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Pentecost: Giving the Holy Spirit
We’ve been looking at history (See Preparing for Easter). The next big event after Jesus’ ascension was Pentecost, giving believers the Holy Spirit, which occurred 10 days after Jesus’ ascension.
Before Pentecost
During Jesus’ ministry on earth, the people who believed in Him had not yet received the Holy Spirit. I don’t know what that experience was like since the Holy Spirit now dwells in all believers in Christ. But now is better!
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit.
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:38–39)
Jesus told His disciples: “It is to your advantage that I go away.”
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)
Pentecost
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” (Acts 2:1–4)
Before Christ’s resurrection, the disciples were in a locked room. After they received the Holy Spirit, they testified with power, they rejoiced to suffer in His name. All but one became martyrs. They were transformed.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit dwells in all believers, sealing us, and given as a pledge of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit is our helper, our encourager, our teacher, and guides us to all truth (John 14:26; John 16:13). The Holy Spirit gave us gifts and empowers us to do the good works God prepared for us (1 Corinthians 12). The Holy Spirit gives us access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26). Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
And God the Holy Spirit is and does so much more! (See Praise the Holy Spirit)
Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving the Holy Spirit to believers. Help us worship Him and listen to Him. I want to walk in, and be by controlled by Your Spirit. I don’t want to grieve or quench Him. Please help me consciously and continually seek You and yield to Your Spirit dwelling in me.
