Pentecost 2011
"Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost" Acts 20:16 (New Living Translation - NLT)
Following public appearances after His resurrection, Jesus Christ was taken up to Heaven on the 40th day. Ten days after His ascension was the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came down and indwelt 120 disciples of Jesus Christ who tarried in Jerusalem in obedience to Jesus' instruction given in Luke 24:49. The baptism of Holy Spirit as experienced on the day of Pentecost brought power to the disciples to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ with conviction, boldness and faith which on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2:41 led to the conversion of about 3000 souls to the body of Christ from Apostle Peter's witness.
In Israel, Pentecost is a pilgrim-holiday also known as the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot (Exodus 34:22). On the second day of Passover, an omer or measure of barley was cut down and brought to the Temple as an offering. (Leviticus 23:15). The Passover represents the night the Lord delivered the Jews from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-14), and every night after the Passover night until the 50th day which represents when the Law was given to Moses by the Lord or Shavuot is counted in measures of omer.
In 2011, the 50th day of the Omer (Barley harvest) and Shavuot (Pentecost) falls on June 7.
To Christians today, it is a reminder that in Christ Jesus we have been delivered from bondage and thus should use the opportunity to celebrate our freedom and harvest souls into God's Kingdom. Like Peter, Paul and the early Apostles did, we must show much eagerness on what Pentecost is to our faith.
In a number of cities across the globe this year, 12 June is called Pentecost Sunday, join in the celebration of our new birth and invite friends to come experience total freedom which salvation in Jesus Christ offers.
"...and he that winneth souls is wise" Proverbs 11:30b (Kings James Version - KJV)
Peace Be Unto You.
Joseph Arhavbarien is the author of the motivational book titled: 'Hang On, It's Not Over Yet'- ISBN 9781907294419 (Available at Amazon and most online bookstores). To know more about him, you can visit his ministry website: http://www.faithfortoday.co.uk