One of the most influential men in my life has departed this earth for heaven. This morning, I sit in silence and solitude by the fire, grateful—full of joy and peace. I’m still inspired by his inspiring life, incredible Bible teaching, and leadership within the church as a minister of the Gospel and along the pathways of life wherever he went. And go, he did, to the ends of the earth and crisscrossing the country until he fell ill a few months ago.
Reflecting now, I think it was his fear of the Lord, humility, and close walk with God that touched me most. Also, it was his familiarity with the Holy Spirit and the way he flowed in the Spirit so effortlessly. “A person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an argument” is one of his quotes that comes to me now and often. He lived that and helped me do the same — a quiet assurance of faith that comes from spending time with God in His Word, meditation, and obedience to what you hear.
A quote from his website says it succinctly, “Embracing the truth with our lives. In an age of confusion and challenge, there is a great hunger for clarity and courage. We believe that we are called to stay rooted in the Bible, to listen to God’s Holy Spirit, and prophetically declare what we hear Him saying in this generation.”
A friend from Louisiana just texted me to ask if I was coming to Charles’ Celebration of Life service. It’s a hike from here, but I’m planning to go—to honor one of the most humble, gracious, influential, and godly men I have ever known and to celebrate his life with friends who knew and walked with him.
I read many of his articles in New Wine Magazine and listened to many hours of recorded teaching and sermons before I met Charles. Then, once on an F-4 deployment to Gulfport, MS, a squadron mate and I drove to Mobile, AL, to hear him speak on Father’s Day an incredibly inspiring and insightful message, “The Missing Man.” It was the first time I saw him and shook his hand after hearing his Spirit-given, razor-edged wisdom and truth in person.
By the grace of God, I eventually had a couple of one-on-one conversations with him. With a small group of friends, I also visited his home for an evening of coffee and conversation. Just last year, he graciously wrote an endorsement of my latest book, Puzzling 2020.
I have no words to communicate what the man means to me for the infusion of the Word and Spirit he deposited in my life or was a catalyst for the Lord to deposit in my life. I can only sit in silent awe with a joy-filled and grateful heart, reflecting on the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living to His servants and friends.
I remain very quiet in my spirit—thankful. My heart is full of quiet joy to have known him. What a race! And victory won. And Sabbath rest for him… the first Easter with his Redeemer and Friend.
Easter Shalom to you all.
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“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).
“O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71:17-18).
“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand” (Hymn by Edward Mote, 1834).
Today is Pentecost 2023, 50 days after Passover and the 7th Sunday after Easter — the day the Holy Spirit came in power to the Chruch. You might say to found the Chruch, the Bride of Christ — forever changing history and beginning the Last Days according the prophet Joel (2:28).
WOW! I just looked in my iPhone calendar, and they don’t include Pentecost on their calendar. Look at Western Civilization and the civilized world of the last 2000 years — and note if you have eyes to see and mental facilities to look at historical facts unbiased — to see all the advances in science, medicine, education, art, government, and religion where Christ is acknowledged as King and His Father God as Sovereign over all.
On Pentecost 33 AD, the same Sovereign sent His Spirit into His house — His disciples, His church, and all future disciples who would become holy ones — normal mortals made holy by Christ’s sacrifice and then the indwelling of His Spirit. These have caused His Kingdom to come forth on the earth in some measure, ebbing and flowing, with the resultant “righteous, peace, and joy” (Romans 14:17) described in Scripture during the ensuing 2000 years.
Pause with me and ponder, “Where are we today in America and the Chruch with these realities?” — realities that began on 33 AD in Jerusalem, and the most recent outflow of that Grace for us in 1620 and 1776 in the USA.
From my latest book Puzzling 2020: “Without being born of the Spirit, we cannot see the things of God or know God Himself. If Nicodemus, the Bible scholar, and teacher of Israel, couldn’t apprehend God with just his mind, why do we think we can? Or that it’s our job to make the issue more clear for others than Jesus made it and left it. It is God’s job by His Holy Spirit. Thankfully to those who believe Jesus’ testimony, ‘He gives the Holy Spirit without measure'” (John 3:34b).
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:26-27).
