Rebecca’s Well: Pentecost

Pentecost is the festival of the Christian Church occurring on the fiftieth day and seventh Sunday after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ; also it is known as Whit-Sunday. Pente is Latin for five. Konta means times ten.Hence 5×10=50. The Holy Spirit gave birth to the Church at Pentecost. You recall upon His Ascension, Jesus instructed His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they be indued with power from on High. (Luke 24:49)

Jesus said “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you. And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (The Acts 1:8)

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven ( split or divided ) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (The Acts 2:1-4)

Notwithstanding, the Day of Pentecost, The Holy Spirit without delay or any condition other than faith, is given to every believer who repents and receives Jesus as Lord and Saviour . This is the permanent fact for the Church. Every Believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Where some teach otherwise may be distinguished between having the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit. There is one Baptism, but Many Fillings. (The Acts 2:4 with 4:29-31) and (Ephesians 1:13,14 with 5:18) In other words, some believers’ cups are half full of the Holy Spirit and other believers’ cups are running over with Holy Ghost awe, presence and power. We call this “the anointing”.

The Holy Spirit forms the Church by baptizing all members into the Body of Christ.(1 Cor. 12:12,13) Every member is given a Spiritual gift(s) as the Spirit sees fit. In 1 Corinthians 12: 8-28, the Spiritual Gifts are Enablements for specific service ; in Ephesians 4: 7-12 the Gifted Believers themselves are the gifts to the Church and Society.

Remember the Spirit does not dwell in brick and mortar, church pews and stained-glass windows. The Holy Spirit lives in us – flesh and blood mortals. When we as Spirit-filled Believers are vitally alive and on fire for the Lord, loving and serving God and our fellow man in the Spirit of true beauty, holiness, and peace, the Holy Spirit can fill the Church-Scene in His Work of Exalting and Manifesting Jesus Christ Who is Head over all things to the Church; which is His Body, the Fullness of Him that Filleth All in All. (Eph. 1:22,23 )
Rise up O Church of God. We believe the Church Militant can take the city.

Rise up O men of God.
The Church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great.
Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His Feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of man,
Rise up O men of God!
Merrill, 1867-1954

Amen (Oh Yes!)