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Pentecost Sunday 4th. June2006
email: fvamw@tm.net.my
Dear Friends
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit transforms Peter
When the day of Pentecost came, they (the
disciples) were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the
blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole
house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of
fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them
were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues
as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing
Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a
crowd came together in bewilderment, because each heard them
speaking in their own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not
these men Galileans? Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another,
"What does this mean?"
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his
voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live
in Jerusalem let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I
say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only nine in the
morning!" (Acts 2:1-8, 12, 14-15)
Peter then explained quoting from the Old
Testament, God’s plan for salvation of men and the redeeming work of
His Son Jesus Christ through His suffering, death and resurrection.
We read as follows in the Bible.
Peter said, "Therefore let
all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you
crucified, both Lord and Christ. When the people heard this, they
were cut to the heart and said to Peter and other disciples,
"Brothers, what shall we do? Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized,
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
sins and you will receive the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you
and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the
Lord our God will call. With many other words he warned them; and he
pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
Those who accepted this message were baptized, and about three
thousand were added to their number. (Act 2:36-41)
This happened on Pentecost day, the day the Holy
Spirit came on the disciples and transformed them, making them bold
to declare the work of God. Today as we come in faith to in Jesus
Christ, repent of our sins and seek forgiveness from God, we receive
the Holy Spirit in the baptism. The Holy Spirit then begins and
continues to transform us. Let us reflect on how we have progressed
in our life with the Holy Spirit. Are we aware that God is in
control and He is with us always? Let us ponder on this.
The following questions may help us in our
reflection.
1. How long has it been since I accepted Jesus as
my Lord and Savior
2. Have I allowed the Holy
Spirit to transform me? In what ways?
3. How long and how often
is my quiet time with God? How is my prayer life?
(This is sent out by email once a week. If you
have just come across this for the first time, and would like to
receive it, please send an email. Your comments and views on this
are most welcome. If this sharing could be of help to a friend of
yours, you are welcome to pass it on.)
With regards,
Fred.
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