A Pentecostal Church

Pastor Jerry was reading from Acts 2:1-14 as today was considered Pentecost Sunday.

Acts 2: 1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

 

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Pastor confessed that he personally has never experienced the tongues of fire, the wind or the filling of the Holy Spirit as mentioned in the book of Acts. 

Pastor was very courteous and careful to stay with the scriptures and explain in his opinion what happened on that First Pentecost day.

Because of the loud noise, many who were in the city came to see what was happening.  Some wondered, others were afraid, and some mocked and made fun. 

 

The signs and wonders did get the attention of the onlookers for they heard the disciples speaking in many languages the wonderful works of God..

Peter stood and told the crowd this was prophesied by the prophet Joel 2:28-29:And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

In the early 1900’s a revival broke out in California at Azusa St, as people prayed and were seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

 

This phenomenon soon spread and groups began to form Pentecostal denominations.  The Four Square Church has for their four fundamentals, Jesus Saves, Jesus Baptizes with the Holy Spirit, Jesus Heals and Jesus is coming again.

Pastor says, many denominations believe this, but use their own language to explain what the scriptures mean to them.

Over the years the term Pentecostal has taken a negative view due to what onlookers called excess. 

 

Like the Apostles, being accused of being ignorant persons, but full of zeal without must Scriptural understanding. 

 

Experience is important, but we must also be grounded in the Word of God and use care to be LED by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit wants to reign within the believer and be the controlling factor in our lives.

Paul gave some Spiritual guidelines about using and limiting the Holy Spirit Gifts during a church meeting, but Paul was careful to explain NOT to forbid speaking in Tongues and that he Paul, personally prayed and spoke in Tongues more than they all.

 
We are being sent forth to communicate what Jesus Christ means to us.  The disciples used verbal proclamation, of what they had experienced and had seen.  Our spoken words must be clear and understandable as we witness.   

There will always be Nay Sayers who will criticize and find fault, but we are to not be swayed by the opinions of others.

Pastor asked a question, “How many would be flabbergasted if the Holy Spirit took control in our service in such a way as in Acts chapter two?”

We don’t like to give up our independence and self control.  We like to be in charge.

If the Holy Spirit truly was active in each of our lives, there would be no conflicts only peace.  However there are some who refuse to give over their will to the Lord.  We have controversy because of Nay Sayers. 

Read the Bible as it tells truth and we will discover that life is not utopia, and often the Guidance of the Holy Spirit will make us and others uncomfortable.

In the real world, the Mighty Works of God crash in and force people to deal with evil and conflict.  This is not a pretend church, for we have a covenant with one another. 

The Holy spirit was not sent to make us “Feel Good,” but to empower us to be witnesses.” 

 

Happy Birthday Holy Spirit.