In the name of Christ Jesus, dear Christian friends,

On Memorial Day, we remember soldiers who defended our freedom and our country. It reminds me of some of the battles and wars in our nation's history. For example, 60 years ago, on June 6th, 1944, our soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy. They fought under the most difficult conditions imaginable! People today can't really understand what it was like, but young people gained some respect for what it was like after watching the movie, "Saving Private Ryan." It was awfully gory, but they took control of the beach. They won a great and important battle. And yet, I believe that a far greater battle was won on that first Pentecost. Pentecost was one of the greatest days in history! Some call it the "Birthday of the Christian Church." On that day, 3000 people were brought to faith! The devil suffered a huge defeat on Pentecost, for...

1. WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST?

Every year we celebrate Pentecost. Many of you have known this lesson for years. But, not everyone knows what happened on that first Pentecost. The Scripture lesson printed on the back of the bulletin did not really tell much of the account. So, we've printed it inside the bulletin. I invite you to follow along as I read Acts chapter two from the insert in today's bulletin.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Triune God. On that first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in a miraculous way. He enabled them to speak in foreign languages without having to study. He gathered a crowd of people to listen to a message. And he strengthened the apostles to preach the gospel with boldness. They declared the wonders of God in foreign languages! But, some people didn't know what to make of it. Let's read on.

Peter preached a powerful message. He got right to the point when he talked about Jesus as the long-promised Savior. He talked about the death and resurrection of Christ. He boldly declared that Jesus is Lord and Christ! That's where our text comes in from the back of the bulletin.

{37} When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" The people had guilty consciences. The Law of God had cut them to the heart. They were afraid of God's anger and punishment. They were seeking comfort and help. They didn't know what to do. So, they said, "What shall we do?" Peter was ready to help.

{38-39} Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." Peter called them to repent of their sin and to be baptized. He told them that in baptism, they would receive the forgiveness of sins. In baptism, they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would work faith, and live in their hearts. This is a gospel promise connected to baptism. And look who was to be baptized. It says, "every one of you." It says, "The promise is for you and your children." Children and infants also have sin. They too can believe. The Bible says so! And so, Peter said that the promise of forgiveness, life and salvation through baptism was not just for the adults. He said, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off." The promise is for adults and children. Baptism is for all ages and all nations. And he didn't stop there!

{40-41} With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Be saved from this corrupt generation." {41} Those who accepted [or "welcomed"] his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. The Holy Spirit entered people's hearts through the message Peter preached and worked powerfully. Three thousand people were baptized on that day alone! Three thousand people were brought to faith in Jesus as their Savior! Can you imagine?! They repented of their sins and trusted in Christ. A great battle was won. Now, if on D-Day, our troops had immediately lost the beach, and been driven from Normandy, D-Day would not be as famous as it is. But they held the beach and moved on to win the war. When it comes to Pentecost, it is a fair question to ask,...

2. WHAT HAPPENED AFTER PENTECOST?

On that first Pentecost, 3000 people were baptized and added to the number of believers. That's nice. But, if they had all fallen away from faith soon after that, it would not have been all that great. I mean, if we would confirm 15 people, and they would all fall away within six months, that wouldn't be so great. We need to consider "what happened after Pentecost?"

The Bible reveals the answer in verse 42, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." In other words, they continued to grow in faith. Usually, when people talk about churches that are growing, they are talking about churches that are growing in numbers. But, a church is growing internally when the members grow in faith. They grew internally.

It says that they devoted themselves or remained faithful to the apostles' teaching. They continued to hear and learn the pure Word of God from the apostles. And that's where faith comes from, hearing God's Word. Next, it says that they devoted themselves to the fellowship. They continued to express fellowship with this group of people. Soon they would be persecuted for their faith in Christ. Yet, they wanted to be connected to this Savior and this group of believers. Then it says that they devoted themselves to the breaking of bread. That's probably talking about receiving the Lord's Supper. They received the Lord's Supper often. And finally, they devoted themselves to prayer. This is probably talking about the public worship services and the set prayers that they would pray. They regularly heard God's Word, and joined in worship services.

The early Christians were active in feeding their faith and worshiping their Savior. They are a good example for us. I would hope others would describe us this way: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." God blessed the early church with growth in numbers and growth in faith. But, some might say: that's nice history, but...

3. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

Well, this was not recorded in Scripture just because it's nice to know ancient history. This was written for our learning. In this Bible chapter, we learn about the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Triune God. We read about his great power to work miracles and to convert people to faith through the Word of the Gospel and Holy Baptism. We learn of the great power of God's Word. The Holy Spirit is always working through God's Word whether Peter is the preacher, or somebody else. Whenever we use the Word of God, we have the power of God in our hands! And the Holy Spirit is always working through God's Word.

Peter was preaching Law and Gospel, just like we do. The Law convicts us of sin and threatens God's everlasting punishment! The Gospel comforts us with the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life for us and died on the cross to pay for all of our sins. He rose from death with our forgiveness.

Peter told the people to repent and be baptized. He taught the importance of Holy Baptism. There is so much false teaching about Baptism in America we can't seem to keep up with it all. The false teachers are like grasshoppers. They seem to be everywhere. And their damage can be seen wherever you see children hindered from being baptized. But the Bible is very clear about this! The promise is for you and for your children! So, parents, do not delay to have your children baptized! In baptism, the Lord washes away their sins and works faith in Christ.

There are all kinds of lessons on Pentecost. Consider this one: We still have the same message and the same Holy Spirit. Peter could not have predicted that 3000 people would be converted that day. But it happened. Do not underestimate the power of God's Word! God can still work miracles! When we use God's Word, we are applying God's power! God's power comes to us through the sermon. It comes to us in Sunday School and Bible Classes. It goes out to others in our outreach and our mission work. God's Word works!

Remember what happened after Pentecost too. The people didn't quit. They heard God's Word. They worshiped often, and received the Lord's Supper. They grew in faith and in numbers. Then, remember how it ended. It didn't end! The growth continued. They kept growing...

God's Word will be preached, and Baptism and the Lord's Supper will be administered until Christ returns. May God keep us faithful! May God give more faith to us and faith to more people, by the Holy Spirit's power working through his Word. On that first Pentecost, 3000 were added, that day! Who knows what the Holy Spirit will do today. Come, Holy Spirit, through your Word. Amen.