This 18 part series explores the main moments in the Bible. This is a long story that takes place over thousands of years.  It’s the story of all the ways that God has been trying to rescue and bless and love God’s people since the beginning of time.  It’s the story that has been passed down and shared with billions of people.  It’s a story that was written for everyone to hear, and at the same time it’s a story written specifically just for you. This chapter of the story is about Pentecost.

One day, not long after Jesus rose from the dead, a group of disciples was gathered in Jerusalem when suddenly a rush of mighty wind swept through the room where they were staying.  Tongues of fire rested upon the heads of each disciple and they began to speak in different languages.  This wind and fire were the Holy Spirit.  Jesus had promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would one day soon come to guide and strengthen them, and now those words were fulfilled.  

The disciples went out, into the city, and in many different languages, they began to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection– the Good News of God’s plan for love and hope and life.  

Now, in Jerusalem at that time there were many other people who had traveled from all over the world and they were amazed to hear the disciples speaking to them in their native language.  Something amazing was happening and no one was entirely sure how to explain these wonders.   Peter, one of Jesus’ first disciples, stood up and loudly addressed the crowds of people who were gathered.  Peter told them about an ancient prophecy that many in the crowd heard before.  Peter told them that this prophecy was now being fulfilled.  He told them that Jesus had died and risen from the dead and that this Jesus was the promised Messiah that so many were waiting for.  

The crowds of people were overwhelmed by the wonders they were seeing and Peter’s compelling words.  Thousands of people were baptized that day and the movement that Jesus had started with his words and miracles was now taking on a new form.

This moment when the Holy Spirit descended and thousands committed their lives to Jesus, this moment is seen as the beginning of the Christian Church– a movement that began thousands of years ago and that still continues today.