The Biblical Framework for Pentecost
What is Pentecost?
And what does it mean to be Pentecostal?
Pentecost is a foundational theological concept for the ACOP (obviously, since it is in the name!). But where does the concept of Pentecost come from? And what does it mean?Â
As you might expect, Pentecost is biblical. It has its roots in the Old Testament but found renewed meaning and importance in the New Testament, and has profound reverberating effects for all Christians and churches, today.
So, what exactly is the meaning? And why is Pentecost so important for us?
What does the biblical foundation of Pentecost have to do with today?
After the initial outpouring in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit continued to be poured out in chapters 4, 8, 10, 19, and all throughout the book of Acts, and the story of the early Christian church as we see it in the New Testament epistles, and in early church history.Â
Over the past 2000 years, the Holy Spirit continues to be poured out as the church grows and expands.Â
"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."
Joel 2:28
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We also should receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is needed today just as it was in Acts 2
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A person’s life, mindset, decisions and actions are anchored to a belief system and believing that a person is resided by and poured out of the Holy Spirit changes everything. It changes the way a person thinks, lives, loves, decides, and acts. Having said that, the outside manifestation of this belief will/should be pretty much evident–my daily living is acted upon with the Holy Spirit in mind.
This belief is a game changer! 🙂
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I think there should be somewhat of an expectation that these sort of things are an active part of the ACOP church. Not just speaking in tongues, but also what else is prophesied in Joel 2.
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Max, I couldn’t agree more. The presence of Joel 2:28 in Peter’s sermon is too important to ignore. Not only is the Spirit still being poured out on believers today, but the gifts of the Spirit are all equally important. God can use any of them in all believers no matter their personal or religious status. All gifts, charismatic gifts especially, should be honored and sought out in the church. God will pour out his Spirit as he pleases.
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The Holy Spirit must be a part of our everyday lives. This means it should be normal to experience these gifts all the time. Why do we not then? Why does the outpouring of the Holy Spirit seem to only be at conferences we attend? A shift has started to happen where you can see this more often at churches on a Sunday morning. They create a space for God’s out pouring. What does this look like on a Sunday morning? Should church look different?
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If Acts 2 is more than myth -if it is meant to be our lived reality and the standard for Christian life- then it challenges us to pursue that standard as everyday reality.
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