THE DAY OF PENTECOST

“…you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now”(Acts 1:5 ESV).

“The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a definite and distinct experience assured and verified by the witness of the Spirit.  The disciples who were commanded to tarry until they were ‘endued with power from on high’ had already received the Spirit for salvation” Samuel Chadwick (ref#195, p49).

“…when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world”(Acts 1:7-8 MSG).

“The effects are seen in the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost…Pentecost changed all their outlook.  The Scriptures were made luminous in the light of the Holy Ghost.  The change in their characters was even greater than the change in their knowledge. The Gospels portray these men as proud and contentious, selfish and cowardly; but the first pages of the Acts of the Apostles tell another story…Pentecost transformed them.  It was the fullness that made the difference between timidity and joyous daring, shivering weakness and the exultant power. They were jubilantly fearless and hilariously happy.  That is the difference Pentecost always makes” Samuel Chadwick (ref#195, p159-160).

“The Holy Ghost clothed Himself with the waiting disciples in the Upper Room, and He still clothes Himself with consecrated believers….In them He find a Body, and in Him they find the power of spiritual expression and execution…There is an end of uncertainty when the fullness of Pentecost is known” Samuel Chadwick (ref#195, p158-160).

“…to be full of the Spirit is something distinct and observable in some way….Evidently the Holy Spirit had such control of certain people’s lives that it created a reputation; they were acknowledged for living victorious lives and blessing others through the Spirit’s power” Jim Cymbala (ref#161, p109-110).

FATHER, praise to the HOLY SPIRIT for clothing Himself with me.  How clear He makes the Word and how easy He makes accomplishing Your will. When He clothes me I find no reason to question any thought that enters my mind.  He lights my path and I grow confidently into the likeness of Your Son.  What joy!  This is my destiny!