Pentecost
Holy Spirit, Acts 2, 24 May 2026
27 05 26
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
May 24, 2026
Acts 2
Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received, an expression of love? What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given, an expression of love?
I think it’s safe to say the greatest gift in history was…Jesus. The most famous verse in the Bible says,
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God loved. God gave. We are blessed, reconciled, saved, forgiven. But Jesus is not the only gift. Another one arrived on the day we celebrate today—Pentecost Sunday.
Jesus came to earth as a baby, a day we celebrate called…CHRISTmas. He grew, taught, healed, show us the perfect example of what it means to be human, and then was scandalously arrested and ultimately crucified…for us…in our place. On Easter, we celebrated that He is risen (He is risen indeed!).
Just as the disciples are getting used to Jesus being alive, he tells them leaving once more. I can just imagine the objections. “You just came back!” “You accomplished your mission.” “Where are you going?” “Stay here!” His reply?
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)
The Advocate. The Greek word is parakletos. An intercessor, consoler, comforter. We refer to this person as the Holy Spirit.
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:8-11)
Jesus is introducing the Holy Spirit.
God is a divine mystery, one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each has a unique role in the relationship known as the Trinity.
Jesus had a clear assignment that involved about 33 years on earth, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. He will return, but in the meantime, He sent the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit did not appear for the first time on Pentecost. The Spirit is visible in the first verses of the Bible.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)
The original Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach, meaning breath, wind, spirit.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit shows up at particular times and places. What made Pentecost special was the distribution of God’s presence upon every follower of Jesus.
As Acts chapter two begins, thousands of people from all over the world had gathered in Jerusalem. Imagine a World Cup match this summer. They came not for sport, though, but rather Shavuot, the great harvest festival (Expdus 23:16).
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)
The ruach, the Spirit, shows up like a wind and also fire. The Greek word is pneuma. This was a supernatural moment where heaven invaded earth. It was a reversal of the Tower of Babel story from Genesis 11. There, the people tried to build a tower to heaven in hopes of both reaching and controlling God, making a name for themselves.
But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” (Genesis 11:5-7)
So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:8-9)
Going back to the second chapter of Acts, we see this reversed.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:5-12)
When people talk about speaking in tongues here, they were known languages including probably Greek, Latin, Egyptian, Aramaic, Hebrew, Median, Parthian, and others. This was not babbling or a “heavenly” language, but people from around the known world heard in their own tongues. This was truly miraculous!
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” (Acts 2:13)
"Whatever we might've heard, Pentecost is not the story of devout believers lost in prayer, hidden away in an upper room, caught up in mystical rapture," says Dr Chris Green, Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University, Florida. "Pentecost is the story of bewildered not-sure-what-to-believe believers swept out of prayer into the streets, into the public eye. Pentecost is the end of spirituality because the Spirit presses the church into the public square, into public responsibility. Following the Spirit always leads down from the upper room and out to the outer courts."
Peter addresses the crowd and this incredible chapter ends with this summary.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Again, this has been called the birthday of the Church as God’s new temple, the earthly place where He dwells. The Church is the Body of Christ, the movement of Jesus, the people of God empowered by and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Tragically, many today are unaware of the Holy Spirit or are even afraid of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
Spiritual gifts are mentioned in several passages including 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. They include things such as prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, leadership, and mercy. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are vital, not to glorify the user, but to serve the Church. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray and understand God’s Word, empowers us to share our faith, and unifies Christians.
The Holy Spirit also produces fruit in the lives of Christ-followers who are humble, prayerful, and surrendered to the LORD.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If you want an indicator of your spiritual maturity, it can be found here. Are you more loving and self-controlled than you were a year ago? Are you growing in joy, peace, and gentleness? This is what it means to become like Jesus. Would those closest to you say you are increasing in patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness?
I reflect upon this is often, tempted to try harder and manufacture human fruit before reminding myself the pathway to fruit is not striving, but submission, solitude, silence, and slowing down to be fully present with God. We don’t achieve fruit. We naturally produce it when we are connected to God. It doesn’t come by straining, but surrender.
So What?
All of this was prophesied by Jesus in the first chapter of Acts when asked about restoring the kingdom to Israel.
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)
Earlier, you heard the Lord’s Prayer in several languages. Christianity was the first multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual language in the history of the world. Today, the vision of Jesus’ words is becoming a reality, ultimately leading to worship from every nation, tribe, people and language (Revelation 7:9). Our is not an English faith, a white faith, or a USAmerican faith. It is a global movement filled with people created in the image of God from every corner of the globe.
