Pentecost is a Greek word that means "fiftieth." It was originally a Jewish holiday that was celebrated fifty days after Passover. It commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. The prophet Jeremiah wrote about a future covenant that God was going to make with them. The Lord said, "For this is the
covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33). The fulfilment of such a new covenant was done at the Last Supper. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit wrote the law in the heart of the spiritual Israel (the Church of Jesus Christ), because the promise given to Abraham was fulfilled in Christ. The blessing to all people was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, a descendant of Abraham, through whom people of all nationalities may receive salvation and become part of the chosen people (Acts 4:10–12; Galatians 3:16; Exodus 19:5–6; Deuteronomy 7:6; 2 Samuel 7:23–24; 1 Peter 3:9). Pentecost marks the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, empowering them to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
The milestone of Pentecost in history
Pentecost is significant for several reasons.
First, it marks the birth of the Church of Jesus Christ and the next stage of God's plan for the redemption of the world. Before Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were a small group of followers who were uncertain about their future. But after the Holy Spirit descended upon them, they were transformed into bold and confident witnesses for Christ.
Second, Pentecost is significant because it fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy. In Joel 2:28–29, God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people. The events of Pentecost were a fulfilment of that prophecy. It is the end of times (the Old Covenant) and the beginning of a new time (the New Covenant). However, let us not make the mistake of ignoring the continuity and fulfilment between the Old and New Testaments. Some have embraced funny views about the total rejection of the Old Testament that should not be embraced by a healthy church.
Finally, Pentecost is significant because it marks the coming of the Holy Spirit. Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit had been active in the world, but not in the same way that He is now. After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would be present in the lives of believers, empowering them to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Understanding the Power of Pentecost
The power of Pentecost lies in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and He is the one who empowers believers to live a life that is pleasing to God (Galatians 5:22–23) and to continue the apostolic mission today through the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4). Without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to live the Christian life and advance God's Kingdom.
The disciples became different people after Pentecost. They no longer ran away like sheep that had been abandoned by their shepherd. Instead, they managed to completely turn the world upside down. They were able to turn into authentic apostles as agents of change in God's kingdom. The world would never be the same again.
Pentecost marked the beginning of a thriving and active church that eventually became one, holy, apostolic, and catholic (universal and comprised of all people). From Jerusalem to the furthest reaches of the known world.
The role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is described in the Bible as a helper, a teacher, and a guide. He helps us in our weaknesses, teaches us what we need to know, and guides us into all truth. He is the one who convicts us of sin, and He is the one who empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
After Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and took His place at the right hand of God the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to establish and build the Church on earth. This work continues to this day.
First, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the life of the Church. He gives new life to people so they can serve God by being disciples of Christ.
Second, He empowers believers to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. He is the one who gives us the gifts of the Spirit, such as prophecy, tongues, and healing. He is the one who unites believers from different backgrounds and cultures into one body.
Third, the Holy Spirit is the one who calls, chooses, and ordains deacons, presbyters (elders), and sets apart bishops by directing the Church to recognise those believers that the Lord has given to serve as Ministers and in the Office of Deacons and Presbyters by the laying of hands first of the apostles and, later on, of the bishops (Acts 6:2–3; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6).
Finally, He is also the one who helps us to pray. In Romans 8:26–27, Paul says that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. This means that even when we don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit is praying for us.
The benefits of a thriving and healthy church
A thriving and healthy church is a community of authentic disciples of Christ that is alive with the power of the Holy Spirit and a desire to grow and know more of God's Word as they gather to welcome new members to Christ's Church through Baptism and renew the Covenant with God at the Lord's Table. It is a church where believers are growing in their faith, where they are experiencing the power of God, and where they are being transformed into the image of Christ. It is a church that exists to glorify God by living like Jesus and advancing God's Kingdom.
A thriving and healthy church is also a community that is making an impact in the world. It is a church that is spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, that is serving those in need, and that is making a difference in the lives of others. A healthy church is open to accountability and caring for each other, knowing that together we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17–18).
Unlocking the secrets of a thriving and healthy church
So, how do we unlock the secrets to a thriving and healthy church? The answer is simple: we need to embrace a Spirit-led life and walk by faith. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to transform us from the inside out.
One way to do this is through prayer. We need to be people of prayer, seeking God's will and direction for our lives and for our church. We need to pray for the Holy Spirit to form us into the image of Christ and lead us to do what God has called us to do. It is a deep spiritual transformation that impacts our culture, mind, and lifestyle. We are no longer citizens of this earth but ambassadors of God's kingdom on earth.
