Pentecost — Bishop G.E. Patterson
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in [one place].
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing [mighty wind].
They were all filled with the holy ghost and began to speak with [other tongues].
All of them received the holy ghost and all of them had the same [sign].
- On the day of Pentecost, every believer in that upper room received the Holy Ghost and spoke with other tongues. What does it mean to you that God's promise is for all believers, not just a select few?
- The disciples were 'all with one accord in one place' when the Holy Spirit came. How does unity among believers prepare us to receive what God wants to give?
These signs shall follow them that believe, and one thing he said was that they would speak with [new tongues].
In the public worship, there are persons who need the intelligence of what [salvation] is all about.
If there's going to be tongues speaking in the Church, let two or three speak and then let somebody [interpret].
- The preacher explains that the Holy Ghost can give you 'new tongues' (Mark 16), 'other tongues' (Acts 2), and 'unknown tongues' (1 Corinthians 14)—even the language of angels. What fresh desire does this stir in you to experience the fullness of the Spirit?
- Paul taught that tongues in public worship should be interpreted so that everyone can understand the message of salvation. How can you honor both the gift of tongues and the need for clarity in your church community?
He that prophesied speaketh unto men to edify [edification], exhortation, and comfort.
But he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not unto men, but unto [God].
Though I speak with the tongue of men and of [angels].
When you receive the Holy Ghost, you ought to be speaking in some, other than that limited language that you know in [English].
- When you speak in an unknown tongue, you are speaking directly to God, not to people. Have you ever experienced a time when only God could understand what was in your heart?
- The Bible says there is a language of angels. How does it encourage you to know that the Holy Spirit can pray through you in ways that go beyond human words?
You need some [power] — you don't need to just say my name is on the book.
David [encouraged] himself in the Lord.
As far as terms are concerned, you [edify] yourself.
If you don't know how to tap in spiritually and get into the Word of God and edify your side, you'll be ready to [quit].
- When David's own men turned against him, he 'encouraged himself in the Lord.' In what areas of your life do you need to learn to edify and encourage yourself through the Spirit?
- The preacher says that when no one else encourages you—not your family, job, or even church—you need the Holy Ghost to build you up. How have you experienced the Spirit strengthening you when human support fell short?
You need the Holy Ghost to learn how to shake it off, and put it on [this].
Paul came to that unknown coast, and here comes a viper that called a hole to his arm — he [shook] him off in the fire.
God gave you the Holy Ghost with [fire].
He's coming, and he's gonna baptize you with the Holy Ghost and [fire].
- When the viper bit Paul, he simply shook it off into the fire and kept going. What 'viper' (attack, accusation, setback) do you need to shake off in the fire of the Holy Ghost today?
- John the Baptist promised that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. How does the fire of the Spirit empower you to rise above every trial the enemy throws at you?