The Birth of the Church
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 29 May 2009 in From Steve's Study ::
You’ve got to love a good birthday celebration! Whether it’s a 1st, 21st or an 81st, we love to get together to rejoice over the life of our loved ones.
Today is “Pentecost Sunday” which, as our Bible Reading today (Acts 2:1-13) suggests, looks back to the day God sent his Spirit on his people. It was a spectacular day, with tongues of fire and the sounds of a powerful wind heralding the coming of God’s Spirit, but it was also the day Peter stood up with great boldness and told of the saving power of Christ, and 3000 people became Christians. This “explosion” of believers lit the flame that took the gospel out the corners of the world.
The following quote helps us understand what was going on: “Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in ten gallons of petrol, for instance, can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into the can. Or it can be channeled through the engine of a Datsun in a controlled burn and used to transport a person 350 miles. Explosions are spectacular, but controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power. The Holy Spirit works both ways. At Pentecost, he exploded on the scene; His presence was like “tongues of fire” (Acts 2:3). Thousands were affected by one burst of God’s power. But He also works through the church—the institution God began to tap the Holy Spirit’s power for the long haul. Through worship, fellowship, and service, Christians are provided with staying power.”
The Spirit that came in such a spectacular fashion nearly 2000 years ago is the same Spirit that is given to all Christians today. Jesus promised that he would be with us always (Mt 28:20) & it is a great joy to realise that the Spirit makes this promise a reality. No matter what we’re doing or how we’re feeling, Christ is with us as individuals, and as a group of believers. His Spirit guides and empowers our church just as he did all those years ago.
So let’s celebrate the birth of the church by giving great thanks & by opening ourselves all the more to the guidance and strength that the Spirit still offers us.
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