Acts 2:1-13

2 On the day of Pentecost^[a] all the believers were meeting together in one place.² Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. ³ Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. ⁴ And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,^[b] as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

⁵ At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem.⁶ When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

⁷ They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, ⁸ and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! ⁹ Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome ¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” ¹² They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

¹³ But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told the disciples to wait in the city until the Holy Spirit came (Luke 24:49). Only then would they be FILLED with the power to do what He commanded: make disciples.

All the believers obeyed.

They waited.

Then a sound came from heaven.

The house was filled.

Flames of fire settled on everyone.

Everyone was FILLED with the Holy Spirit.

Everyone.

Prior to Pentecost, these believers had confessed and believed that Jesus Christ was Lord. They were baptized with water. But they needed to be baptized with fire (Luke 3:16, Joel 2:28-29).

After Pentecost, todays believers must also confess, believe and be baptized with water. Through the spectacular unmerited gift of grace, their spirit and soul will live eternally with God. But Jesus promised another gift! Abundant life. When they are baptized with fire, the Holy Spirit will fill their life – to the FULL!

Being FILLED with the Holy Spirit enables believers to obey God’s commands. We can love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We can love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We can make disciples that do the same.

Unfortunately, I see too many believers who are sober. They need to be drunk- in the

Spirit! When a believer relinquishes control and is baptized with fire, things get a little crazy in their life- and their city. Flames of fire will burn over their heads and draw others to witness the supernatural power of Jesus Christ in their lives. People will come running to see & hear the Word of God being spoken! Some will be amazed, perplexed and ask questions. And some will criticize and falsely accuse them of being intoxicated at 9 o’clock in the morning (But who cares what the crowd says. The crowd criticized and falsely accused Jesus too).

Are you a believer? Have you confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord? Wonderful! You will inherit eternal life.

Are you a believer who confessed, believed, was baptized and is meeting with other believers; devoting yourself to the apostles teaching, prayer, chatting and eating -together? Fantastic!

Have you been FILLED with the Holy Spirit?

No?

Well just keep waiting….and while you wait: ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7). God will fulFILL His promise. Then go- make disciples.