St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

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In the Season of Seeing: Pentecost

The Resurrection happened. And then the Ascension-
And now the Apostles were possibly thinking they had nothing left.

Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

The Apostles and others were celebrating Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks.

Jesus had instructed, 
John 20:22 Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Jesus announced, 
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

Pentecost was fifty days after Easter.
The most dazzling thing was about to happen to the disciples.
The beginning of the season of experiencing-
The descent of the Holy Spirit came upon them.

Acts 2:1-4

1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And the apostle Peter was turned into an orator. It is said he, “lifted up his voice” and he delivered a tremendous sermon. He was transformed.

And the men who witnessed this said, “what shall we do?” And he told them, and then replied that they would “receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

The beginning of the church is shaped by the coming and presence of the Holy Spirit. The season of sensing and seeing, transforms into a season of believing. Things are forever changed by Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. And we have the power of the promised Holy Spirit.

John 21:16  …He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

If you can, imagine what it must have been like to have the Holy Spirit come upon you. For those who have experienced the Holy Spirit, be grateful.
For those of you who haven’t, or don’t know- Think about it. Maybe you have.

This year, Pentecost 2022, is Sunday, June 5

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