The first Christian Pentecost ushered in a change that transformed God's people forever!  As 120 believers waited and prayed for the "promise of the Father," which Jesus had told them about, the promise came.  Here's what happened:  ¹On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. ²Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. ³Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  ⁴And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts 2:1-4 NLT  The key to the change that transformed God's people forever is "...and EVERYONE present was filled with the Holy Spirit." (emphasis added.)

 In past ages only special, chosen people received the Holy Spirit.  Now, EVERY believer received Him.  That means NOW, you and I receive Him and receive the power of God for fulfilling His calling in each of our lives.  Whatever God calls us to do, He empowers us to do it.  When Jesus gave the Great Commission, and called us to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything He commanded, He also promised, "I will be with You always, even to the end of the age."  That promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost .  Jesus is not only "with" us, He is IN us, by His Holy Spirit.  What is Jesus calling YOU to do today?  Whatever it is, He has already given you the power to do by giving you the Holy Spirit.  We never have to wonder whether we'll be able to carry out His mission in our lives, because He is with us and in us by the Holy Spirit.  How amazing!  The presence of the living God came to the Church on that first Pentecost, came to EVERY believer and He has continued to do so in every era of Church history, right up to you and me!  Throughout this week, we'll be looking at Acts 2, and seeing the difference the Spirit makes in our lives.  The difference is incredible!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to EVERY believer!  Fill us today with that same Spirit that we may hear Your voice and do Your will.  This we ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.