Pentecost

The Promise Is Unto You And To Your Children

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Jake Receiving The Holy Ghost

Our family experienced one of the most joyful events recently when our oldest grandson received the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This experience is not a new thing. On the contrary, it can be dated back two thousand years to the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

This was the day, the very moment, when God poured out His Spirit upon those who had been waiting, praying and seeking for more of His Presence. This first time outpouring was such a monumental occasion, it was accompanied by the sound of rushing wind, and visible flames of fire over each person’s head. These two signs marked that initial outpouring, yet have not been consistent evidence of subsequent infillings. The sign of TONGUES, however, has remained the obvious initial evidence of being filled with God’s Holy Spirit.

THE PROMISE IS TO YOUR CHILDREN.

Later in Acts chapter two, the Apostle Peter preaches the New Birth message to those gathered in Jerusalem that day for the Feast of Pentecost. They were confused about what they were hearing, and thought the disciples of Jesus were drunk. Peter explained to them that they were not drunk on natural wine as it seemed, but they were filled too overflowing with the Spirit of God. He continues on to tell them that what they were hearing was the last day outpouring which the Prophet Joel had foretold.

He proceeds to teach them the New Birth, and assures them if they are obedient to repentance of their sins and baptism in Jesus’ name, they AND THEIR CHILDREN would receive this amazing gift.

”Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

As Oneness Apostolic Christians, we encourage our children to seek God early. We teach them God’s Word, and create an atmosphere at home and at church that is conducive to their spiritual growth which includes receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

YOU MAY ASK HOW THEY LEARN TO SPEAK IN TONGUES.

This is one of the most beautiful things about receiving the Holy Ghost. No one “learns” how to do it. We don’t teach our children to speak in tongues. We encourage them to worship and seek the Lord wholeheartedly. They instinctively give every part of themselves over to the Spirit of God, and tongues pour out as His Spirit is poured in.

Just as there is no need to teach a baby to cry, neither is there a need to teach someone, even a child, to cry out to God in tongues. Once the body is submitted to God, the spirit instinctively seeks its Creator, and cries out to Him.

PERHAPS YOU THOUGHT TONGUES HAD CEASED.

This line of thinking comes from a passage in 1 Corinthians 13.

”Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)

From this passage, we learn there will come a time when there will be no more need of speaking in tongues…when that which is perfect is come, speaking of the return of Jesus Christ to set up His earthly Kingdom after the rapture of the church. However, that time is not yet. You and I continue to live in the dispensation just before His return, and the infilling of His Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, continues to be the obvious and biblical sign of receiving His Spirit, as well as an essential part of the New Birth.

WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-14)

Even the disciples were confused about Jesus’ love for children. They rebuked parents who wanted to bring their children close to Him for a blessing. But Jesus allowed, and even encouraged children to get as close to Him as possible. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is being filled with the very Spirit that Jesus was filled with. God’s Holy Spirit. Why would we not want this for our children?

THE HOLY GHOST IS A TEACHER, COMFORTER AND SOURCE OF PEACE.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“ (John 14:26)

As parents and grandparents, we do our best to teach our children the ways of God, and the knowledge and wisdom to be overcomers in this life from day to day. We’ve all experienced the fear and sorrow of knowing we can’t be there every single moment to guide our children through life’s difficult paths.

Our children and grandchildren are facing the most treacherous time in the history of the world. Black is called white. Wrong is called right. Rebellion is called freedom. Darkness is called light. Holiness is called bondage.

As a result, confusion often permeates our children’s minds, and anxiety rules their spirits.

Jesus said the greatest teacher, guide, comforter and peace giver is the Spirit of God -the Holy Ghost. Why would we not want this for our children?

A CHILD’S TESTIMONY

Our sweet grandboy, Jake, was wonderfully filled with the priceless gift of the Holy Ghost while surrounded by his family and church family. He lifted his hands high in worship, and sought the Lord with his whole heart, crying out to him unashamedly. In just a few minutes God rewarded him by pouring into him His Holy Spirit. Jake began to speak in a heavenly language, unknown to him, as God’s Spirit flowed in.

Afterward, his testimony to his mother was this, “My heart feels so heavy, but it’s a good feeling because it’s so full of joy!” 

Why would we not want this for our children?

In Jesus’ Name,

-Pat

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Jake with his Memaw & Papaw after receiving the Holy Ghost
Jake with his pastor & pastor’s wife

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is Pentecost Sunday?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

What Is Pentecost Sunday? Simply put, it is the day we celebrate the first outpouring of God’s Spirit, evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues (languages) in Acts chapter 2. This event occurred 2,000ish years ago, and is still happening today for anyone who repents and seeks to be filled.

”And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

For a deeper understanding, let’s walk back in time 3,500 years to when the children of Israel were in Egyptian bondage. God heard their cries of oppression, and sent Moses to be their deliverer. On the night before they were to leave Egypt, they were told to kill a lamb, and put its blood on the door posts and lintels of each Hebrew family’s home. The death angel was coming through the land as a final plague/punishment upon the wicked Pharaoh of Egypt. Any home who had the LAMB’S BLOOD on the door posts would be spared as the death angel PASSED OVER, not killing the firstborn of that house. This was the very first Jewish holy day, the Feast of Passover.

Fast forward now to Jesus’ broken and bloody body hanging on the cross. The Jewish people had celebrated Passover every year for 1,500ish years. This year was different. This year, the Holy LAMB of God was killed on Passover, once and for all paying humanity’s debt for sin.