The mission of College First is to love, equip, and…send. We’re not a country club for members only. We’re a hospital for the sick, preparing wounded healers to offer faith, hope, and love to a broken world. We want to serve Findlay, Ohio, the USA, and the world. We are his witnesses, and the original Greek world implies the possibility of martyrdom. Are you willing to give your life for Jesus? Are you willing to live for the LORD? Are you willing to die for Christ? He was willing to die for you.
Pete Greig writes, “Today we celebrate the birth of this 2000 year-old, 2 billion strong, messed-up, blessed-up, revolutionary movement of justice and love we call The Church. She is not perfect. Many grave sins have been committed. Our hearts must often grieve. But still the Church of Jesus Christ remains the greatest agency of human blessing the world has ever known: starting schools and hospitals, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, inspiring the greatest art the world has ever known, healing broken families, redeeming cultures and reconciling warring tribes, establishing the foundations for scientific innovation and human flourishing, shaping entire civilizations, and above all, proclaiming today on this Pentecost Sunday the same, stunning good news of salvation for the nations in every generation through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Come Holy Spirit. All of our ministry efforts are pointless without the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church…to love and serve the world. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit and become more like Jesus every day for his glory. Amen!
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
May 24, 2026
Acts 2
Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received, an expression of love? What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given, an expression of love?
I think it’s safe to say the greatest gift in history was…Jesus. The most famous verse in the Bible says,
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God loved. God gave. We are blessed, reconciled, saved, forgiven. But Jesus is not the only gift. Another one arrived on the day we celebrate today—Pentecost Sunday.
Jesus came to earth as a baby, a day we celebrate called…CHRISTmas. He grew, taught, healed, show us the perfect example of what it means to be human, and then was scandalously arrested and ultimately crucified…for us…in our place. On Easter, we celebrated that He is risen (He is risen indeed!).
Just as the disciples are getting used to Jesus being alive, he tells them leaving once more. I can just imagine the objections. “You just came back!” “You accomplished your mission.” “Where are you going?” “Stay here!” His reply?
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)
The Advocate. The Greek word is parakletos. An intercessor, consoler, comforter. We refer to this person as the Holy Spirit.
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:8-11)
Jesus is introducing the Holy Spirit.
God is a divine mystery, one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each has a unique role in the relationship known as the Trinity.
Jesus had a clear assignment that involved about 33 years on earth, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. He will return, but in the meantime, He sent the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit did not appear for the first time on Pentecost. The Spirit is visible in the first verses of the Bible.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)
The original Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach, meaning breath, wind, spirit.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit shows up at particular times and places. What made Pentecost special was the distribution of God’s presence upon every follower of Jesus.
As Acts chapter two begins, thousands of people from all over the world had gathered in Jerusalem. Imagine a World Cup match this summer. They came not for sport, though, but rather Shavuot, the great harvest festival (Expdus 23:16).
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)
The ruach, the Spirit, shows up like a wind and also fire. The Greek word is pneuma. This was a supernatural moment where heaven invaded earth. It was a reversal of the Tower of Babel story from Genesis 11. There, the people tried to build a tower to heaven in hopes of both reaching and controlling God, making a name for themselves.
But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” (Genesis 11:5-7)
So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:8-9)
Going back to the second chapter of Acts, we see this reversed.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:5-12)
When people talk about speaking in tongues here, they were known languages including probably Greek, Latin, Egyptian, Aramaic, Hebrew, Median, Parthian, and others. This was not babbling or a “heavenly” language, but people from around the known world heard in their own tongues. This was truly miraculous!
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” (Acts 2:13)
"Whatever we might've heard, Pentecost is not the story of devout believers lost in prayer, hidden away in an upper room, caught up in mystical rapture," says Dr Chris Green, Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University, Florida. "Pentecost is the story of bewildered not-sure-what-to-believe believers swept out of prayer into the streets, into the public eye. Pentecost is the end of spirituality because the Spirit presses the church into the public square, into public responsibility. Following the Spirit always leads down from the upper room and out to the outer courts."
Peter addresses the crowd and this incredible chapter ends with this summary.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Again, this has been called the birthday of the Church as God’s new temple, the earthly place where He dwells. The Church is the Body of Christ, the movement of Jesus, the people of God empowered by and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Tragically, many today are unaware of the Holy Spirit or are even afraid of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
Spiritual gifts are mentioned in several passages including 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. They include things such as prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, leadership, and mercy. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are vital, not to glorify the user, but to serve the Church. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray and understand God’s Word, empowers us to share our faith, and unifies Christians.
