Pentecost

Readings: Numbers 11:24-30, Acts 2:1-21 (sermon text), and John 7:37-39.

What was the purpose of Pentecost? Is it eclipsed by Mothers' Day (begun 1914) today? Not at all. Its purpose is that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Who heard the Gospel that day? How did that miracle happen?

People were awestruck because uneducated Galileans were speaking the Gospel of Jesus Christ in each country's mother tongue. Peter explains what that miracle means, quoting Joel: The last piece of God's plan had been accomplished, and the last days were now upon the world. Now was the time God poured out His Spirit for the proclamation of the Gospel.

The first audience was diverse and eclectic (see the list of countries in verses 8-11), representing much of the known world. Babel was undone. The Gospel was proclaimed beyond the Roman Empire. God's kingdom is, after all, infinitely greater than any earthly kingdom. [This coincides well with today's Bible study.]

Note that, on the first Pentecost, the Gospel was proclaimed to Jews only. But it still made its way (e.g. Acts 13) to our pagan ancestors. And, if we call on the name of the Lord, we will be saved for certain. Follow in His footsteps. We have our only hope in Jesus Christ.

If you noticed that the notes were answering the questions in the opposite order they were asked, it's my pastor's fault. :D