Pentecost

Introduction: The church is born 50 days after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. 1 When the day of Pentecost came, the disciples were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the

blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. The disciples saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard

this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our own native language? Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" Others thought they were drunk and said, "They have had too much wine." Then Peter stood up with the disciples, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of

you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. This is what the prophet Joel foretold. In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, both men and women; your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man proven to you by God with miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by the plan and purpose of God; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this fact. Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers,

what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3000 were added to their number that day. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to

prayer. Everyone was filled with awe and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. The believers were together and had everything in common. They sold their possessions and goods and

gave to anyone as he had need. They broke bread in their homes with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.