Christ died and rose from the grave.
After 40 days of ministering to hundreds after His resurrection, He ascended back into heaven.
He promised (in John 16) to send a “Helper”, the “Spirit of Truth” – that is, the Holy Spirit – to be with us, in His place.
Then, as Luke wrote, “When the Day of Pentecost had 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 the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues [languages], as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:1-4 NKJV
The disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the Easter season is now over..
The church was born.
And, there’s an expectation of moving forward.
But, now what? Where do we go from here?
While He was still with us, Jesus commanded, among other things, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20.
This is the purpose of the church.
In Christ’s own words.
1) To make disciples – that is, disciplined faithful followers – of all nations.
2) To baptize them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
3) To teach them to observe all things Christ commanded such as, among other things, to love God, and your neighbor. And, yes, your enemy.
And, His promise? He will be with us, even to the end of the age.
He has promised to never leave, or forsake, us (Joshua 1:5, Heb. 13:5).
Christ is still here, with us, in and through His Holy Spirit.
Indeed, we serve a risen, living Savior who knows us, our every sorrow, and joy.
As it is written, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” –Heb. 4:15.
Blessings.
Pentecost ~ Now What?
