Pentecost is a feast that has its roots in the Jewish feast of thanksgiving. Later, it was recognized as the day that marked the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites, and the day to commemorate when Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. After Christ’s Ascension, Pentecost was known as the day God’s promises were fulfilled: His Church was established; the Holy Spirit – the Helper – dwelt within each one of the believers, providing them with what they would need to fulfill their calling; and the apostle ministry was equipped to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ among all nations and point the congregation towards His return.

After the Holy Spirit filled Jesus’ disciples, Peter gave a sermon to the Jewish people gathered from many nations about the sending of God’s Spirit and what that meant for the people. After Peter’s call to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, about 3,000 people were baptized and became part of the first church. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47).

As believers today, Pentecost is still a time of celebration. We celebrate that the church of Christ is active and that we are part of it. We celebrate that the gift of the Holy Spirit dwells and works within us. We celebrate that the apostle ministry is still active in dispensing the sacrament of Holy Sealing through the laying on of hands. We can celebrate these things together, giving thanks and glorifying God as His people.