An Invitation to a Birthday Celebration

You are invited this Sunday to join millions of Christians around the world in the celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the church.  Pentecost always comes 50 days after Easter, and it marks the occasion where the promised Holy Spirit descended upon the church (Acts 2).  To understand something of the meaning of Pentecost, we must remember that following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there were many apostles who thought of the resurrection as an “idle tale.”

They continued to meet in Jerusalem.  However, the Upper Room became an upper tomb where the disciples huddled in fear behind closed doors.  In the eyes of the world, the movement of Jesus was finished.  They didn’t know what we know…all they knew was what they had seen.

Yet, some followers of Jesus didn’t forget His words, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be m witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Fifty days after Easter it happened.  The breath of God moved upon those early disciples in such a way that 120 lukewarm believers were ignited with the flame and passion of the Holy Spirit.  Simon Peter, who only a few weeks earlier had denied his Lord, was inspired and empowered to stand before the people and proclaim, with boldness, the good news of Jesus Christ.  Scripture tells us that his words so moved the hearers that 3000 persons were added to the church that day.  And the church was born.

While there is great mystery concerning al that happened at Pentecost, we do know that hearts were warmed, lives were changed, and the power and presence of God were made known.  Like a mighty army, those early Christians moved out across the Mediterranean turning the world upside down.

THAT is what we will be celebrating this Sunday.  Invite someone to join you at the birthday celebration of the church!

Blessings to you, Pastor Bobby