Pentecost Sunday

We are at this time again where our minds and hearts are turned towards Pentecost. In Christian Congregations all over the world, this day is being celebrated in commemoration of the Gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a day when all ears hear about the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus.

I have been thinking of this day, and asking myself some personal questions, when suddenly, my mind is taken away to listen to Paul as he speaks to some disciples of Jesus. Paul has arrived in Ephesus, where he has found about twelve disciples of Jesus and asked them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They answered, No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. Acts 19: 2.

I now bring this to you from the KJV.  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 

I have used both these translations to show that there is really no difference in using, the name, Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. He is One and the same and we must not give preference, based on biased, human folly. God the Holy Ghost is God the Holy Spirit, and we thank God for His unspeakable Gift.

It has just dawned upon me that Paul has found some disciples who are ignorant of the Holy Spirit. They were going along very confidently, dutifully and faithfully being disciples, for Paul found them as disciples of Jesus. However, they had not ever heard about the Holy Spirit. The problem was that they had never heard, so that they had never received.

This may seem a most silly and senseless question to ask you, me and many others. Nevertheless, the exact question is now being asked to all believers. Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Does this question bring forth a resounding, hearty, YES! I received the Holy Ghost when I believed. Does it cause you to retreat, become very silent and unsure? Does it bring hesitant stutters and stammering utterances, which sheepishly say, I don’t know, or I’m not sure?  Does it bring you to open confession that you did not or have not received the Holy Ghost when you believed?

During this week, as we continue to look at Pentecost, our desire is to be bold and sure; with lip and life; with words and works; that we have received the Holy Spirit.

When Paul met those men in Ephesus, they were ignorant of the fact that there was even a Holy Spirit, much more to receive Him. They were disciples, ignorant of the Holy Spirit.  I cannot claim that ignorance because I have heard about Him and heard much as well. What about you? I am really looking forward to the coming days, as our Lord dictates, and I hope you are too. I am referring to all believers who are unable to answer Paul’s question with a bold, YES! I am referring to those who are unsure, who think so, but do not know so.

To think that I am cured of an addiction or ailment is one thing, but to know that I have been cured is completely different. To know is to live that knowledge without fear and intimidation. It is to be bold and unwavering in one's walk and talk.

Tomorrow, we shall look a bit closer at how gently and lovingly Paul leads and guides these disciples to more informed and powerful discipleship.