“…for He gives the Spirit without measure.” John 3:34b
Isn’t that an intriguing verse and thought? It’s a wonderful thought that Father God, gave to Jesus His Son, “the Spirit without measure” for His earthly sojourn. Then if you read John 3, the whole book of John, or really the whole New Testement, looking at what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit, you can’t help but see that Jesus sent to His disciples, His bride, those Who believe in Him, the same “Spirit without measure.” Incredulous, isn’t it?
I’m not sure we believe it? If we do, we don’t act like it!
I was recently in a men’s Bible study and discipleship group for nine months, called “The Journey.” It was focused around a single verse, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). Toward the end of our time together we looked afresh at what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and His place in the Christian life.
The ten of us were from different denominational backgrounds, so this required us to look at the material anew, considering what we had been taught in our various backgrounds, but also what the Bible clearly says with a fresh look, discarding doctrinal baggage that might not be as accurate as we had been led to believe. No one seemed threatened by this, instead all seemed strangely encouraged and leaning forward into the new light being shed upon the Scriptures, and the possibility or reality of experiencing a different life with the Holy Spirit. Indeed we all had the feeling the class coming together was orchestrated by the Spirit and at His invitation as we met, and especially when our time together was finished. It didn’t feel like our group was in any way exclusive, but it was also felt we were there by invitation only.
That brings us back to John chapter 3. This must be the most important, insightful, and instructive teaching about the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Here you see Jesus, “a teacher sent from God”, meeting with Nicodemus, “the teacher of Israel,” sharing about God and spiritual truth. I think it’s safe to infer from Scripture that Nicodemus was humble, loved truth, feared the Lord, and had perhaps a better understanding of the Bible and its revelation of God than anyone else in his day.
This is a fascinating setup! The Spirit Who gave the Word meets the best disciple and teacher of the Word in his day. The result must surely give revelation and insight into God and the spiritual nature of life on earth — the reality of how things are and how they work. If you look at John 3 through this lens, you will see far into the vastness of God, and also His nearness and intimacy. There is nothing more intimate than a birth, and then caring for the life of a young child.
Nicodemus begins, “We know you are a teacher sent from God, because no one can do the miracles you do unless God is with him.”” (John 3:2 NCV). Almost as if to say, “I know why you’re here, and the answers you seek,” Jesus answers him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NASB). Then shortly thereafter Jesus adds to His first statement, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). In the same context and almost in the same breath, Jesus tells him in verse seven, “Don’t be amazed by this.” This spirit life is as different from the natural life as these many miracles you have called to mind. And the Spirit’s activity is as hard to grasp and understand as how the wind operates, yet it’s as easy to feel and hear as is the wind, once you’re born of the Spirit. Isn’t this the clear teaching of Jesus? Are you amazed at it’s simplicity and clarity? Is it what you’ve been taught?
Don’t feel too badly if you haven’t been taught, Nicodemus wasn’t aware either, nor had he been taught this truth obviously, until now. Then Jesus said something that on the surface seems a bit out of place, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). I’ve often pondered if that might have been one of Nicodemus’ favorite Bible stories, or a time in Israel’s history that he had been given some special revelation about? By Jesus bringing it up, did Nicoemus realize that Jesus was looking into his mind, personal history, and heart? Or was it that in the days ahead, Jesus’ crucifixion to be exact, Nicodemus would see what was happening, realize Jesus had predicted it, then connect the dots with the serpent being lifted up in the wilderness, and believe Jesus to be the Son of Man, just as He said? It could be either or both. We have evidence that Nicodemus gave up his position and career to become a follower of Jesus. He was with Joseph of Arimathia giving the body of Jesus a proper burial.
“A Teacher Sent From God”
Let’s go back to John 3 — the clearest, most succinct teaching on the Person and purpose of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, from “a Teacher sent from God” to “the teacher of Israel.” This is more than a convergence of the Word and the Spirit. It’s more like the Spirit Who gave the Word, giving more insight into the Word and its Spirit Guide Who was speaking through Jesus. The Holy Spirit was about to be sent to function more intimately in the affairs of God and man. I can’t think of anything more important to know and experience. The book of Acts and all of Scripture would lend validity to this fact.
