Happy Birthday, Church

"Happy birthday, to you..." The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 is the birthday of the church. The day begins with 120 people awaiting the promise Jesus made. By 9 a.m. the miraculous power of God's Spirit filled everyone in this room. They spill into the streets while speaking in tongues and the result is people from around the world hear the Gospel in their own language. But, some of the religious crowd accuse them of being drunk, so the Apostle Peter steps up, and filled with the Spirit, preaches the first Christian sermon. He preaches from the Old Testament and even accuses the crowds and leaders of killing the Messiah. No holding punches, but the crux of Peter's message is about Jesus crucified and risen resulting in the forgiveness of sins and the promise of the Spirit for all who believe. This invitation is for all who repent and are baptized. So, on day one of Christianity, the church grows from 120 to 3,120. But, the key is to know that the Spirit empowered Gospel found in the Word of God is what birthed the church. And, this same Gospel proclaimed is what shapes the church and gives it life today.