The fourth holy day of Leviticus 23 is known as the Festival of Weeks, Shavuot, or Pentecost. Why so many confusing names? It depends on the language. The English translation would be the Festival of Weeks, while the Hebrew word for weeks is Shavuot. Later, this holiday was known as Pentecost in Greek. This was …
The water libation tradition had developed during the Feast of Tabernacles. This fall Feast celebrated God’s presence and provision with His people in the Exodus. It was a pilgrimage festival, which meant, if possible, a devout Jew would travel to Jerusalem and the Temple to celebrate the Feast. Jesus was a controversial figure; some saw …
From the story of Simeon and Jesus, we can see that the Spirit guides us to praise. Luke 2: 25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had …
Our salvation and God’s word in the battle are essential if we are to survive the invisible war being waged against us by our enemy. Ephesians 6:17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [1] The helmet kept the soldier’s head safe and was …
Someday Jesus will return. The angels’ words spoken as Jesus ascended into heaven must have surprised His disciples. Think for a moment about what it must have been like to be one of Jesus’ disciples just before He ascended into heaven. Before Jesus left, He gave them last-minute instructions that would be critical to their …
You will be Jesus’ witness. These are some of the most important words Jesus spoke to the disciples before He ascended into heaven. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the …
Jesus had mentioned the Holy Spirit several times before His crucifixion. Now He gave His disciples specific instructions about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1: 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. …
Jesus’ final instruction to His disciples is to go and make disciples. Matthew 28: 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of …
Human frailty and faith are challenges many people face as they grow in their faith. There may have been a time in your life, or even now, when you doubt who Jesus is. The disciples had been with Jesus for three years and had seen many signs, miracles, and wonders, but some still questioned Jesus. …
Relying on the Spirit’s strength is a gift from the Lord, guiding us on our spiritual journey so we can fulfill the plans He has for us. It’s a plan so excellent that, in the New Testament era, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwell in every believer in Jesus. The Lord continued …