Empowered!

   The pre-determined time had come. The culmination of three years of training would now find fulfillment for, and through those first disciples.

   Jesus came to those huddled disciples with these words of encouragement and direction just before His ascension back to heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea  and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

   The promised Holy Spirit was about to descend on those disciples, and they would become “apostles” -- “eyewitnesses of Jesus who would proclaim His name.” The Pentecost “explosion” was coming!

   That day of Pentecost was remarkable in many ways. In Jerusalem on that day were “God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven” (2:5).  Suddenly, miraculously there was the sound of a “violent wind” (vs.2)…and “tongues of fire” resting on each of them (vs.3). And the apostles were inspired by the Spirit to “speak in other tongues (languages)” (vs.4).

   Efforts to rationalize what was taking place were futile. Out of the chaos came a bold voice. It was Peter, the lead apostle, who spoke to the confused crowd. He shared a stirring sermon, beginning with a prophecy from the ancient prophet Joel regarding the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit ...