The Holy Spirit's outpouring brings about the last days, launches the kingdom of God, and transforms us to the hope of righteousness. Through faith, we trust Christ for salvation and the Holy Spirit's power to sustain us, overcome our struggles, and live as new creations in Christ. [... more]

The power of the tongue is a double-edged sword, capable of bringing either blessing or cursing. God's control over our tongues is essential for speaking words that bring life and healing, rather than harm and pain. The gift of tongues, demonstrated on the day of Pentecost, was a miracle of God, allowing people to speak in languages they had not learned, and was a sign of the gospel going out to all nations. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost marks a turning point in human history, fulfilling God's ancient promise to send the Spirit and empowering believers for mission. Jesus, the ascended and exalted King, pours out the Spirit upon his people, giving them life and transforming them into new creations. The Spirit's presence is a down payment assuring believers of their eternal redemption and resurrection, and it transforms all people, bringing a permanent, internal renewal through faith. [... more]

Jesus Christ is a stranger to us because our hearts are hardened by sin, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, he opens our eyes to see the reality of his physical resurrection, proving he is the Christ, Messiah, and Savior. The Holy Spirit takes our darkened minds and gives us spiritual comprehension, allowing us to understand the gospel and recognize Jesus as the risen King. Through word and sacrament, the Holy Spirit ignites the fire of faith within us, burning away sinful desires and stirring love for God and our neighbor. [... more]

The boy Jesus reveals his divine mission at the temple, demonstrating his unique connection to God the Father and setting the stage for his future saving work. His interaction with the temple teachers and his parents showcases his divine understanding and obedience, highlighting his awareness of his identity as the Son of God sent to seek and save the lost. [... more]

Peter's transformation from a man-fearing spirit to boldness is a powerful example of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. After being intimidated by the people and denying Jesus, Peter was delivered from this spirit on Pentecost and went on to preach a great sermon, healing a crippled man, and standing boldly before the council, even when threatened with jail and worse. [... more]

The pastor reflects on the church's 82nd Homecoming Day, reminiscing about past experiences and memories. He emphasizes the importance of the Holy Ghost and the promise of the Father, encouraging the congregation to seek the power of the Spirit to fulfill their calling and to dream dreams over the next generation. He also shares personal anecdotes about mentors who have influenced his life and the importance of passing on the faith to younger generations. [... more]

Paul continues his third missionary journey, leaving Ephesus and traveling to Macedonia, Greece, and Corinth, where he establishes churches and gathers an offering for Jerusalem. He writes the book of Romans during his stay in Corinth and eventually sets sail for Syria, but learns of a plot against him and decides to return through Macedonia. Along the way, he meets up with Luke and other companions, including Aristarchus and Segundus, who join him on his journey. Paul's team takes a boat to Troas, where they spend several days, and he has a remarkable experience with a young man named Eutychus, who falls out of a third-story window but is miraculously revived. Paul then takes a land shortcut to Assos and meets up with his team, who have sailed around the point to pick him up. They continue their journey to Mytilene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus, where Paul lingers for a while before eventually setting sail for Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. [... more]

The Passover foreshadows the redemption of God's people through Jesus Christ, while the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, celebrates the first fruits of the harvest and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These ancient feasts, established by God, point to the greater reality of salvation and our personal relationship with Him. [... more]

Pentecost is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, including Joel's warning of judgment and the promise of God's Spirit being poured out upon His people. It marks the beginning of a new era in the history of God's people, where the gospel is preached to all nations, and the Holy Spirit is given to believers. The event demonstrates God's power to communicate with His creatures, reversing the judgment of the Tower of Babel and enabling the apostles to preach the gospel in languages they had never studied. Pentecost is also a confirmation of the reliability of Scripture, a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy of divine judgment upon those who rejected God, and the first Christian revival, which continues to this day. [... more]

The day of Pentecost marked the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, where the Holy Spirit was poured out on God's people, initiating a new era in the history of God's people, and affirming the apostles as God's spokesmen, with the power to preach the gospel in languages they had never studied, and to write the New Testament with authority. [... more]

Peter preaches the first Christian sermon on the day of Pentecost, affirming God's approval of Jesus Christ through miracles, resurrection, Old Testament prophecies, and the Holy Spirit's descent. He presents five key arguments to demonstrate God's approval, and the crowd is cut to the heart, leading to 3,000 people believing, repenting, and receiving the Holy Spirit. [... more]

The day of Pentecost is a significant event in the Old Testament, marking the beginning of the wheat harvest and the celebration of God's provision and faithfulness. The feast of weeks, also known as the feast of harvest, was a time for the Israelites to acknowledge God as their source of provision and to offer sacrifices and worship in gratitude. This event foreshadowed the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which brought about a greater harvest of souls and a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness and provision. [... more]

On the day of Pentecost, a new spiritual creation is happening right in front of our eyes. The Holy Spirit descended on the church, fulfilling God's will and plan. The power of the Holy Spirit available in 2025 is highlighted, and its effects on the lives of those present and the world are discussed. [... more]

The resurrection of Christ creates fellowship between God and humanity, producing joy and assurance of eternal life. The gospel message, proclaimed through the Holy Spirit, brings people together in unity and love, reversing the curse of Babel and restoring the original intent of creation. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is a living, invisible person, the third person of the Trinity, who gives us a love gift on behalf of Jesus, pledging our faithfulness, commitment, and His presence. He is our counselor, comforter, and gift of God's love, helping us make decisions, relieving mental distress, and giving us peace that passes all understanding. The Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us, transforming our lives, and empowering us to share the gospel with others, convincing them of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and guiding us to live in the life of Jesus. [... more]

The undoing of the Tower of Babel has significant implications for humanity, allowing for unprecedented global communication and unity. However, this also poses a threat to Christianity as humans may become convinced they no longer need God, instead relying on their own abilities and technological advancements to achieve greatness. [... more]

The Feast of First Fruits and Pentecost are significant events in the Jewish calendar, symbolizing the consecration of the early spring harvest and the birth of the church. The wave offering and the barley harvest represent Christ's resurrection, while the wheat harvest typifies the Gentile church and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Understanding these events provides valuable insights into God's Word and the importance of faith and tithing. [... more]

The Feast of Unleavened Bread parallels our awakening into Christianity, representing two levels of sanctification: justification and ongoing purification. This feast is tied to the Passover, which commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, and the First Fruits, which symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the birth of the church. The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a time of rest and purification, where one must get rid of corruption and leaven, just like when we come to Christ and our lives are transformed. [... more]

The Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot, is a celebration of the wheat harvest and the giving of the law to Israel. However, it's also a time of great significance for the Gentiles, as it marks the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all people, making salvation available to all nations. This event is seen as a fulfillment of the new covenant, where God's law is written on the hearts of believers, and the problem of condemnation is solved through Jesus Christ. [... more]

Understanding the Holy Spirit's presence is vital for every believer. The Holy Spirit is a person, a part of the Trinity, and the power of life for every believer. He indwells every single believer, and His presence is the mark of ownership, belonging to Jesus. The Holy Spirit's work is different before and after Pentecost, and He is a gift given to those who believe in Jesus Christ. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is a companion who helps believers experience the presence and power of God, leading to spiritual transformation, growth, and a deeper faith in Jesus Christ. Through the Spirit's guidance, believers can overcome sin, receive wisdom, and live a life that honors God. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's role in the Christian life is to empower believers to live a life of faith and spiritual growth. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out, baptizing believers with His power and presence. This experience is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process of being filled with the Spirit, which involves yielding to God's control and allowing Christ to be the center of one's life. [... more]

St. Catherine's Monastery, the world's oldest monastery, is being forced to close its doors and be annexed by the Egyptian government, highlighting the precarious situation of Christians in the Middle East. The church's history and global presence are a testament to its significance, with Pentecost marking the birthday of the church and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. Despite persecution, the church remains a redemptive instrument of God, proclaiming Christ's message to all nations. [... more]

The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, experienced a once-and-for-all event on the day of Pentecost, where thousands were convicted of their sin and brought to lively faith in Jesus Christ. This event marked the beginning of the church's expansion, as the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit's work in the church is characterized by regular ministry, individual refreshment, and awakening, as well as community-wide revival. The church's primary focus should be on the preaching of the word, fellowship, and worship, as these are the hallmarks of the church's life together in the power of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is a living, invisible person who is Jesus in us, available to come into us and fill us with His presence. He is a third person of the Trinity, referred to as a counselor, and is available to empower us to make choices and live out our faith. The Holy Spirit indwells us and is available to fill us, but sin can block His flow, and we must yield our lives to Him to be filled with His presence and power. [... more]

The pastor reflects on the 82nd homecoming day of Kerwin Baptist Church, reminiscing about past experiences and sharing the promise of God's outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of living in the last days, experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, and passing on dreams to the next generation. [... more]

Jesus Christ meets two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening their eyes to the scriptures and revealing himself to them. He teaches them that the Bible is about him and that he is the fulfillment of all prophecies. The disciples return to Jerusalem, convinced of Jesus' resurrection and eager to share the news with others. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is the illuminating fire of God, transforming and empowering believers to live a life of spiritual growth and devotion. The baptism of the Spirit, indwelling of the Spirit, sealing of the Spirit, and filling of the Spirit are all essential aspects of a believer's relationship with God, and are necessary for spiritual maturity and service. [... more]

The filling of the Spirit is to be under divine control, allowing for supernatural activity and power. This is demonstrated in the early church at Pentecost, where believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, leading to the conversion of 3,000 people. The experience of the Spirit is tied to unity and a relational connection with God, which is established through repentance and baptism. [... more]

Baptism is a joyful sign of the gospel, pointing to the centrality of Christ's blood on the cross and the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. It is a Trinitarian sacrament, instituted by Jesus to make disciples of all nations, and it teaches us that we are sinful from the time of conception and birth. Baptism obligates us by the grace of God to live in obedience and holiness, and it reminds us of the promise of the covenant of grace, which is for the benefit of the whole church. [... more]

The Great Awakening was a time of great religious interest in 18th-century America, characterized by an unusual responsiveness to the preaching of the gospel, particularly through the ministries of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. This revival movement had a profound impact on American Christianity, challenging the established church and leading to the growth of evangelicalism. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is a promise to be received, a power to be released, and a person to be recognized. He is the source of spiritual power, and his presence is evident in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit is not just a feeling or an emotional experience, but a real person who communicates with our human spirit. He is the one who gives us the power to be witnesses for Christ and to live a life that is pleasing to God. [... more]

The personal witness of the saints, the prophetic witness of the Scriptures, and the persuasive witness of the Holy Spirit are all essential elements in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with others. Through the story of Cornelius and Peter, we see how these three lines of evidence can be used to convince others of the reality of Jesus' virtuous life, vicarious death, and victorious resurrection. [... more]

Anne Graham Lotz explains the identity and role of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that He is a person, not a ghost or an emotion, and is available to come into us as Jesus in the person of the Holy Spirit. She discusses the difference between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the importance of faith, forgiveness, and the indwelling Spirit in our lives. [... more]

The early church's authentic activity of the Holy Spirit is evident in their devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and breaking of bread, as seen in the healing of a lame man at the temple gate, which serves as a proof of Jesus' presence and power, still actively healing people and bringing about change in the midst of the community. [... more]

The apostles, led by Peter, preach to the crowd at Pentecost, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah and their role in his crucifixion. The crowd responds with guilt and asks what they can do, leading Peter to call for repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. This message is not just for the Jews, but for all whom God calls to himself, and it results in the addition of 3,000 souls to the church. The early church is characterized by a shared life, generosity, and devotion to the teachings of God, all made possible by the presence of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

Peter delivers a bold message to the Jews, emphasizing that Jesus' death was not a tragic accident, but a deliberate plan of God. He explains that Jesus was attested by God through mighty works and wonders, and that his resurrection was a supernatural preservation after death. Peter quotes Old Testament scriptures, including Psalm 16 and Psalm 110, to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that he was exalted at the right hand of God, where he will remain until his enemies are vanquished. [... more]

The personal witness of the saints, the prophetic witness of the scriptures, and the praise witness of the Spirit are three indisputable witnesses that attest to Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The Bible is a unified book that speaks of Jesus from beginning to end, and faith is rooted in evidence, but it also goes beyond evidence to become its own best evidence. [... more]

The apostles are waiting in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and when it arrives, they are filled with a mighty rushing wind and begin to speak in other languages, proclaiming the mighty works of God to people from all over the known world. This event marks the birth of the Christian church and sets the stage for the spread of Christianity. [... more]