The next Jewish holy day is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It commences the very next day after Passover on the 15th day of the Hebrew month Nisan. In like manner that the yearly celebration of Passover commemorates Jesus’ death, the Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorates the fact that when Jesus was buried, His body did not decay in the grave.

The third Jewish holy day is the Feast of Firstfruits. It occurs on the 16th day of the Hebrew month Nisan. On this holy day, the Jewish people would bring the first of their barley harvest in thanksgiving and anticipation of a good harvest. The Lord accepted these “firstfruits” as a pledge on His part to give a full harvest.

Jesus rose from the dead on the Jewish holy day of Firstfruits. Hence, becoming the first to ever raise from the dead to immortal life. His resurrection is our “pledge” from God that if we are born again according to scripture, and live a holy life, He will also raise us to life eternal.

Fifty days later is the Jewish holy day, the Feast of Weeks. Seven weeks were counted from Firstfruits, and then the feast was celebrated the very next day on the fiftieth day. The Feast of Weeks celebrated the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. It is also often associated with the commemoration of the Law (10 Commandments) being given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Feast of Weeks also became known as Pentecost which literally means fifty (50). The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 happened 50 days after Jesus’ death.

FEAST OF PASSOVER -Jesus was killed as our Passover Lamb of God.

FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD -Jesus’ body did not decay as it laid in the grave, as it was without sin.

FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS -Jesus rose from the dead on this holy day. He is the firstfruits of the resurrection, and our assurance that God will also raise His Church up to immortal life.

FEAST OF WEEKS -Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection on Firstfruits, His Holy Spirit was poured out on New Testament believers on what came to be called Pentecost. This is the holiday/holy day we celebrate on Pentecost Sunday. Come experience your own personal Pentecost just like in Acts 2!

*These four Jewish holy days are the Spring Feasts of the Lord. They were fulfilled in every detail by Jesus’ first coming.

*There remain three Fall Feasts: The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement and The Feast of Tabernacle. One year not to long from now, these four remaining holy days will be fulfilled in just as much detail at Jesus’ second coming.

*You can read about all seven of God’s holy days in Leviticus 23.

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)

The Day I Received the Holy Ghost

~ Pat Vick ~ 4 Comments

I clearly remember the day that I first received the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Many people are overcome with such joy at receiving the Holy Ghost for the first time that they are caught up in an exuberant display of praise and worship. This is normal and to be expected when the God of all Glory comes in to make His abode with you. While I have experienced this joyful elation many times since that first encounter, it’s not what I remember the most.

We lived out of state at the time, and were in town visiting family. It was Sunday morning service at Rushing Chapel, where my husband’s family had attended his whole life, and that we pastor today. (But that is a different story.)

I had been baptized in Jesus’ name about five years earlier, and had been seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost ever since. Service after service, year after year, I would sob and pray and beg God to fill me with His Spirit, until I was embarrassed to go to the altar yet again. I felt like I had “worn out the saints of the Most High.”

This morning didn’t feel any different…at first. I was with my husband in about the third pew from the back on the right side, when I felt it. The pull of the Spirit. Just a gentle tug, easily ignored…at first. A few minutes later the gentle tug became a persistent tapping. I dug my fingers into the back of the wooden pew in front of me, my knuckles whitening. The third time He passed my way, He spoke to my heart. Not an audible voice, but one that I heard just as surely. You might think that He wooed me with pleasant words of comfort, but He did not. As shocking as it may seem, He said, “This is the last time that I will call you,” …and I believed Him.

The Pastor was right in the middle of his message. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t finished or that it wasn’t time for the altar call. I could wait no longer. I stood up and stepped past my husband into the isle, lifted my hands to the Lord, began worshipping Him out loud and speaking in a heavenly language that I had never learned. Pentecost was mine.

As I said, upon receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, many understandably break into loud and joyous praise and worship. I just remember being so filled with sweet relief. My desperate soul had found rest in His Spirit.

We often make receiving the Holy Ghost so much more difficult than it need be. After a few minutes of quietly speaking in tongues I wondered why I had taken so long. As soon as I gave everything over to Him, even the small, dark recesses of my mind, He came in to abide with me.

If you are seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost, don’t make it hard on yourself. Remember:

-The Holy Ghost is a gift. God wants you to be filled with His Spirit. His Word says He is our Heavenly Father, and He will withhold no good thing from us.
-The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 is the only time in scripture that people “tarried” for the Holy Ghost. This was because it was appointed to be poured out on this particular day, so they had to wait for it. You don’t have to wait now.
-Do your part. Repent of your sins and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of those sins. (Acts 2:38-39)
-Lift up your hands and begin to praise the Lord out loud. The Holy Ghost comes when we praise Him.
-If you have been seeking the Holy Ghost for a lengthy time, it is always good to check yourself and ask, “Have I given over every part of myself to Him? Is there something I’m holding on to? Blatant sin, habits, addictions, attitudes, pride, fears? No matter what it is, how seemingly small or insignificant, if you are thinking about it right now as you read this, there is a good chance that is the thing that is keeping you from experiencing your own Day of Pentecost.

“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.” (Isaiah 28:11-12)

I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a question/comment below or shoot me an email at pat@patvick.com, if it’s too personal for you to share here. God Bless.

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-Pat Vick