Dear Friends in Christ,
Sunday June 5th is Pentecost Sunday and marks the beginning of the Pentecost season of the Church year. Held 50 days after Passover, Pentecost was one of three major Jewish Festivals. It celebrated the harvest and was a special day of thanksgiving. Read chapter 2 of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and you will discover why Pentecost is a very special day for Christians.
Jesus was crucified at Passover and ascended into heaven forty days later. Ten days after the Ascension many Jewish people gathered in Jerusalem for the harvest festival. Peter preached a sermon that day and 3000 people became Christians. It was a harvest, a harvest of new believers. God made His presence known to the believers that day in a powerful way in a mighty wind, fire, and the Holy Spirit. These people literally spoke in other languages which was a tremendous miracle. All the nationalities present recognized their countries’ languages being spoken. They felt the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Christianity is not limited to any race or nationality. Jesus Christ offers salvation to all people. God speaks to every one of us. Peter’s sermon began with a public proclamation of the Resurrection at a time when it could be verified by many eyewitnesses. This was a powerful statement because many of the people would have been in Jerusalem for Passover 50 days earlier when Jesus was crucified. They may have heard the news that Jesus was risen from the dead. Jesus’ Resurrection validated everything He ever said or did. Without the Resurrection there would be no reason for them or us to believe in Jesus. The Resurrection makes all the difference.
If you want to receive salvation you must turn from sin and change the direction of your life from selfishness and rebellion against God and turn to Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness, guidance, mercy, and purpose. We cannot save ourselves, only God can save us. Baptism identifies us with Jesus and all believers.
Pentecost is Summertime and Fall in our part of the world. It is a time of growth and harvest. The color of the season is green. A healthy Christian community attracts people to Jesus and the faith we share. The early Church’s commitment to worship and brotherly love was contagious. Let’s do all we can to make St. John’s that kind of Church.
God bless you all,
Pastor Dan