Something very unique happened fifty days after the Jewish Passover recorded in Acts 2. That’s when God chose to birth the church (ekklesia), the “Body of Christ,” the first human beings ever “born again of incorruptible seed” – which means it is permanent! What a celebration when Jesus’ mother and his disciples were among the “about 120,” followed that day by the “about 3000,” who became the first believers filled with holy spirit – God’s divine nature.
According to the Hebrew calendar, Pentecost occurs on June 12, 2024. For Christians, this momentous event holds immense significance, which ranks among the top events in all human history, right up there with the Creation of heaven and earth, the Renovation of the ruined earth, the Creation of mankind, the Fall of Man, the Birth of Jesus Christ, his Resurrection, the Gathering Together, his Return to the earth to set up his kingdom, and his Creation of a new heaven and earth.
Because it is a monumental event that occurred, I would like to explore what exactly happened on Pentecost, and why is it so significant for us today. No doubt the most important was the advent of the new birth God made available through the obedience of His Son. One split-second decision you made to believe in Romans 10:9 guaranteed you everlasting life in Paradise. What you have now, is the ability to walk right into God’s presence, jump up onto His lap, and say to Him whatever you want, while He listens intently, as if you were His only child.
By way of God’s gift of holy spirit, you were equipped to become like Christ and do the works that he did. Limitless vistas of opportunity were opened to you moment-by-moment, reinforced by the glorious Hope of Christ’s coming for us.
On Pentecost, Peter knew only what Jesus had taught him from Genesis-Malachi. He did not know the Secret that the risen Lord later revealed to Paul, who laid it out most vividly in Ephesians. Looking back, we know that what happened that day was not the fulfillment of anything Joel prophesied, because Joel had no inkling of anything about this current Administration of the Secret. But what Peter quoted from Joel was applicable because part of the Secret is that a new group of believers, neither Jew nor Gentile, now gets to partake of the holy spirit aspect of God’s future New Covenant with Israel. What all Old Testament saints will have in their resurrected bodies, we have now in these earthen vessels. As per Romans 8:23, you and I have “the first-fruits of the spirit” as our guarantee of everlasting life.
On that note, the prevailing teaching among Christians today is that our faith has “Jewish roots,” but that is false. This Administration of Grace, which began on that Pentecost, is a completely unique program totally separate from God’s dealings with Israel – until the Millennial Kingdom when both Christians and believing Israelites will be together on the new earth. Also, some believers think Jesus was a Christian, which of course he was not. In fact, he had no idea about the body of believers he would head until after his resurrection when God first revealed it to him.
Nestled within the pages of Genesis 1-3, the Garden of Eden served as a sanctuary where God communed with Adam and his companion, entrusting them with the mission of expanding humanity. However, Adam’s fateful rebellion, an act of disobedience that stained his soul, cascaded down through generations, severing the bond between God and His creations. The chasm that yawned between them could only be bridged by the ‘second Adam,’ a savior who would mend the fractured connection. Just as Adam wandered astray in Eden, humanity found itself lost in the labyrinth of a fallen world, until the arrival of Jesus, who sought and found the lost sheep, leading them back to the fold of divine love.
Ephesians 2:13-22
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his spirit.”
God has chosen to dwell within the heart of each person who chooses to make Jesus Christ Lord. The following verses show that our Heavenly Father is eagerly awaiting His final move – from heaven to earth.
Revelation 21:1-51
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
God will again dwell with men – as He did in the Garden of Eden. The concept of God dwelling with men is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In the Garden of Eden, we see God walking and talking with Adam and Eve, enjoying a close and intimate relationship with them. However, when sin entered the world, this perfect fellowship was broken and God’s presence was no longer able to dwell among mankind. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of God’s presence with His people, such as the pillar of cloud and fire leading the Israelites in the wilderness and the glory of God filling the temple. But these were temporary and limited manifestations of His presence. It was not until Jesus came to earth that we see the fullness of God dwelling among men once again.
One day, we will again experience the perfect fellowship that we were created for, and there will be no more sin or separation from God. What a glorious day that will be when we can dwell with our Heavenly Father for eternity.
Psalm 84:1-4, 10
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with distractions and stressors that can make us feel overwhelmed and disconnected from our spiritual selves. However, amidst all the chaos and noise, there is one constant presence that remains with us every day – God’s indwelling presence. This divine presence is not limited to a specific place or time, but rather it is within us at all times, guiding and comforting us in our daily lives. It is a powerful reminder that we are never alone, and that God is always with us, ready to offer us guidance and support whenever we need it.
God’s indwelling presence is a testament to His unconditional love for us. It is a constant reminder that we are His beloved children and that He will never abandon us. Through this divine presence, we are able to experience a deep sense of peace and reassurance, knowing that no matter what challenges we may face, God is always by our side. We can turn to Him in prayer and find solace in His comforting embrace, knowing that He understands our struggles and will help us overcome them.
As we go about our daily lives, it is easy to forget the presence of God within us. We get caught up in our responsibilities and struggles, and may not always take the time to connect with our inner selves and with God. However, by acknowledging and embracing God’s indwelling presence, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and experience a greater sense of peace, joy, and purpose in our lives. We are reminded that each day is a gift, and that we have the opportunity to connect with our Heavenly Father and experience the beauty and blessings of His presence. So let us take a moment to pause, reflect, and be grateful for the indwelling presence of God in our lives, and allow His love to guide us each and every day.
In Christ love,
