God had told Moses to observe Pentecost from generation to generation. This is an ancient celebration, although most 21st-century Christians think Pentecost is a New Testament celebration. Leviticus 23: 20 “The priest will lift up the two lambs as a special offering to the Lord, together with the loaves representing the first of your crops. These offerings, …
Three times a year, Jerusalem filled with people as they came to celebrate the three main festivals. These were Passover/Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and the Festival of Shelters (fall Festival). God had commanded that His people meet at the Temple to celebrate these festivals. Deuteronomy 16: 16 “Each year every man in Israel must celebrate these three …
We see a surprising and an unusual offering requirement in the Festival of Weeks. God asks for two loaves made of the flour from the new crop of wheat and made with yeast. In addition to these loaves, He also requires multiple burnt offerings, a sin offering, and a peace offering. Leviticus 23:17 From wherever you …
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 …
When God changes our thinking, it is often a milestone in our faith journey. God revealed to Peter that the Gentiles were no longer to be considered unclean. Then the Holy Spirit told Peter He had sent the men knocking at the door and to go with them without hesitation. The men at the door …
The story of the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius and his household while Peter preached is sometimes called the Third Pentecost. Jesus had given instructions about the first Pentecost before He returned to heaven. Acts 1:4b“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized …
We can gain insight into the reason for Pentecost as Jesus explains the Holy Spirit. John 16:7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate (comforter, encourager, or counselor) won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he …
Proclaiming what God has done is a beautiful way to praise the Lord and spread the good news of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit came at the feast of Pentecost, God did something He had not done before. Acts 2:4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as …
When God’s work puzzles us, it can be a challenge. This often occurs when reason enters the equation instead of faith and trust in God. There are many things the Lord does that we don’t understand, but we must trust God. Hebrews 11:1Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of …
The Pentecost of Acts 2 was the reversal of Babel. God had confused the languages of humankind in Genesis 11:1-9. After the flood, God wanted people to spread across the earth as the population grew. But instead, they rebelled and began to build a tower to heaven. Everyone spoke the same language, and this enabled …