Number 55: June 4, 2006
 
Today is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Christian Church. On this day, in the year 28 AD, the 12 apostles first received the gift of holy spirit from God, and manifested this power by speaking in tongues.
 
Acts 2:1-4:
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
 
They were born again, or born from above, of incorruptible seed. Speaking in tongues is the proof that they had received the gift of holy spirit from the Giver that day.
 
I Peter 1:23:
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
 
It was the promise from the Father, the comforter that Jesus Christ had promised would come.
 
John 14:26:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 
The fullness of what they had received was not completely known until the seven Church Epistles were written, but that did not stop them from utilizing this great power from God.
 
Acts 4:33:
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
 
This same gift from God is available today. It is an open invitation to anyone who believes. We can utilize this gift also to be great witnesses of the resurrection of Christ.
 
Acts 2:38 and 39:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.