Why should Christians celebrate the Feast of Pentecost?
Jesus Christ chose the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot in Hebrew) or Pentecost to begin His Church. What is the meaning of Pentecost for Christians today? The third of God's annual festivals (after the Feast of Unleavened Bread) is the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:16-21; Acts 2:1). This festival, also called the Feast of Harvest or Firstfruits (Exodus 23:16; 34:22), was also the day God first granted His Spirit to the New Testament Church of God (Acts 2). Pentecost portrays God as the Lord of His harvest, choosing and preparing the firstfruits of His coming Kingdom by giving them His Holy Spirit (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2; Romans 8:23; James 1:18). The preceding festival of Unleavened Bread pictures our commitment to come out of a sinful life and live our lives by God's perfect laws. But we can't do this on our own. Pentecost pictures God's willingness to give His Holy Spirit to provide the power those He has called need. God's Holy Spirit empowers us with the love of God, the motivation to obey Him and a sound mind to discern His truth (2 Timothy 1:7; John 15:26; 16:13). Only those who are led by God's Spirit are called the sons of God (Romans 8:9, 14). These Christians have a pledge or down payment on eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:5) and can look forward to the first resurrection, which is to eternal life in God's family. The Church of God, which began on Pentecost (Acts 2), is given the mission of preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God in preparation for the next step in God's plan, the return of Jesus Christ. This is pictured by the next festival, the Feast of Trumpets. Source: Bible FAQ - What Holy Days and holidays does God want (or not want) us to celebrate? | Web Articles of Interest | The Feast of Pentecost: The Firstfruits of God's Harvest
This harvest festival shows us how God is "harvesting" people for eternal life in His Kingdom through His Church. | The Lesson of the Feast of Firstfruits
If Jesus Christ came to save mankind, why is the world in such sad shape? | How should a Christian today celebrate the annual festivals observed by Jesus Christ and the apostles?
Most Christians today don't observe the seven festivals God calls "My feasts" (Leviticus 23:2). Here is how the United Church of God celebrates these meaningful festivals today. |
| Upcoming Holy Day
| | Pentecost - May 31, 2009 | | God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind |
| | Weekly Commentary |  Memorial Day for Servants of God
God remembers His faithful and fallen servants. In Hebrews 11 we find a list of some of the true heroes of faith.
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| | Beyond Today Web TV | Before You Divorce
If a marriage is on the rocks, is it worth saving? What is the real key to renovating a troubled marriage? Don't miss this! |
| | UCG.org Web site Updates | May 28, 2009
The June 2009 issue of the United News is now available. | May 28, 2009
Listen to the audio/video sermon titled "Why Does God Allow Blessings?" by David Johnson. | May 28, 2009
Read the new sermon transcript titled "The Spirit of Pentecost Creates the Environment for Growth" | May 26, 2009
Bible FAQ: Why did Jesus Christ use parables? | May 26, 2009
Bible FAQ: What does the Bible mean by the "third heaven"? | May 26, 2009
Beyond Today Commentary -- Headache | May 26, 2009
Good News Online Radio Program -- Why Does God Allow Suffering? |
| | Good News Daily Video Commentary | | May 28, 2009 - The Missing Missing Link | | May 27, 2009 - The Satanic FUD Factor | | May 26, 2009 - Is Marriage a Gamble? | | May 22, 2009 - Security for America | | Archived Good News Video Commentary |
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