Re: Verse reading–Acts 2:1-41 (day six)
God confused all those gathered at the Tower of Babel by introducing new languages. They had insisted on staying together, building a tower to the heavens, and making a name for themselves. That is not what God had commanded; “fill the earth and subdue it,” he said.
The Holy Spirit’s arrival during Pentecost is another reminder of the eternal purpose of God, to advance His Kingdom, to fill the earth and subdue it. The Temple courtyard was full of Jews who had traveled from many nations, and by the power of the Spirit, each heard the Gospel in their own language (not confused), and many believed and were baptized. Peter did not have them build a tower, or insist that they stay in Jerusalem and start the first mega church, no they returned home; they went out bearing witness to Jesus. You can’t get any more Holy Spirit-strategic than that. God is committed to advancing His Kingdom out, not up. Our tendency is to be preoccupied with building towers, but God isn’t. It would help us if we thought the same way. Out not up.
A helpful reminder, “The Holy Spirit’s arrival during Pentecost is another reminder of the eternal purpose of God, to advance His Kingdom, to fill the earth and subdue it.” And, “God is committed to advancing His Kingdom out, not up.”
As a new Christian, I was curious about the significance of the Pentecost, personal implications and the implications for the church.
Phuong Callaway’s insight for personal implications: “Many Christians, especially those of us who have been influenced by the individualism of American culture, live as if the church is useful but unnecessary. We seem to believe that as long as we have a personal relationship with God, everything else is secondary. But Pentecost is a vivid illustration of the truth that is found throughout Scripture: the community of God’s people is central to God’s work in the world. Thus, Pentecost invites us to consider our own participation in the fellowship, worship, and mission of the church. It is a time to renew our commitment to live as an essential member of the body of Christ, using our gifts to build the church and share the love and justice of Christ with the world.” ~~http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/what-is-pentecost-why-does-it-matter/#RwvBSU1VvfDL0Seu.03. Very helpful indeed!
There are origins why believers participate in the fellowship, worship, and mission of the church and share the love and justice of Christ with others. The question is how believers should seek to do God’s work in the most effective way, given today’s increasingly advanced technology, the presence of social media, a population that extends to 5 generations who are present in the workforce and are more technological savvy, and a world that is increasingly sophisticated and divided in their beliefs.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide our minds and hearts to build the Kimgdom of God out, not up!