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Pentecost and Speaking In Tongues

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The miracle of Pentecost, as it pertains to speaking in tongues, marks a significant event in the founding of the Church of God in 31 AD. On that day, the phenomenon of speaking in tongues was introduced as a sign, where the disciples spoke in languages new to them, yet understood by the diverse crowd present. In Acts 2, this is depicted in its pure and unperverted form, as given by God, where the crowd expected to hear the Galilean dialect but instead heard their own native languages, demonstrating a dual miracle of speaking and hearing. This event allowed many people of various nationalities to comprehend the message in their own tongue, regardless of the language spoken by the disciples. The purpose of this gift on Pentecost was primarily to communicate the gospel of the Kingdom of God intelligibly to unbelievers and to serve as a visible and audible witness. The miracle ensured that, despite language barriers, the message was understood by all present, as evidenced by the listing of numerous regions and languages in Acts 2:9-12, all of which were known and common but new to the speakers. This event also served to confirm the gospel message, as seen in later instances such as Acts 10, where tongues reassured Peter and others of the validity of preaching to Gentiles, and in Acts 19, where it confirmed the message to those with partial understanding of salvation. The use of tongues on Pentecost and in subsequent events was always tied to a divine purpose, never performed without reason, and aimed at pointing to a significant message from God. Unlike the misuse seen in other contexts, the Pentecost event stands as the exemplary model of God's intent for this gift, focusing on clarity and understanding rather than confusion or personal display.

Peter's Trumpets Message—on Pentecost

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The miracle of Pentecost holds significant meaning in understanding the connection Peter saw with Joel's prophecy. The nature of this miracle temporarily reversed the division of languages imposed by God at Babel, enabling communication where it was previously hindered. The disciples, untutored in foreign tongues, spoke languages understood by their diverse audience, allowing a direct connection between speaker and hearer. This miracle, though not as dramatic as healing the blind or raising the dead, carried profound importance in bridging communication barriers. The participants of this miracle included Galilean disciples, whose dialect marked them as uneducated in the eyes of Jerusalem's elite, and a cosmopolitan audience of Jews and Gentile proselytes from around the world. This diverse gathering was astonished to hear these Galileans fluently speaking in various languages, revealing God's power to enable communication between Himself and mankind, as well as among different peoples. Peter recognized that this event signified a new level of access to God's salvation, extending to Gentiles, as reflected in Joel's words that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Through this miracle, God demonstrated His intent to build relationships across all humanity, offering hope and salvation to both Jew and Gentile alike.

Peter's Pentecost Sermon

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The events of Pentecost, as detailed in Acts 2, carry profound significance in shaping Peter's sermon. The sound of a rushing mighty wind, the tongues of fire, and the speaking in other languages served multiple purposes. Firstly, these signs attracted attention, drawing a crowd and prompting reactions of confusion and curiosity among the onlookers. Such miracles, performed by God's servants, often compel people to stop and consider the extraordinary nature of what they witness, questioning its meaning and reality. Secondly, these signs confirmed God's Word as spoken through His servants. They validated the message of the apostles, providing instant credibility to at least some in the crowd. Peter himself acknowledged during his sermon that God attested to Jesus' Messiahship through miracles, signs, and wonders, thereby also affirming the apostles' preaching as divinely inspired. Lastly, the auditory and visual elements of the event—the violent windstorm sound and the tongues of fire—carried pointed meanings. Beyond symbolizing the Holy Spirit, they suggested violence, disaster, and destruction, reminiscent of the destructive power of wind, fire, and the tongue. Peter perceived a dichotomy in these signs: good and evil, blessing and curse, construction and destruction. This underscored a critical choice for the audience, echoing God's call to choose life over death. The powerful manifestations, accompanied by a tactile sensation of shaking, emotionally and spiritually impacted those present, emphasizing the gravity of the moment and the urgency of the decision before them.

Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Pentecost holds a unique and radiant significance among the holy days, likened to a brilliant flash of light on a gloomy day. It is viewed as the central figure among the three holy day seasons, embodying spiritual freedom, while Passover represents political freedom and Tabernacles economic freedom. The commanded counting of days leading to Pentecost underscores its importance, marking a period significant yet manageable, emphasizing its pivotal role. On the day of Pentecost, a remarkable event unfolded as the sound of a mighty rushing wind, perceived as coming from heaven, filled the house—likely the Temple—where the disciples were sitting during a holy day service. This sound, confined to the area of the house, drew the attention of others nearby. Alongside this, flames of fire appeared on those receiving God's Holy Spirit, visibly setting them apart, reminiscent of the baptism of fire mentioned by John the Baptist. Those in the house, filled with the Holy Spirit, began speaking in other languages, which were not unknown but familiar to the foreign-born inhabitants of Jerusalem who were present. These individuals, largely permanent residents and likely Jews born elsewhere in the Roman Empire, heard the disciples speaking in their native tongues, demonstrating the immediate and powerful impact of the Spirit's presence. This day marked the beginning of a transformative process, as God's Holy Spirit opened the minds of many who had witnessed the ministry of Jesus Christ. Hearing Peter's sermon, with the aid of the Spirit, three thousand repented and were baptized, a culmination of years of preparation through the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. The giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is central to God's purpose, empowering individuals for spiritual growth and enabling the creation and transformation from a state of destruction to one of purity and order. It serves as the means through which God continues His creative work, shaping and molding as the Potter does clay, facilitating a new life and the pursuit of righteousness in His image.

The Pentecost Witness

Article by David C. Grabbe

The day of Pentecost is marked by extraordinary signs and miracles. Acts 2:1-11 recounts that when the Holy Spirit was given, the display of power amazed all who were present. A sound like a mighty rushing wind was heard, fire appeared to rest on the apostles, and they spoke in such a way that every person could understand in his own language and dialect. Before this event, Jesus Himself emphasized to His disciples the significance of receiving the Holy Spirit, declaring that they would receive power to be witnesses of Him. Through the giving of the Holy Spirit, Christ's disciples were equipped to be lights to the world and to demonstrate a way of life that glorified God.

Asphalt Aspirations and Pentecost's Promise

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

At Pentecost, a remarkable event unfolded in Jerusalem where devout Jews from every nation under the sky gathered. When a sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, for everyone heard the speakers in their own native language. Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from various regions including Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya around Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia—all heard the mighty works of God spoken in their own tongues. They were amazed and perplexed, questioning the meaning of this phenomenon. In this moment, God reversed the dispersion of people, bringing them together from all directions. Unlike at Babel, where YHWH, who later became Christ, came down to a united people and confused their language, here at Pentecost, the same Being descended to a united people. This time, He did not hinder but facilitated building, specifically the construction of His church. Coming down as the Holy Spirit, He brought a different kind of confusion—not by scrambling languages, but by undoing the confusion of Babel on a small scale. Everyone could understand each other, yet the people were still amazed and confused by the extraordinary situation, much like at Babel. As Pentecost approaches, it is evident that God is forging a unified people in Him, using superior materials for a structure that will endure. Unlike the Babel-folk who focused on their own accomplishments, the Pentecost-people gladly centered on the mighty works of God.

Acts (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Adherents to the Pentecostal movement try to mimic some of the superficial surface manifestations of Acts 2 rather than follow the teaching given on that day.

Acts (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.

Preparing While Waiting For God

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Waiting for God is an acquired virtue requiring patience and longsuffering. Times of waiting are times to practice obedience and fellowship with others.

Pure Language Restored

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

When we repeat negative expressions, they become reinforced, and we develop a negative disposition. Our spoken words reinforce our thoughts.

The Identifying Sign of a True Disciple of Jesus

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The Navy SEALs' fear is not of death, but of failing their team, parallel to the bond Jesus Christ desires among His disciples.

The Plain Truth About the "Sacred Name"

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Do we have to refer to the members of the God Family as Yahweh, Jehovah, or other Hebrew names in order to be saved? Is this God's intent, or superstition?