The feast of Pentecost was one of several solemn Jewish celebrations. Others included Passover, the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Tabernacles. But today I want to speak to you about the Feast of Pentecost which occurred 50 days after Passover and it had to do with the harvest. Jews from all around the Roman world would make the journey to Jerusalem to participate in the celebration. They had to make an offering of grain to God from the first fruits of the harvest but then they would celebrate. As Christians, one of the most important celebrations for us occurred 50 days after the celebration of Passover almost 2000 years ago. Jesus became the Lamb of God that took away our sin on the day of Passover. But 50 days later, the Bible declares there were 120 people praying in the upper room when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Out of a simple harvest celebration, came the first fruits that would begin what is today the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Many prominent theologians today declare that what happened 2000 years ago is not something that we can experience. The event related in today’s text is not something that can be repeated. It’s an historical event and nothing else. Yet, the Bible says, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, 39). God has made the promise of giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Being that this promise is for us today, how will it be when the Holy Spirit comes?
I. HE WILL COME WITH THE THUNDEROUS SOUND OF A VIOLENT WIND
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2)
A. All 120 in the upper room heard the thunderous sound of a violent wind
1. There really wasn’t any wind
2. The important thing to notice was the thunderous sound
B. That thunderous sound came from heaven
1. This shows that God had caused such a loud sound
a. The sound had not been caused by the disciples
2. In the Bible, God always manifests Himself through a strong sound
a. To make His presence known amongst His people
“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.’” (Exodus 20:18, 19)
b. To defeat His enemies
“Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived for battle. But the LORD spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them.” (1 Samuel 7:7-10)
c. To command and perform miracles
“God’s majestic voice thunders his commands, creating miracles too marvelous for us to understand.” (Job 37:4, 5 - CEV)
D. Today, the Holy Spirit wants to cause a thunderous sound in our lives
1. To manifest His presence and draw us away from sin
2. To defeat the enemies that surround us
3. To command miracles to happen on our behalf
E. How can we hear God’s thunderous voice today?
1. When we take the time to read the Bible
“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” (Proverbs 4:10-13)
2. When we go to God in prayer
“In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the LORD, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign.” (2 Chronicles 32:24)
3. God will also speak through His servants
“Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.” (Haggai 1:12)
4. How awesome it will be if the thunderous sound of the Holy Spirit would fill our lives
a. It would awaken our spirits
“Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, gave this message of the LORD to the people: ‘I am with you,’ declares the LORD. So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people.” (Haggai 1:13, 14)
b. It would strengthen our commitment to God’s house
“They came and began to work on the house of the LORD Almighty, their God.” (Haggai 1:14)
c. It would set us free for God
“Jerusalem, wake up! Stand up and be strong. Holy city of Zion, dress in your best clothes. Those foreigners who ruined your sacred city won’t bother you again. Zion, rise from the dirt! Free yourself from the rope around your neck. The LORD says: My people, you were sold, but not for money; now you will be set free, but not for a payment.” (Isaiah 52:1-3)
The time has come to experience once again the baptism in the Holy Spirit in our lives. The thunderous sound of His voice in our lives will cause us to see His presence upon us. It will also chase away our enemies. Finally, it will awaken us from our sleep and will give us renewed power. That power will set us free to serve God with great passion. All of this will happen when the Holy Spirit comes.
