June 8 Pentecost Sunday

Sunday:  It's hard to believe it has been seven weeks already since Passover--but here we are celebrating Pentecost today! 

"On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus' resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other tongues, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." Acts 2.1-4

The chapter goes on to say that these other "languages" being spoken were understood by people from many nations who were living in Jerusalem at that time--and the people were amazed that they could understand what was being said about all the wonderful things God was doing! Peter stood up to speak and the other 11 disciples were there with him. Peter explained that what was happening right then and there was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, indicating that God was NOW WITH THEM! He had anointed them with fire from heaven, just like He did at the dedication of the tabernacle and then again with the temple in Jerusalem: 2 Chronicles 7:1: "When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled the temple." I think this is what Paul was speaking about in Romans 12 when he talks about our bodies being LIVING SACRIFICES, acceptable to God through Christ. Pastor Jim says he thinks Pentecost might be the most significant day in all of church history!

At Calvary Church, we celebrated Pentecost with an evening choir concert and time of praise. It was so, so wonderful to be there and worship our great God!