Pentacost Acts 2:1-7

 Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Pentecost was a Jewish feast held fifty days after Passover; it was a time of celebration for the first-fruits of the harvest.

At Passover, the first sheaf to be reaped from the barley harvest was presented to God; but at Pentecost, the firstfruits of the wheat harvest were given to God. Therefore, Pentecost is called the day of firstfruits (Numbers 28:26) Also, Jewish tradition taught that Pentecost commemorates the day when the Law was given to Israel; the feast was sometimes called by the Jews shimchath torah, or "joy of the law"

So on Pentecost, Israel received the Law, and the Church received the Spirit of Grace in fullness

All in unity together seeking God.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

The word for Spirit is also "wind", a mighty rushing wind filling all the upper room. Is this the fan of Jesus separating the wheat from the chaff? Or is this a new life breathed into born again believers? Perhaps both and more.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

The baptism of fire as in Mat 3:11...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The idea behind the picture of fire is usually purification, as fire is used by a refiner to make pure gold, or as it can burn away that which is temporary, to leave that which is lasting. This is an excellent illustration of the principle that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not just for power, but for purity.

Under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit rests upon God's people as individuals - the tongues of fire sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

How many were filled with the Holy Ghost and spake with other tongues? One hundred twenty were in one accord and were speaking in recognizable languages as the spirit gave them utterance.

tongues - the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct

utterances - to speak forth, speak out, say

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

A crowd quickly gathered, being attracted by this sound (either the rushing mighty wind or the speaking in other tongues); when they came they heard the Christians speak in their own foreign languages; apparently the Christians could be heard from the windows of the upper room, or they went out onto some kind of balcony or into the temple courts.

What better way to show the presence of Gods Spirit in the hearts of the people, then to speak edifying words of God in each language. This was a reversal of what happened at the tower of Babel. There all were confounded and confused speaking in languages no one understood.

Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

Galileans were not known to be educated men or good speakers.

Faith in God's will

Gen 9:1  And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 

Gen 11:1  And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 

Gen 11:4  And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 

Gen 11:5  And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 

Gen 11:6  And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 

Gen 11:7  Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 

Gen 11:8  So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 

Gen 11:9  Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. 

 Noah's sons were supposed to go all over the world.

They had unity, one language and they were in one place, but they were not doing the will of the LORD.  They wanted to make a name for themselves " let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name," The LORD said because they are together, with one language, " and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. "

He confused their language to spread them out over the earth. Unity is not always a good thing, unity to do evil is bad. If we have unity of evil plans, God just may prevent this from continuing. 

Faith in God's will is always better than going along with a majority who are doing their own will. They will not get away from God's judgement. The wrath of God will come to the children of disobedience, no matter how many are thinking alike. The will of God will be done.

Eaglewings Ministries

It's all about me?

Last night I was at a rehearsal of the college symphonic band. The conductor is a high spirited man who has led the band with enthusiasm for over thirty years. In recent years he married a younger woman from England who was a music major at the college. She is gifted to play several instruments and sits next to me in the trombone section. She stood up, leaving her horn on the chair and walked over to the conductor's podium and with baton in hand she directed the band with precision as the conductor was out in the theater seating area. She conducted two of our selections for next week's concert and then returned to her seat. I am not sure if this was planned, but when he returned he commented on how wonderful the band sounded and how blessed he was to have such a talented wife. Now, he could have been jealous when the band clapped enthusiastically, but he was gracious and humble. Truth is, he has never been angry or judgmental in all the years I have known him. The point is that we each are gifted in some way. Some have been at it longer than others, built up a ministry, kept the faith. Yet, others may step in to move things along and each brings something different to the fullness of the body of Christ. We are not to be jealous , envious, competitive or spiteful, for the ministry is the Lord's and he moves through his yielded vessels as he wills. Rather than complain about a lack of a gift in a person, perhaps you are meant to fill the missing gift? One person may be gifted in one area, but others are stronger in other areas of need in the body of Christ. We come together in unity and love in one spirit, we are one in Christ.