In twenty-one short verses the necessity and function of the Spirit is described to one who knew the Word well and had received much revelation about God. This was mixed in with a brief glimpse of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, and then a few verses about the grace or gift of eternal life — the redemption plan of God for the whole world, experienced by those who want eternal life and believe Jesus to be the Christ of God. Then, for Nicodemus’ questioning or for our understanding, Jesus ended the discussion with the psychology of belief and nonbelief, practicing evil or truth, and loving light rather than darkness. These issues revolve around free will and the motives of the heart. This has to be one of the most profound and enlightening conversations in the whole of Scripture. And it would all hinge on the Spirit, giving eyes to see, and giving a different type of birth and sebsequent life. Do you see that? Do you want that? Ask God in prayer to help you if you do. It’s His to proffer, and His to effect.
John’s Final Testimony About Jesus and the Spirit
In the final verses of John chapter 3 we see John the Baptist disciples asking him questions and making observations about Jesus. John the Baptist simply gives credence to the fact that Jesus came from above and everything he says is true with the proper perspective. It’s a miniature or reflection of Jesus conversation with Nicodemus, but this time with those who believe in part, and know in part — followers of the prophet. The conversations are not visibly connected by space and time, yet they seem connected with many similar elements, like the reflection of an image in a pool of water.
The last four things John says are particularly interesting and telling, as he mentions the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit in context with each other. He also speaks about “belief” and “eternal life,” just as Jesus did in the conversation with Nicodemus. Here are the four last words: (1) “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true” (John 3:33). (2) “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure” (John 3:34). (3) “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand” (John 3:35). (4) “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36).
These are the last recorded words we have from the prophet John the Baptist, “a man sent from God” (John 1:6 NIV). He was “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God'”(Isaiah 40:3). Jesus added to John’s credentials, “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen one greater than John the Baptizer” (Matthew 11:11a). Jesus also says of John the Baptizer that “He himself is Elijah who is to come” (Matthew 11:14, Malachi 4:5-6). Do you think that the last recorded words of someone so spiritually sensitive and devoted to God might be true? Could they be some of the most distilled truth from someone who lived his life apart, who lived his life with God? Could they be important to you? Indeed they are foundation stones on which you can build your life and your afterlife. Ask God in prayer to help you see, to give you His Spirit without measure. Prepare yourself for grace, and a new way of life — in fact a new life.
Correct but not Politically Correct
In Jesus conversation with Nicodemus we see these words, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man” (John 3:10-13).
The same thoughts are repeated at the end of John 3, “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony” (John 3:31-32). It’s not clear to me if these are the words of John the Baptist, who has just been quoted by John the Apostle who wrote the Gospel, or the words of John the author, but it’s beautiful how this point of contention is clearly stated again, like reflections in a mirror of pool of water. It’s even more telling than beautiful.
What does it tell us? Without being born of the Spirit, we cannot see the things of God or know God Himself. If Nicodemus the Bible scholar and teacher of Israel couldn’t apprehend God with just his mind, why do we think we can? Or that it’s our job to make the issue more clear for others than Jesus made it, and left it. That is God’s job by His Holy Spirit. Thankfully to those who believe Jesus’ testimony, “He gives the Holy Spirit without measure.”
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“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:9-10).
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him” (John 14:6-7).
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:26-27).
Don’t be overly amazed about this. Just experience it. Be willingly led by the Spirit wind as you come to apprehend or hear His leading and come to see what He is doing. Jesus told Nicodemus that he could. And he’s telling you that you can.
It’s not hard! You don’t have to understand it completely. In fact, you won’t! John 3:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us not to lean on our understanding, rather expect to be moved by the wind of the Spirit. You have to sense it and follow those leadings and impressions. By training your senses through obedience to what you hear, you will improve. It’s a sixth sense, one the world does not experience, but one the believer uses to see into the spiritual realm and bring heaven’s goodness to bear on earth.
You will learn to recognize synchronicities. You will know to pay attention to some dreams and reject others. You will expect visions. You’ll not be surprised when awakened at 3:33 AM anymore. You will get up and journal or meditate in silence and listen to what thoughts come to you. You will listen for what the Spirit might say. Through practice, you can learn to distinguish between your ideas and His thoughts. Through familiarity, you will learn to discern His voice from others, like you recognize the voice of a family member or close friend.
