ourselves as one team, all called, all gifted, all set apart for ministry and mission.

But the bottom line isn’t what’s your preferred title, it’s what are you doing to be a part of God’s plan to involve everybody?

So, are you playing your part?