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The day
of Pentecost was observed in Jerusalem fifty days after the celebration of
the Passover, which commemorated Israel's deliverance out of Egypt. It is
significant that this day was chosen by the Lord to begin the fulfillment
of Joel 2:28: "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...."
The Spirit came upon
the waiting, praying disciples in an overwhelming manner. Their complete
commitment to Christ and His commission evoked a mighty baptism of God's
power. This was evidenced initially by their speaking in tongues (Acts
2:4). The Spirit was resident in their lives from that moment. The
Spirit-filled early church witnessed many outstanding miraculous happenings
(Acts 3:1-7; 4:31). They were able to lead victorious lives as a result of
their Pentecostal experience.
Two baptisms were
disclosed on the day of Pentecost. There was a baptism in the Holy Spirit,
and in the Apostle Peter's message that followed, water baptism in the name
of Jesus Christ was commanded (Acts 2:38). This outward, physical baptism mysteriously
merges with that of the Spirit, and is the "one baptism" of
Ephesians 4:5. This is what Jesus referred to as being "born
again" in John 3:3-7. And how wonderful to be born into the family of
God-changed, transformed, and made a "new creature in Christ
Jesus".
No, Pentecost is not a
denomination. It is a new birth experience. It is primitive Christianity
made relevant to today's world. The people referred to as Pentecostal
simply believe, teach, and receive all that transpired on that birthday of
the church...Pentecost, 33 A.D. There is a church near you that embraces
these basic Christian truths and experiences. You owe it to yourself to
attend-and see what Pentecost can really mean to you!
Taken from the Word
Aflame Press tract "Pentecost: What's That?" - #1567721335
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