Imagine what it would have been like to have been there on that Pentecost day when the promised Holy Spirit filled those believers as recorded in Acts 2. What would it have been like for them, and for those in the crowd - who had never seen or experienced anything like it before?
But of course part of the celebration of Pentecost is the fact that we can experience something of that 'first' Pentecost, as we experience God pouring His Spirit on us, as He has promised to do on all believers. [Note that Pentecost was a Jewish festival long before it became a Christian celebration (Leviticus 23:15-22). So whilst Christians celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, strictly speaking this was not the first Pentecost.]
What is the purpose of the Jewish festival of Pentecost (Shavot)? [Add your comments].
But what are the true signs of the presence of the Spirit in the life of a Christain? Speaking in tongues (4), signs and wonders (43), evangelistic success (41), prophecy (17-21), sharing your possessions with the poor (45), devotion to prayer (42), eating together (46)........ ?
When you think of someone as 'filled with the Spirit' where do you look for the evidence of this? What leads you to the conclusion that they are Spirit filled? Is it gifts (e.g. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4) or fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), or a bit of both or something else? Why not add your thoughts and comments below?
2 comments:
Here's a suggestion -- Ephesians 5.18 tells us to be filled with the Spirit and then gives four results or evidences that we have been filled:
1) Our talk will be joyful, spiritual and encouraging (verse 19a);
2) Our inner thoughts will be happily focused on the Lord (19b);
3) Our attitude will always be positive, thanking God for everything!! (20);
4) Our relationships will be right as we recognise our God-given place in the family and workplace (21 -- expanded in 5.22 to 6.9).
I think we should be looking at both the gifts they have and the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Thing is we, and I keep having to remind myself not to, tend to only concentrate on signs and wonders, speaking in tongues and those that "look supernatural" rather than disciplines like devotion to prayer and sharing possessions with the poor.....Its easy to get hung up on one aspect rather than looking at the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Post a Comment