During the time of Jesus, Pentecost was an annual Jewish festival, also known as the “Feast of Weeks,” or the “Day of Firstfruits,” a celebration of the first buds of the harvest. Jewish men were required by law to go to Jerusalem three times each year to celebrate the major feasts and Pentecost was one of them. It took place seven weeks and a day after Passover.
On the day of Pentecost, over one hundred disciples of Jesus were gathered together in Jerusalem in an upper room. In this group was Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, Mary, the mother of Jesus and His brothers, to name a few. Then something happened that had never happened before.
Acts 2:2 says, “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Verse 4 says “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
When this sound occurred, the Bible says that “the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.”
Now, let’s look at what happened here. Jesus had been crucified and had raised from the dead. He appeared to the disciples and taught them for forty days and then He ascended into heaven. The disciples of Jesus were in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost and the room had been filled with the sound of a mighty wind, inside the room.
They all spoke in tongues – all the disciples, all of the brothers of Jesus and even Mary, the mother of Jesus. As they were speaking in tongues, all of the travelers from different regions who spoke different languages each heard them speaking in their native language. As they spoke, each person heard in their own language.
Needless to say, everyone was greatly amazed. Shocked may be a closer word. Some started saying, “What does this mean?” And just like today, verse 13 says others stood by mocking, calling them drunks.
But then Peter stood up with the other eleven disciples and raised his voice and began to explain what had happened. He told them that what had happened was the fulfillment of a prophecy that was spoken by the prophet, Joel. He told them about Jesus and how He was crucified. He told them that God raised Jesus from the dead.
When he concluded his sermon, he made a very important statement. In Acts 2:38 Peter said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord or God will call.”
Peter said that the gift of the Holy Spirit was not just for the one hundred and twenty in the upper room. He said the gift of the Holy Spirit was for all those who were listening to him. Then he said that receiving the Holy Spirit was for their children and for all who are far away. In other words, receiving the Holy Spirit is for everyone who desires to receive Him. That includes you and me.
In Luke 11:17, Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Believe in Jesus, ask and receive.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.