The christening of the first church - The Day of Pentecost.

This past Sunday we celebrated the Day of Pentecost, the christening of the first church if you like.

The disciples and the twelve apostles had been gathered in Jerusalem since Ascension Day, where Jesus rose back up to heaven. Just before he ascended, Jesus had told them to stay in Jerusalem until they were to receive The Holy Spirit.

They had been gathering every day praying together, eating together, sharing together. They went to the synagogue everyday.

Now they were assembled in one of their houses. Suddenly a mighty wind roared from the heavens and fire came down to them. The fire split into tongues of fire, spreading amongst them so that each of them had a tongue of fire on their head.

And they started speaking in tongues. All the peoples who stayed in Jerusalem heard them speak in his or her tongue and people were amazed.

They new that these men were Galileans and could not speak these languages normally. Some mocked the disciples speaking ill of them by claiming that they were drunk from young wine.

But Peter, who had recovered from his denial of Jesus, took the stand and spoke to the crowd: "These men are not drunk as you suppose. It is only 9 in the morning." (Acts 2:15 NIV). And he continued by reciting the Old Testament prophecies by Joel (Joel 2:28-32) and David (Psalm 16:8-11) about this day.

That day 3000 men were added to the church. Why? Because of the 'fireworks display' - well it certainly had its effect but it was not the real reason.

The disciples were baptised by the Holy Spirit in a very special way because they were obedient of the commands of Christ. They held together, praying, praising, sharing and caring amongst themselves in the spirit of Christ and that is why God poured his Spirit upon them, giving them the ability to speak languages they did not know.

Are we ready to be baptised like that? Are we living a Christ-like life not only amongst ourselves but also among those that despises and ridicules us?

If not (and let us face it - we do not live up to the standard of Christ) then it is time for us to recommit ourselves - not once, not twice but daily and maybe even several times a day. We need to bow down, go on our knees and ask God for forgiveness and guidance in our lives. And finally the Love of Christ against not only those we love but those we least like and even do not like.