Most Christians know about Christmas and Easter, but little about the Day of Pentecost. The Day of Pentecost is equally important to the church.
“Pentecost” means “fifty” and falls fifty days after Easter or Passover. Its roots are in the Old Testament when Israel was in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Passover marked the death angel passing over the Israeli homes due to the blood of the lamb over the doorposts. It killed the first born of every Egyptian family causing Pharaoh to free the people. This celebration was somewhat like July 4th to Americans.
Fifty days later the Jewish nation celebrated “the feast of weeks” as the second important holiday of three. The feast marked Israel’s receiving the covenant and law at Mount Sinai. They became a covenant nation. People returned to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Pentecost.
When Jesus raised from the dead he appeared to his followers for forty days, and then ascended to heaven. He instructed his disciples to remain in Jerusalem where they spent ten days in prayer. On Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon the believers with the sound of a mighty rushing wind, tongues of fire landing on their heads, and the ability to speak languages that they had not studied. On Pentecost Sunday Simon Peter preached the first Christian sermon and 3,000 people repented and were baptized in water. This marked the beginning of the church.
Pentecost marks four significant events. The Holy Spirit was given to all believers. Christian proclamation took place. Believers were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The church of Jesus Christ was inaugurated.
Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Brightwood Christian always celebrates Pentecost by wearing something red and worship in the Spirit of this significant day. The traditional color is red, marking tongues of fire
Yours for focusing on the memorable dates
of the church calendar.
Bob Jackson
