The Spirit came upon the
waiting, praying disciples in an overwhelming manner.
Their complete commitment to Christ and His commission
evoked a mighty baptism of God's power. This was
evidenced initially by their speaking in tongues (Acts
2:4). The Spirit was resident in their lives from that
moment. The Spirit-filled early church witnessed many
outstanding miraculous happenings (Acts 3:1-7; 4:31).
They were able to lead victorious lives as a result of
their Pentecostal experience.
Two baptisms were
disclosed on the day of Pentecost. There was a baptism
in the Holy Spirit, and in the Apostle Peter's message
that followed, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ
was commanded (Acts 2:38). This outward, physical
baptism mysteriously merges with that of the Spirit, and
is the "one baptism" of Ephesians 4:5. This is what
Jesus referred to as being "born again" in John 3:3-7.
And how wonderful to be born into the family of
God-changed, transformed, and made a "new creature in
Christ Jesus".
No, Pentecost is not a
denomination. It is a new birth experience. It is
primitive Christianity made relevant to today's world.
The people referred to as Pentecostal simply believe,
teach, and receive all that transpired on that birthday
of the church...Pentecost, 33 A.D. There is a church
near you that embraces these basic Christian truths and
experiences. You owe it to yourself to attend-and see
what Pentecost can really mean to you!