Hindrances to Knowing the Spirit
Does this spiritual exchange of information get to be foolproof? I’d say no, it does not. The Scripture would indicate that dark spirits can operate on these same frequencies or spiritual impressions. The Scriptures record that even “Satan can appear as an angel of light.” So that scares many away from desiring social intercourse with the Holy Spirit. But it shouldn’t. Trust God, He’s more powerful, and He is good. We know this spiritual communication is a fact of life, whether we want to bury our heads in the sand and ignore it or not? You have undoubtedly had bad dreams that disturbed sleep, had no rhyme or reason, and scared you. They seemed disjointed with no discernible message. Do you think those came from God? Yet, we know that dreams can be valid from the Scripture and shared human experience. They may warn us about something or someone. They may give us a glimpse into our destiny or what God intends for our future. We may need the help of interpretation or more dreams, but they don’t scare us, and we don’t forget them when we sense their validity.
Another thing that drives many with a western mindset away from this spiritual communication is the fear of making mistakes. What if I hear incorrectly? What if I hear from a dark spirit or my imagination? Fear of failure and fear of making a mistake robs us of life that might have been ours. Trust God. Get to know Him through His record of interacting with people in the Bible. Then you will know if what you hear sounds like something He would say. But don’t wait until you are a Bible scholar. Remember He also sent a guide, the Holy Spirit. He will help you. He will train you. He will show you the way you are to go. Sometimes it will involve courage. Obedience to what you hear will always require faith and trust. Each obedient action leads to better hearing, more confidence, more trust, more spiritual insight. Initially, the Spirit probably won’t speak to you the same way He spoke to Moses, Elijah, the prophets, the apostles, or Jesus Himself. But He desires to speak and commune with you. It’s both a gift and a learned skill to hear. It’s to your great advantage to listen, obey, and enjoy that relationship of intimacy, seeing, and adventure—godspeed on your journey.
The Joy of Knowing the Spirit
You will come to hear of someone having a word of knowledge and see it for what it is. You won’t be surprised, seeing it as the Holy Spirit wanting to illuminate something or help someone. I know of many examples personally, but not as many as I would like to see and experience.
It only stands to reason that if you know it happens and that it’s a valid expression or communication of the Holy Spirit, you’re going to participate in it by faith. All of the gifts work by faith and leading, by leading and faith, by hearing and obeying. Afterward, the spiritual power flows, and you see it, sense it, and are in awe of it.
There are times you are not aware of it. Only the person receiving your word of encouragement, word of knowledge, or prayer, is affected deeply by it. They may not even show you this outwardly. But inwardly, between them and the Lord, they know and are moved or stunned by what is said, prayed, or laid bare. It will affect their life, if not immediately, in the days to come, as they surrender or come to know the Spirit themselves. God is very understated like that. Expect it often to work this way. Have faith that you delivered the message and trust God with the results. When people sense a message is supernatural or from God, they’re seldom inclined to shoot the messenger. Relax, be humble, be caring, be loving, be gracious, be courageous. “… wisdom is proved right by her deeds” (Matthew 11:19b).
Again, it stands to reason that if you don’t understand how the Holy Spirit works, even a little bit, or haven’t seen Him in action, you’re going to stand by and gawk. You’ll be more in shock and doubt than a willing participant in God’s grace as it’s pouring out.
“…because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high.” Luke 1:78
I have eight examples listed in the journal I’m referencing right now. And I’d love to share them as demonstrations of what I’m talking about because they’re convincing and fun to recount. But I feel the Spirit impressing me not to do so, instead to let my words be few and leave the convincing between Him and you, the reader. He’s reminding me of the Scripture, “Your ears will hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21a).
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4 NIV
Church of the Holy Sepulcher 2019
That was 33 AD on this day. Last year on this day I was in Jerusalem with my good friend Joe Carruth. This year with the planet much sequestered by Covid-19, there is a completely different feeling, but then again, not really for the sons and daughters of God. We know He is caring, loving, powerful, and sovereign over creation and the affairs of mankind. So we look to Him, and we look within ourselves.
Why within ourselves? For His Holy Spirit Who came in 33 AD in power and birthed the church fulfilling the prophecies of the prophets Joel (2:28-29) and Isaiah (7:14), among others. That God would come dwell with us and in us.
Temple Mount Jerusalem Pentecost 2019
Like the Wind
And make us like the wind, by faith following His leading, not really knowing where we’re going, but listening and obeying and trusting Him for His good will, helping us fulfill His good purpose for us by His power — an adventure, happy and free.
