GOD SPEAKS TO HIS CHILDREN

[ SERAPHIM HOME ] . [ FFC ] . [ YOUTH ] .. [ BIBLE ] ... [ GOD SPEAKS TO HIS CHILDREN ]

93. God’s new people: the Church of Jesus Christ

On the day of Pentecost all the disciples of Jesus, both men and women, as well as Mary, his mother, were gathered together in the same house. They were waiting for the Helper whom Jesus had promised them. Then suddenly there came from heaven a roaring sound like a mighty wind. It filled the whole house. Tongues of fire appeared and descended upon each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They praised God, and they praised his Son, Jesus Christ.

Many people from distant lands had come to Jerusalem for the feast. A large crowd thronged in front of the house where the disciples were staying. They were all filled with awe, for each of them heard the disciples of Jesus speaking in his own language. They were perplexed and asked each other: What does this mean? Then Peter began to speak. He called out: Listen to me! I will explain it to you. What the prophet Joel foretold in the name of God is being fulfilled here and now: At the end of time God pours out his Spirit on all mankind. Remember Jesus of Nazareth. He came by the will of God and did the deeds of God. You witnessed this yourselves. God gave his own Son – you accused him and had him condemned by the Romans. He died on the cross, but God raised him up from the dead. We are all his witnesses. God has exalted him. He is the Messiah.

The words of Peter went to the hearts of many people. They asked: Brothers, what are we to do? Peter replied: Change your lives. Be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then he will send you the Holy Spirit. Many listened to Peter and were baptised. That one day three thousand people joined the community of Jesus Christ.

(Acts 2)

>> GOD SPEAKS TO HIS CHILDREN

> BIBLE

SERAPHIM HOME