Day 3: The Mission Advances
SENT: 21-Days of prayer and fasting
The Mission Advances
Written By: Marvin Johnson
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Acts 2:1–13 (NIV)
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Acts 2:1–13 (NIV)
I often think back to the moment I chose to follow Jesus. It wasn’t just a single prayer but the beginning of a lifelong journey of transformation. Over the years, I’ve seen how God has shaped my character, placed gifts within me, and equipped me to play my part in His mission.
Reflecting on my story always brings me back to the birth of the church itself. Before there were buildings, worship teams, programmes, or structure, there was a small group of believers waiting in obedience. They gathered in prayer, trusting that God would equip them for something far greater than anything they could accomplish on their own.
Acts 2 shows us that Jesus did not commission His followers without empowering them. The Holy Spirit filled that upper room, transforming ordinary disciples into bold witnesses. That same Spirit has been at work in my life, refining me, empowering me, and giving me courage to share the gospel.
Pentecost reminds us that the mission of the church has always been supernatural. The early church impacted the world not because they were skilled or strong, but because they were filled with the Spirit. And the same Spirit who empowered them empowers us today.
My transformed life is a testimony that I have not been equipped by my own ability but by the Holy Spirit. Everything God has done in me is ultimately for one purpose: to make Jesus known.
Reflecting on my story always brings me back to the birth of the church itself. Before there were buildings, worship teams, programmes, or structure, there was a small group of believers waiting in obedience. They gathered in prayer, trusting that God would equip them for something far greater than anything they could accomplish on their own.
Acts 2 shows us that Jesus did not commission His followers without empowering them. The Holy Spirit filled that upper room, transforming ordinary disciples into bold witnesses. That same Spirit has been at work in my life, refining me, empowering me, and giving me courage to share the gospel.
Pentecost reminds us that the mission of the church has always been supernatural. The early church impacted the world not because they were skilled or strong, but because they were filled with the Spirit. And the same Spirit who empowered them empowers us today.
My transformed life is a testimony that I have not been equipped by my own ability but by the Holy Spirit. Everything God has done in me is ultimately for one purpose: to make Jesus known.
Reflect
How does your own story of transformation encourage bold faith?
Where might God be calling you to step out in obedience, just as the believers did in Acts 2?
Where might God be calling you to step out in obedience, just as the believers did in Acts 2?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who equips and empowers us. Fill us with boldness, wisdom, and compassion so our lives reflect Jesus and draw others to Him. Amen.
Posted in SENT: 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting