THE POWER OF PENTECOST

READ: Acts 1:1-11

You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me. – Acts 1:8

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 28-30

A pastor I know and love is discouraged. Although he is diligent in prayer and works hard, his church remains small while a new congregation nearby is rapidly developing into a mega-church. Yet when I think of the alcoholics, drug addicts, and sexually immoral people he has led to the Saviour and a new way of life, I see him as one who witnesses in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Because of what happened on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), we tend to associate the Holy Spirit’s presence and power with amazing phenomena and large numbers. We forget that a little later the same people filled with the same Holy Spirit were rejected, imprisoned, even executed. But through it all they were powerful witnesses!

The Holy Spirit’s presence and power can be evidenced in a dynamic preacher who attracts great audiences. But it is seen as well in the volunteer who carries on a one-on-one prison ministry, in the person who witnesses to a co-worker or a neighbour, and in the Sunday school teacher who faithfully teaches week after week.

The power of Pentecost is not reserved for the highly gifted. It is available to all believers in Christ who want to serve Him. – Herb Vander Lugt

God’s guidance and help that we need day to day

Are given to all who believe;

The Spirit has come and He is the source

Of power that we can receive. – Branon

The power of God’s Spirit gives power to our witness.