Pentecost

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July 12, 2006

"For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost."(Acts 20:16)

Pentecost is a New Testament name meaning -- "fiftieth."   Pentecost referred to the second of Israel's three annual Feasts.  It was called-- the Feast of Harvest, Feast of Firstfruits and Feast of Weeks in the Old Testament.  It began on the fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath.  (Lev. 23:15, 16)

As the hour for crucifixion drew near, Jesus told the disciples the world would see him no more, but that they would see him.    He went on to say -- "and at that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you."   (John 14:19-20)    When Christ arose from the dead, He spent forty days with His disciples before departing into Heaven. (Acts 1:3)   Ten days later, He poured out His Holy Spirit on one hundred and twenty in an upper room in Jerusalem.  This day, fifty days after Passover, became known as -- "The Day of Pentecost".

On this day, the disciples heard a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind.  It filled the entire house where they were sitting, and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like tongues 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.  (Acts 2:4)

This was the day He had spoken of.  This was the day they knew He was in the Father because they received what He said He would send, when He got there.  They now contained the same treasure in their earthen vessels that He had contained in His.  They were full of the Spirit of GOD.

 "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former." (Haggai 2:9)