On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting...
Acts 2
We work very closely with our neighbouring churches, and just recently we were invited by one of them to join them in attending the upcoming Franklin Graham “God loves you” Tour at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. Well, those of us involved in the conversation immediately rolled back the years to the mid-1980’s and the visits of Billy Graham and Luis Palau to these shores. The likes of Villa Park in Birmingham, Portman Road in Ipswich, and Anfield Stadium in Liverpool were visited - along with thousands of others - as the two great preachers rallied this country with Mission England. The conversation soon turned from rally’s to music to books, and the topics ranged from Larry Norman’s classic Why should the devil have all the good music (even better than Cliff’s version???), to David Wilkerson’s The Cross and the Switchblade, and to David Watson’s Jesus Then and Now.
Later on in the day I reflected on another classic book from the days of my youth (that long ago? – Ed) Nine O’clock in the Morning by Dennis Bennett. This book tells how the Charismatic Movement began and swept into churches across America. As the book cover says: “Nine O'Clock in the Morning is Father Dennis's testimony that God can and will release His power to His people if we allow Him to truly become the King of our lives.”
The title of the book by Dennis Bennett refers to the Pentecost story from Acts 2. Peter said, “These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!” (Acts 2:15 NIV). What the crowds had mistaken for drunkenness was the empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit. This is something that we as a church should still long for as the body of Christ today. To be hoping for empowerment and boldness to preach the good news message with courage and wisdom. To proclaim to the ends of the earth the universal reach of the gospel, as testified to by the multitude of languages spoken by the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.
Today really should be a day to celebrate as Pentecost stresses the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. The Holy Spirit is a guide, a comforter, a source of spiritual gifts and strength for living out the Christian faith. Let us rejoice as one!
Heavenly Father, on this Day of Pentecost, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with your Spirit's presence and empower us to spread your love and truth. May we be united by your grace and bold in our witness, reflecting the light of Christ in all we do. Renew our spirits, strengthen our faith, and guide us in your ways.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Neil Chappell
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