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 NIV
Life In The Spirit
Western Wall Jerusalem Pentecost 2019
I have a nagging thought within me, conflicting thoughts really. One is that the Lord, full of grace, loves me and accepts me just as I am and doesn’t really expect that much of me, because he knows we’re all like dust. That He just wants my company and trust, so we can know each other better. What could I, or any human do for Him really? But two, could it be that I/we don’t really understand the Power and Person of the Holy Spirit that dwells within all believers? That we are living well below our call and station because of this lack of knowledge and experience? And what can I do about that, if it’s true.
Preflighting for a Dawn Flight Pentecost 2020
I’m going to leave you with those thoughts for prayer, mediation and reflection. I’m sure I’ll be hearing more and experiencing more as I pray. And I’ll probably blog some of it. Let me know if you do too!
Mainly I wanted to celebrate the day and give thanks to God for His Masterful plan to redeem us fully by His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, [Jesus — God is Salvation] and then empower us to live, love, and commune with Him by His Power sent to live with us and in us [Immanuel — With us is the Mighty One].
Sunrise Flight with son Joshua
Happy Pentecost!! He is Risen! He has Returned in the form of His Spirit! He’s coming back in Person soon! Glorious Day!! Today and That Day!!
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“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” Joel 2:28-29 NIV
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’).”Matthew 1:21-23 NIV
From Ascension Day to the Day of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit in power and in Person was ten days we now know. What was happening during those ten days?
In Jerusalem
In Jerusalem, the disciples of Jesus were waiting as instructed.
“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49
They had been despondent, since their paradigm of Jesus being the Messiah, a conquering king, was crushed at the crucifixion. The resurrection appearances, and the forty days since with Him appearing to them in intimate situations, and to over 500 at once, had them reenergized and expectant, with their paradigms again in transition to the Truth they beheld and touched and heard from Jesus Himself. Proverbs says, “hope deferred makes the heart sick.” But hope had been restored, and the adventure wasn’t over apparently, it was about to shift into a higher gear. Maybe they remembered now Jesus telling them before the crucifixion, “It’s better for you that I leave you, so the Holy Spirit can come.”
“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:25
They might have even wondered, “Might this power come at the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot—Pentecost)? Our Master often does things on the Jewish feast days!” Indeed His most important life events seemed to be predicted and choreographed to the holy feast days given to Moses by God for the people of Israel some 1600 years before Jesus appearing.
But alas, they wait. For just what, and what it will look like, they do not know.
In Heaven
In Heaven, what was happening? The writer of Hebrews answers this question in part for us at the beginning of his letter. “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3c) The writer of Romans tells us, “There Jesus is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34) And we’re told from that position of power at the right hand of the Majesty of Heaven, “He upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3b) Powerfully Jesus continues the work of our redemption from heaven in the earth.
In The Fullness of Time
In the fulness of time, in this case ten days after Jesus Ascension, on the Feast of Weeks, fifty days after Passover, known as Shavuot (weeks) in Hebrew and Pentecost ( fifty days) in English, the promise of Jesus to his disciples would be fulfilled as the Holy Spirit would be sent to tabernacle with Jesus’ disciples, endue them with power, and dwell with them as recorded prophetically centuries earlier by the Prophet Joel, and after the fact by Luke in Acts chapter two.
“This time of year marks the start of the wheat harvest and the end of the barley harvest. Shavuot also marks the time that the Jews were given the Torah on Mount Sinai.” BBC
Without too much difficulty one can see that this first Pentecost after Jesus resurrection was a deeply significant chapter change in God’s plan for man, resulting in a different type harvest and with God giving a new revelation from Heaven for men, this time not from Sinai, the mountain of God, but Jerusalem, the City of the Great King. And writing His laws no longer on stone or parchment, but internally, upon His believer’s hearts, dwelling with them. Immanuel — “With us is the Mighty One.” (Isa 7:14, Col 1:27, Eph 3:20, and many more.)
This first Pentecost would be remembered and celebrated as the birthday of the church.
The over arching lesson might be, that we should all wait for God to endue us with power from on high, and then go forward following Him in that strength instead of our own.
To be continued…
“His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.” John 12:16 NLT
“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me;” Acts 1:4 NASB
“Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” Acts 2:33
