Pentecost Sermon, June 8, 2014

Pentecost Sermon – June 8, 2014    

We are here to celebrate the New Testament Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) and the start of the New Testament Church as a body.  This Feast Day is for us directly, the Firstfruits. 

Let’s turn to where we should always start, to the Feasts of the Lord or Jesus Feasts. 

Lev 23:2 NKJV  "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts. 

Lev 23:15 NKJV  'And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed.   

We covered this when we talked about the wave sheaf offering during the days of Unleavened Bread about the (first of the firstfruits,) which is our Lord and Creator, Jesus, the Messiah. 

(16)  Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD.  (17)  You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD. 

Did you notice, baked with leaven or yeast, yeast is used in this feast day.  Two wave loaves, firstfruits?  Leaven!  This is the only case where leavend bread is specified!  This gives the feast a non-Jewish or Israelite flavor, or coloration…Does this mean All nations? Gentiles!?  will be part of the family of God.  

Yes, we realize this at the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost at the Jews and Israelites and to the Gentiles with Cornelius through the Apostle Peter.    We will discuss a little later.   

Lev 23:20-21 NKJV  The priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.  (21)  And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You shall do no customary work on it. It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. 

Convocation - something called out, that is, a public meeting, also a rehearsal: - assembly, reading. 

Exo 23:16 NKJV  and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field. 

Exo 34:22 NKJV  "And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the year's end. 

Num 28:26 NKJV  'Also on the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new grain offering to the LORD at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work.   

Barley Harvest = time of Passover (we covered this)

Wheat Harvest = about 50 days after the Barley harvest  = Shavout, Pentecost. 

The name, Feast of Weeks was given this festival in light of Moses’ command to count off seven weeks from the time they began to harvest the grain in March-April. This would mean the Feast of Weeks was in late May or early June. It was also known as the “Feast of Harvest” and the “day of firstfruits” which we just read. Later it was given the title “Pentecost” based on the translation of the “50 days.” 

This feast was to be a time of joy and sharing. Since the Lord had been “generous” with the Nation, they were to be generous with others, especially with the lower income of their nation. Appropriately the Holy Spirit was given to New Testament Saints during the Feast of Pentecost. This for us, symbolized the end of the Old Testament system of worship and the beginning of the New Testament system of worship. 

Pentecost points to the fact that God’s blessings for the Christian’s daily living and life is the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Let’s look at when the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost. 

Let’s break and move to the living room.  A video leading up to Pentecost using the NIV Version. Be sure to listen to Peter first sermon and what he covers on Pentecost. 

Act 1:3-4 NKJV  to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.  (4)  And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; 

Act 1:5 NKJV  for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 

We notice that Pentecost is 50 days after the day after the weekly Sabbath or Wave sheaf offering. That puts Pentecost 50 days after the Resurrection.  Pentecost is then measured from and relates to, not the Lord’s death, but His Resurrection.  Was it by faith, they had to wait 10 days for the Promise of the Father to be fulfilled with the Holy Spirit. 

Act 2:1-4 NKJV  When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  (2)  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  (3)  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  (4)  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Act 2:5-8 NKJV  And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.  (6)  And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.  (7)  Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?  (8)  And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 

Act 2:9-13 NKJV  Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,  (10)  Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,  (11)  Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."  (12)  So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"  (13)  Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine." 

Act 2:14-41 NKJV  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them,  

This was the first Pentecost Sermon given after the Holy Spirit was given. 

"Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.  (15)  For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.  (16)  But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel 2:28:  (17)  'AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAYS GOD, THAT I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH; YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS.  (18)  AND ON MY MENSERVANTS AND ON MY MAIDSERVANTS I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS; AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY.  (19)  I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN HEAVEN ABOVE AND SIGNS IN THE EARTH BENEATH: BLOOD AND FIRE AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.  (20)  THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND AWESOME DAY OF THE LORD.  (21)  AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.' 

(22)  "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— (23)  Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;  (24)  whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.   

(25)  For David (Psalms 16:8) says concerning Him: 'I FORESAW THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE MY FACE, FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, THAT I MAY NOT BE SHAKEN.  (26)  THEREFORE MY HEART REJOICED, AND MY TONGUE WAS GLAD; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL REST IN HOPE.  (27)  FOR YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HADES, NOR WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO SEE CORRUPTION.  (28)  YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE.'   

(29)  "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.  (30)  Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,  (31)  he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.   

(32)  This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.  (33)  Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.   

(34)  "For David (Psalms 110:1) did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,  (35)  TILL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL." '  

(36)  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."  (37)  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"   

(38)  Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (39)  For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."  (40)  And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."   

(41)  Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 

The Jewish and Israelites believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the Gentile believers in the home of Cornelius.  

Act 10:44-48 NKJV  While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.  (45)  And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.  (46)  For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,  (47)  "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"  (48)  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. 

This is the same thing that happen at Pentecost.  Peter was there for both “firsts.” 

Because at Pentecost and at Cornelius, the Holy Spirit baptized the believers and united them into one body.   Gentiles and Israelites into one body. 

1Co 12:13 NKJV  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 

We know the Church continue to observed Pentecost after when the Holy Spirit was given. 

Act 20:16 NKJV  For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. 

This was probably around spring, 56 A.D. when Luke wrote this.  Which is about 24 years after the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah.  

1Co 16:8 NKJV  But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 

This was probably around spring, 55 A.D. when Apostle Paul wrote this.  Which is about 23 years after the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah.  

The Holy Spirit had not yet been given to the masses because Jesus was not yet been glorified. The Holy Spirit did not come until the Day of Pentecost. Then The Holy Spirit came to indwell believers and to form them into one body. The coming of the Holy Spirit on that day assures us with proof that Jesus had arrived back at the Father’s throne. 

Let’s go back to Lev 23:17 again.

Lev 23:17 NKJV  You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD.  Think about this and what we covered. 

Three things that are very important in this verse that we covered, with the image or symbol of the two wave loaves, are the Israelites and Gentiles.  The offering bread was baked with leaven, meaning Gentiles and what is left, the firstfruits to the Lord.   

We covered this that Jesus the Messiah was the first of the firstfruits and firstborn from the dead.  Important, These next few verses is all about us, you and me and what we will become and how it will be done.  We will be the first fruits that have the Holy Spirit living in us. 

Col 1:15-18 NKJV  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  (16)  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  (17)  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  (18)  And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 

Heb 9:27-28 NKJV  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,  (28)  so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. 

Rom 8:23 NKJV  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 

1Co 15:20-24 NKJV  But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  (21)  For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  (22)  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  (23)  But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.  (24)  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 

1Co 15:25-27 NKJV  For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  (26)  The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  (27)  For "HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 

1Co 15:49-51 NKJV  And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.  (50)  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 

1Co 15:52-54 NKJV  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY." 

1Co 15:55-58 NKJV  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?"  (56)  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  (57)  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (58)  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

Jas 1:18 NKJV  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 

Rev 14:4-5 NKJV  These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.  (5)  And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. 

Rom 12:1-2 NKJV  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

1Jn 3:2 NKJV  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

Rev 1:5-6 NKJV  and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,  (6)  and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

Rev 5:10 NKJV  And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." 

Rev 19:6-8 NKJV  And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering’s, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  (7)  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready."  (8)  And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 

Rev 19:9 NKJV  Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."