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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
It happened and it continues to happen.
We approach that season when we remember how the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ birthed and launched the Church.
The disciples of Jesus are patiently expecting something to happen, but they do not know what, and they do not know when.
They know Jesus is alive. They are faithful, obedient, prayerful, united, and they are studying the Scriptures.
They have so much, but they do not have enough.
Fifty days after He was crucified and resurrected from the dead, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon 120 disciples in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Each was filled with the Spirit of God and overflowed at the mouth, praising God in languages they had never learned.
As Dr Luke records the facts, there is not a word about feelings. No emotionalism is exhibited.
Curious onlookers gathered around the disciples, displaying various emotions, as they ridiculed and mocked, revealing bewilderment and fear, as the living God drew near. They made fun of God’s chosen men.
Peter arose and explained what God had done, basing it upon what had been previously prophesied and promised.
Those who heard him wanted to do something.
People invariably want to do something, and Peter exercises responsible leadership by telling them to do what is important and essential.
He kept it all so simple and straightforward, as he told the enquirers, who had come to believe, to repent and be baptised, and receive the Holy Spirit.
Over these early years everyone who came into the Church of Jesus Christ came in in this way. There are no exceptions.
It is never enough simply to explain, or even understand, what happened on the day called Pentecost. It should be personally experienced, and can be.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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