“PENTECOST IN CONTEXT”
(Joel 1:1 – 3:21)
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” – Joel 2:28-29
On the day of Pentecost, as Peter preached, he quoted from Joel 2:28-29, saying “this is that!” And, throughout the modern Pentecostal era, since the early 1900’s, Christians who call themselves “Pentecostal” have quoted this same passage in innumerable sermons and studies. And, rightly so!
However, we tend to only see these verses as applying to those Christians who are seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to have a “Pentecostal experience.” But, as with reading any passage of Scripture, it is vitally important to consider the context of the passage, and not simply extrapolate one verse for our own interpretation and application.
The context of Joel has to do with the end times. It is entirely eschatological. Without going into an in-depth study, allow me to simply say this. Yes, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. But the reason for this is not to give us “Holy Ghost Goose Bumps,” but rather to prepare us for who and what we need to be as we approach the second coming of Christ!
We need the baptism in the Holy Spirit to empower us to live a powerful life, to be a dynamic witness for Christ, and to be led each and every day by His Holy Spirit – especially as we witness the events that are taking place around us in today’s world!
Simple Truth:
Be filled with the Holy Spirit – continually – so that you may live for Christ on purpose, in a dynamic fashion.
Reflections & Application:
- Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? If not, seek to be filled today!
- If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, are you still filled today! We need a fresh infilling each and every day!
- It’s not just having received the baptism in the Spirit, but rather the need is to walk in the Spirit, so that you will not gratify the desires of the flesh! (Galatians 5:16)
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for filling me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me today and every day to walk in the Spirit, to be led by the Spirit, and to obey the voice of the Spirit, that “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12) as you speak to me today. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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