Pentecost Faith

The history of the Christian church is a fascinating chronicle.  From its beginnings in the first century, various ways were used to tell the unique story of God’s love through Jesus Christ.  The central message is referred to as the gospel, meaning good news, and it has been told in many ways.  At first, it was by oral tradition -- word of mouth -- one believer tells someone else; then through preaching by the Apostles and others, and later by writings, especially through the accounts written by the gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the Apostle Paul through his letters to the first century churches.  

Creedal statements were written at different periods, the first of which was the historic Apostle’s Creed based on the theological understanding of the gospels.  As the church gained momentum, great cathedrals were built, most of which included stained glass windows that depicted significant parts of the faith story.  As time passed, other art forms were used: hymns and poems, paintings and other works of art. 

Eventually the seasons of the church were identified and formed the liturgical calendar with each season representing a significant event to remember and celebrate.  I can’t imagine a year without Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter, can you?   So we celebrate the holy seasons which brings to mind God’s mighty acts on our behalf trough Jesus Christ.  We proclaim Jesus Christ as the foundation and cornerstone of the church. And we affirm our faith in the resurrected Lord, and claim the promise of the resurrection offered to the faithful. And that we did seven weeks ago on Easter Sunday.

Following Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter Sunday, there was a time of waiting.  It was time of reflection on the events that had transpired and what would happen next.  It was also a time to prepare for yet another of God’s gifts: the coming of the Holy Spirit. That leads us to today’s observance of Pentecost and an examination of the Pentecost faith that has keep the church alive and moving forward for twenty plus centuries.  Pentecost is referred to as the “birthday of the Church” and refers to the fact that on that Pentecost day long ago, people “came alive in the faith.”  But that occasion is more than a historical event recorded in scriptures that happened long ago.  There was a new birth in faith and a renewed spirit in the lives of believers.

So, what does Pentecost have to do with us today?  Pentecost, like the other seasons, calls us to remember and claim the unique message that has been proclaimed for centuries and continues to be offered today. Pentecost faith means that God offers the gift of the Holy Spirit to believers for faith living.

The New Testament Acts of the Apostles provides a picture of the formation of the first century church.  In Acts 1:8 we are told about Jesus’ ascension.  His final message to his disciples was a promise.  “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  These words laid the foundation for what happened at Pentecost described in Chapter 2 of Acts.

Pentecost was originally a Jewish holiday – a festival of the spring harvest. People had come to Jerusalem to celebrate this annual event.   The Apostles sensed that it was a great time and opportunity to proclaim what God had done in Jesus Christ.  So, that is precisely what they did. The Acts scripture records Peter’s marvelous sermon that not only proclaimed what God had done in Jesus Christ,  but also how God was pouring out his Spirit upon  the lives of the believers. As Peter talked, people began to surrender themselves to this power beyond themselves. According to scriptures, on that day some three thousand welcomed the message and were baptized into the faith. (Acts 2:37-42)  And this is how scriptures recorded what happened next:  “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” (v.42)   

We are so far removed from that first Pentecost experience that we have a hard time comprehending what actually happened. But we can realize its impact upon history. The scripture describes that first Pentecost in symbolic language: “a rush like a mighty wind”…“divided tongues, as of fire”…  We hear these words and can imagine what seems to have been happening in people’s lives. But we still might wonder, what was the meaning of such an experience?  Perhaps it can be stated more simply without image language:  When God’s Spirit works in the lives of people, their lives are transformed  and unexpected and sometimes extraordinary things become possible. Such is the work of the Holy Spirit. The words of a Modern Affirmation speak of the Holy Spirit this way: “We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby by we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in times of need.”  When we allow God’s Spirit into our lives, even today, we can be transformed and empowered to do the unexpected and extraordinary thing that is needed to the glory of God.  

Pentecost may be called the “birthday of church.”   The awareness of the Holy Spirit is an on-going miracle in individual lives that brings new birth and renewed faith in people’s lives. The Apostle Paul had his Pentecost experience on the Damascus Road. Two other disciples had theirs on the Emmaus Road.  John Wesley experienced his Pentecost at a prayer meeting on Aldersgate Street in London.  A young preacher fresh out of seminary had his Pentecost experience at his grandmother’s funeral when he experienced the power of the Holy Spirit at work in his life. Countless others have also discovered the transforming power of the Pentecost faith and have had their faith renewed and their lives enriched.

Several years ago I discovered a song recorded by a ministerial colleague that I consider to be a Pentecost prayer about what can happen in a person’s life when the gift of the spirit that Pentecost offers is accepted.  It’s called, “Fully Alive.”  Here are the words of that song:  The chorus goes like this:  “Fully alive in Your Spirit, Lord, make me fully alive. Fully aware of Your presence, Lord, totally, fully alive.”

“Don't let me miss all the glory around me, waiting for heaven someday to come. Open my eyes to miraculous Monday and make my feet march to eternity's drum.” 

“Don't let me wait for some far off forever, to say what I feel to the ones I hold dear. Risking the pain and the joy of loving, keep me awake and alive while I'm here.”

“Fully alive in Your Spirit, Lord, make me fully alive. Fully aware of Your presence, Lord, totally, fully alive.”   

I love this song's melody and its message, for it reminds me that Pentecost is not only a historical happening, but it can be a present reality.  With the Spirit at work in our lives, we can become “fully alive” and live in the present moment of each day.   Life has meaning and purpose. Every day is viewed as a gift and an opportunity to witness to God’s love and share it with others. We become fully alive when we put our Pentecost faith into practice. That should be our hope on this Pentecost Sunday!  

We need the presence of the Holy Spirit filling us, inspiring us, guiding us, strengthening us, and equipping us to be faithful follows of Christ.  Pentecost is a promise that reminds us that we are not alone, and that power is available to face the challenges of each day through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Bishop Ralph Edward Dodge was the first Methodist bishop elected by the Africa Central Conference.  In his later years as he approached 80, he wrote in his autobiography these words:  “We anticipate creative years ahead under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Undaunted we face the future with the assurance that our lives are on God’s hands.”   That’s the promise of Pentecost faith.

Last week in preparation for Pentecost worship, a pastor friend posted these words on Facebook:  “On Pentecost Sunday we will be releasing 12 white doves along with red, yellow and orange helium balloons at the benediction. They will be released outside on the front lawn. Our church’s Mime Troupe will be performing during worship and our children and confirmands will be singing... come experience the movement and power of the Holy Spirit with us!”  

Well, today we don’t have doves. There are no colorful balloons. We have no choir, no special performances, no fanfare. We aren’t gathered in a church sanctuary with stained glass windows.  But we know that God’s Presence still shows up in all places that honor his name and seek to worship and offer praise.  And if we are receptive, God’s Spirit will come again and again offering us comfort and strength for the living of these days.