New Beginnings: The Work Of The Holy SpiritSample

Pentecost and the Harvest

The context of the Pentecost festival in the Jewish community was the celebration of the wheat harvest. In Matthew 9, Jesus related this festival to the spiritual harvest of souls.

The Holy Spirit’s work is evident in a number of ways. He convicts the world of sin. He empowers us to witness the good news of Jesus. He works in us so that we are sanctified (transformed into the likeness of Christ). He leads us to all truth. These are but a few (John 16:5-16)! 

Acts 2:1-4 (NLT), “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”

This was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8, that the Holy Spirit would come to empower believers to be witnesses. A witness is someone who relates what they saw and heard. We are witnesses to the good news of Jesus. Not just that, but He gives us the power we need to witness about Him effectively to those around us.

The easiest way to witness is to tell your story. What was your life like before you met Jesus? What was the deciding moment that brought you to faith in Jesus? What has Jesus done in your life since then? Everyone has a story and what makes it so powerful is that it’s your own! It’s your personal experience that no one could really devalue! Paul, Apostle, also says this good news is the power of God that saves people’s lives (Romans 1:16)!

Usually on a Wednesday, the ministers of our Group of Churches (the Assemblies of God Group) pray for workers. We pray for you and ourselves, that Jesus would continue to empower us all to continue the work in the harvest field. Right now, in this unprecedented time, the harvest is ready for reaping. Who do you know that you could reach out to and begin a conversation with about Jesus?

Application: Before you finish your time of prayer, ask God again for a fresh empowerment of His Holy Spirit so that you can witness to His goodness today. Pray for those far from God and pray for the Church to continue the mandate of Jesus in making disciples. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you practically in reaping in the harvest field.