Acts 2:1-11 ~ A sound like a mighty rushing wind

Acts 2:1-11

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested [And tongues as of fire appeared to them, distributed among them] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

This passage is the beginning of Jesus' commandment to spread the gospel all over the world. This is the Holy Spirit giving abilities to glorify God. God is a giver, He is willing to bless us to do His will in His power. Each day, put out your hands, like Isaiah. Here I am, Lord, send me.

Just as this was available to them, God is active today. He gives us real gifts and real help, not a pat on the back. The help of the Comforter, to help give us what is needed in God's timing. The gift of these tongues is called xenoglossia, the Church records xenoglossia helping convert people through all the centuries. Hearing God's mighty works in one's own language, when the person speaking has never been instructed in the language, is a work of the Spirit. It is a sign and a work of God. It is one of many.

Just as I have seen 5 miraculous acts of God in over 4 decades of life, it is a rare thing. It isn't just the Pentecostals who believe in xenoglossia, but the more quiet, conservative Churches as well. It didn't disappear for centuries, but has occurred as needed through the centuries. We know Christ's message spread through the people who were willing to give up their lives, so empowered they were, to go into areas and cultures in the world where it was dangerous and unknown.This isn't the nature of the overly stuffy and religious, but the ones who know the powerful love of God & want others to share their joy.

Happy Pentecost! The Christian church would not have spread God's Word without Pentecost. We. are. the. recipients. of. their. fire!

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