Rom 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 
Rom 12:4  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 
Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

One In Christ Jesus

The devil wants us to be divided over doctrines. We should not argue in public, but be one in Spirit. We are to be one in Christ, through the Holy Spirit and with love from God. The things that we do not understand fully now, we will understand when we are with Jesus.

 

John 17:22  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:23  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
John 17:24  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
John 17:25  O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
John 17:26  And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

 

We who are in Christ are one body of believers, the Church and the Bride of Jesus Christ. This is not a fleshly body, nor a fleshly bride, but a spiritual people. God is One in Spirit. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one God. The Church is in Christ and He is the head of the Church. This is too wonderful for me to understand the full meaning but the key to understanding is through the love of God.

 

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

 

We are given the Holy Spirit of God, the mind of Christ, but we are still limited being yet in the flesh.

 

1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1Co 2:15  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1Co 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

Rom 15:5  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Rom 15:6  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 15:7  Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

 When we minister in the nursing homes we ask them how many want to go to heaven to be with Jesus? Several will raise their hands. How many reading this are ready to meet Jesus? How many are ready to meet him right now? We want to hang onto this life as long as we can, because stepping through the door to eternity is by faith. Father God and my Savior Jesus, whether we are here on earth or out of this body in your presence, we abide in your love by faith as you hold us in your hand.

Follow the cloud

Num 9:15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
Num 9:16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
Num 9:17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
Num 9:18 At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
Num 9:19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.
Num 9:20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.
Num 9:21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
Num 9:22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.

A cloud by day and fire by night, led the people of Israel for forty years through the wilderness to the promise land. If they would have obeyed God they could have gone into the promise land in nine days.,

The Holy Spirit guides the Christian today. We must be sensitive to his leading. He may move in the natural as the cloud and fire were seen by Israel, but usually he moves in our hearts by his spirit. Lacking faith we may take forty years to learn to obey him. I remember how close Jesus was in those early times of my conversion. Many can remember experiences of his presence at salvation, but do you experience his presence today?

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Where the Spirit leads there is unity and peace.

Mind of Christ

The Same Mind

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another.

If we are of the same mind we should be in agreement about the Lord's commands.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

High things? Like hermaneutics and theological terms, using lofty terms. Keep your language simple so that all can understand. Are we thinking we are better than another? Remember God resists the proud, and exalts the humble. All need the love of God, are we better than that?

1 Cor 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1 Cor 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Provide the truth in love.

Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Perfection or maturity comes from knowing God's word and the mind of Christ, a servant obedient mind full of love and good works. He gave his life humbling himself for us, even to the death of the cross. Can we die to self, and be living sacrifices for Jesus?

Coals of Fire

Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

I suppose the opposite of peace would be fear and torment. This sounds like hell, the place of the damned and if I were headed there I would have no peace. Peace comes from God.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Is it possible to be at peace with all people? Jesus said no.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Leave the avenging to the LORD. Who can escape his judgment? We are not to "get even" or plot to hurt another.

Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

We are to do good to all in as much as is possible. Little acts of kindness may open a door to share Jesus. "Heaping coals" on one who treats you with disrespect, conviction because you do good to one who considers himself your enemy. Use careful discernment by the spirit of God.

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

All things are done by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Strive for peace with all people. Do good to all, let God be the judge, use wisdom and be led by the Spirit. These are not laws of stone, but laws of the Spirit to a sensitive and loving heart. Do not do anything by your own power, excercise discernment and follow the spirit.

Overcome with Good

Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Jesus has overcome evil, and his spirit dwells in you and you in him.

The prayer of Jesus for us

John 17:17 Sanctify (separate, set aside unto God) them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Truth is light, Jesus is the light

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 10:10 The thief (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Salt prevents corruption

Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

The better way, Jesus Christ our Lord. Living our lives to glorify God by the power of his Spirit. We overcome Evil with the good we receive from God and we know that we shall not be condemned, but inherit all good things and eternal life with Christ Jesus our Lord, amen.