When the crowd heard this, they were deeply troubled. They said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Change your hearts and lives. Each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you, your children, and for all who are far away—as many as the Lord our God invites.”

Acts 2:37-39

So Pentecost. The birthday of The Church. Ground zero for the idea of being a community telling the story of The Risen Christ – not just telling the story but living the good news story!

What we are celebrating today is the simple fact that God is with us in power and in purpose, that God purposes to empower each one of us to live in a new way – a new and living way (Hebrews 10).

There is nothing mysterious, otherworldly, or supernatural about Pentecost; I believe the Living Way is extra natural – or meta natural. We are being invited to live beyond the limits that hem so many people in, and into the way our Creator intended when we were first imagined, designed, created, and gifted to this good Earth.

The power of the Holy Spirit is about living to capacity – the natural capacity inherent in our creation. Maybe Pentecost is better described as releasing than filling?

It truly is a sign and a wonder when people actually begin to live as if what Jesus teaches is true!

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings… Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…

Hebrews 10:19-25

So let’s celebrate Pentecost by going to worship, and then worshipping via the way that we live as empowered children of God – DEREK