It is a new way to connect through the community of God's people. We need to be a family of believers who are committed to one another, who support one another, and who encourage one another. We need to be a church family that is not afraid to be vulnerable, to share our struggles and our victories, and to pray for one another. It is a radical commitment to leave behind our own ways and patterns of thinking and embrace Jesus' way and teaching.
It is not necessarily an easy path. In fact, it is probably the least travelled path. However, it was the one that brought alive a healthy, vibrant, and thriving church in the first century.
There are several key spiritual disciplines and practises that we can implement to unlock the secrets of a thriving and healthy church. One of these is worship. We need to be a church that is passionate about worshipping God. We need to be a church that is willing to lay aside our own agendas and preferences and focus on God. Worship must be gospel-centred and Christ-centred. It has not to be about what we want but what the Lord expects God's people to do when they gather on Sunday. Christian worship has a historic pattern and form that is biblical, covenantal, and brings glory to God. It was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it is vibrant and beautiful, ancient and future, free and liturgical. The Spirit moves powerfully as the Lord is exalted through our singing.
Another key practise is discipleship. We need to be a church that is committed to growing in our faith, learning what it means to follow Christ, and helping others do the same. We need to be a church that is intentional about mentoring and discipling others. We can only live like Jesus if we understand his teaching and obey Him. Discipleship is not an option; it must be at the centre of all that we do, starting with being open to the Holy Spirit's ministry and work in our lives. Holiness comes as a result of the Holy Spirit's presence.
One of the spiritual practises that people know but do not use often enough is prayer. Too often, it seems to be the last thing. It must be at the beginning and end of everything we do. A church that desires to be a healthy and thriving church would be exposed to a vibrant prayer life and, over time, become a prayer community. If you want God to make us a thriving and healthy church, we must embrace God's own strategy to accomplish his goals in the world. Then you need to pray to advance God's kingdom. According to John Wesley: "God does nothing except in response to believing prayer." However, not every sincere prayer is answered by God. Only prayers that are obedient to his will are heard. As the old saying goes, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Preaching is a powerful practise that can be used to cultivate a thriving and healthy church. Preaching by the Holy Spirit and holding fast to the faithful Word inspire, challenge, and equip God's people to live out their faith in the world. It has a profound impact on people's lives. A thriving and healthy church is called to preach the whole counsel of God. It embraces the challenge and allows you to use your gifts to help others grow in their faith.
Another spiritual practise is celebrating the sacraments. Sacraments help us grow in our faith as outward signs of inward grace. They provide us with opportunities to reflect on God's grace and to experience his presence in our lives. They help us grow in our relationship with God and renew the covenant as God's people. Encourage us to be truthful about our commitment to living a Christian life. When we participate in the sacraments, we are reminded of our baptismal vows, and we are called to live out our faith in the world.
Finally, we need to be a community that is committed to serving others. We need to be a church that is willing to reach out to our neighbours, to serve those in need, and to make a difference in the lives of others. It starts with the proclamation of the gospel, continues with advancing God's kingdom, and finally brings social transformation to society as we disciple the nations.
Pentecost: A thriving and healthy church
There are many examples of churches that have thrived and been healthy throughout history. One of these is the early church. After Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were transformed into a church that was bold, confident, and passionate about spreading the gospel. They were a community that was committed to one another, that supported one another, and that made a difference in the lives of others.
Pentecost points us to a future church that must overcome the temptation of being accepted if it is to have a bright future. As long as there are believers who are willing to embrace the apostolic mission to disciple the nations and obey all the teaching of Jesus by the work and power of the Holy Spirit, the Church will continue to thrive. In fact, I believe that the best days of the Church are still ahead of us.
The Church has faced many challenges throughout its history, but it has always emerged stronger and more vibrant than before, as it has kept the Ancient faith and embrace the future. I believe that the Church will continue to grow and thrive and that it will make an even greater impact on the world in the years to come.
In conclusion, Pentecost is a significant event in the Christian faith. It marks the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The power of Pentecost lies in the Holy Spirit, and it is through the Holy Spirit that we can unlock the secrets to a thriving and healthy church.
To cultivate a thriving and healthy church, we need to be a people who are committed to prayer and sacraments, community, worship, preaching, discipleship, and serving others. We need to be a people who are willing to embrace the power of Pentecost and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
So, let us embrace Pentecost and be a church that is alive with the Holy Spirit. Let us be a church that is making an impact in the world, that is serving those in need, and that is making a difference in the lives of others, as we live like Jesus and advance God's kingdom.
