Weekend April 23-24, 2022
In these blogs we went through Holy Week with Jesus, then observed how his resurrection was made known, after which He appeared at least eleven times, ascending to Heaven at the close of the final appearance. After that, we wrote blogs and played songs about how we now live with the living Savior, who is here with us, today.
After Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, the Holy Spirit fell upon His followers, bringing about what can be called “The Birth of the Church” at Pentecost.
Jesus’ last directive to those who were watching His ascension was to go to Jerusalem and pray. This they did.
Many people had been in Jerusalem for the Passover during Holy Week. The next great event for that time in Israel was was the Feast of Weeks (a harvest feast), and Jerusalem was filled with visitors from other nations who had come for the special Feast. The Greek word, “Pentecost,” means “fiftieth” and that word was also used to refer to “Festival of Weeks.” Pentecost arrived as the 50th day after the Passover.
It was during “Pentecost” that the Holy Spirit fell on the believers who had gathered in Jerusalem to pray about the continuation of the ministry of Jesus as the Messiah. There was the sound of a powerful wind and the Holy Spirit showed Himself as a flame atop the head of each person who had been praying for days (as Jesus had instructed). They then went into the city preaching the gospel. The many people there whose native language was different heard the preaching in their own language. Then Peter took center stage and preached a powerful sermon about Christ. Thousands received the message, believed in Jesus and were baptized. And so the Church had its beginning.
The theme of this week’s blogs is “Birth of the Church.” It began when 120 followers of Jesus fervently prayed. Six blogs dedicated to this theme are:
1. Introduction (April 23-24 – Weekend)
2. Believers Prayed. (April 25 – Monday)
3. Believers were Spirit-filled. (April 26 – Tuesday)
4. Believers shared the gospel. (April 27 – Wednesday)
5. Peter preached about Jesus. (April 28 – Thursday)
6. Thousands believed and were baptized. (April 29 – Friday)
Jesus had previously spoken about “His Church.” Now it had begun.
Today, Pentecost is remembered by Christians as the start of the church — the community of Believers who seek to learn and live out Christ’s teaching in this world. Many more people have continued to hear the gospel of Jesus and accept Him as Savior, resulting in new life and salvation for millions around the world.
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Looking ahead to our own day:
If you have time, you might like “The Church Triumphant” by the Gaither Vocal Band. It’s a big production, and features a lot of talk as well as music. It’s probably not for everyone’s taste, but if you like such, you will love it.
Click here if you like. It is not about the birth of the church. It takes a look back at the history of the church. It’s about the church triumphant. The blogs this week are about how the church got its start; the blogs may inspire you; this video may encourage you.