Pastors Corner

Following his resurrection Jesus was seen by His apostles for a period of forty days, according to the Acts of the Apostles, during which “he spoke to them of the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Before the Feast of Pentecost, recall these meetings when Jesus, risen from the dead, goes searching for his sheep. He will not leave them orphans, he tells them, “I will come back to you” (John 14:18). This past Sunday (May 19th) was this year’s celebration of Pentecost.

At the same time, Jesus gave some instruction to His disciples, “…behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

So they waited in Jerusalem until the Jewish feast of Pentecost arrived, fifty days after the Passover. Then, as they were all together in one place, a strong wind and sound filled the house where they were, and flames like tongues of fire came to rest on them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-3).

The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ gift to those who believe, to complete his work on earth. Just as the Father sent Him, his disciples are to go into the world to renew the face of the earth. With different gifts, they form one body. Performing different works, they are members of the body of Christ, His Church.

They were not to be survivors reminiscing until death about those few glorious years He was with them. They were to be on their way to new uncharted lands. He commanded them (and us), “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe (carry out) everything I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Their lives were not ending, they were just beginning.

The Acts of the Apostles records the beginnings of the Church. Jesus’ disciples would take His message from Jerusalem to all parts of the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised His disciples (then and now) on several occasions the gift of the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Truth). We can see this in John 14:16-17; John 15:26; and John 16:7-8; 13. On the Sunday of His resurrection, as He appeared to His disciples, He said: “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21-22).

Pentecost was not a one-time event in the history of Christ’s Church. It is an ongoing promise to all who trust in the name of Jesus. The same Holy Spirit still abides in the Church, He is still available to us, and He still wants us to know Him, and to lean on Him.

Ken McNaughton, Pastor

Community Bible Church