The Holy Spirit also produces fruit in the lives of Christ-followers who are humble, prayerful, and surrendered to the LORD.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If you want an indicator of your spiritual maturity, it can be found here. Are you more loving and self-controlled than you were a year ago? Are you growing in joy, peace, and gentleness? This is what it means to become like Jesus. Would those closest to you say you are increasing in patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness?
I reflect upon this is often, tempted to try harder and manufacture human fruit before reminding myself the pathway to fruit is not striving, but submission, solitude, silence, and slowing down to be fully present with God. We don’t achieve fruit. We naturally produce it when we are connected to God. It doesn’t come by straining, but surrender.
So What?
All of this was prophesied by Jesus in the first chapter of Acts when asked about restoring the kingdom to Israel.
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)
Earlier, you heard the Lord’s Prayer in several languages. Christianity was the first multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual language in the history of the world. Today, the vision of Jesus’ words is becoming a reality, ultimately leading to worship from every nation, tribe, people and language (Revelation 7:9). Our is not an English faith, a white faith, or a USAmerican faith. It is a global movement filled with people created in the image of God from every corner of the globe.
The mission of College First is to love, equip, and…send. We’re not a country club for members only. We’re a hospital for the sick, preparing wounded healers to offer faith, hope, and love to a broken world. We want to serve Findlay, Ohio, the USA, and the world. We are his witnesses, and the original Greek world implies the possibility of martyrdom. Are you willing to give your life for Jesus? Are you willing to live for the LORD? Are you willing to die for Christ? He was willing to die for you.
Pete Greig writes, “Today we celebrate the birth of this 2000 year-old, 2 billion strong, messed-up, blessed-up, revolutionary movement of justice and love we call The Church. She is not perfect. Many grave sins have been committed. Our hearts must often grieve. But still the Church of Jesus Christ remains the greatest agency of human blessing the world has ever known: starting schools and hospitals, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, inspiring the greatest art the world has ever known, healing broken families, redeeming cultures and reconciling warring tribes, establishing the foundations for scientific innovation and human flourishing, shaping entire civilizations, and above all, proclaiming today on this Pentecost Sunday the same, stunning good news of salvation for the nations in every generation through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Come Holy Spirit. All of our ministry efforts are pointless without the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church…to love and serve the world. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit and become more like Jesus every day for his glory. Amen!
Pentecost, 8 June 2025
10 06 25
Pentecost
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
June 8, 2025
Acts 2
Big Idea: The events of Acts 2 transformed the world by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4
What is your favorite holiday? Our calendar is filled with religious holidays like Palm Sunday and Passover. We have national holidays like President’s Day and Veteran’s Day. There are “Hallmark” holidays like Secretary’s Day and Groundhog Day. Each is a day to remember, celebrate, and/or appreciate. While Christmas and Easter get most of the attention, Pentecost belongs in the same conversation, a day commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
One of the hardest things in life is saying goodbye to those we love. It may be the result of an extended vacation, a relocation, or a death. I can only imagine the horror of the disciples on Good Friday as they watched their rabbi crucified, their hopes dashed, their loss unbearable. Of course, he told them he would die, though they didn’t understand. Easter undid their grief and pain, but Jesus would leave them again on a day known as Ascension Sunday, recognized on May 29 this year. This was all part of God’s plan, of course. Jesus said,
“If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth…I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:15-19)
Two chapters later, John records these words of Jesus:
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:7-11)
Dr. Luke recorded Jesus’ prophecy concerning the Holy Spirit in the first chapter of Acts.
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. (Acts 1:7)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This is one of my favorite scriptures. It not only announces the coming of the Holy Spirit, it offers a glimpse at the trajectory of the early Church. Jesus says after the Holy Spirit comes, his friends will be his witnesses not only in Jerusalem, but in Judea and Samaria and the ends of the earth. It’s worth noting “witnesses” in the original Greek language is martus, also defined as martyr. Indeed, it is generally believed that the twelve disciples would all become martyrs except for…John, who would be boiled in hot oil!
Although Acts was not written to us, it is certainly for us. When I think about the flow of the gospel in the first century, I envision a similar expansion of the gospel from College First as we love, equip, and send. Where do we send? Across the street and around the world, from Findlay to Finland and everywhere in between. Contextualizing Acts 1:8 might look something like this:
Jerusalem: our home, College First Church of God
Judea: our community
Samaria: the Great Lakes Conference
Ends of the earth: our broader denominational family, the Churches of God, General Conference with ministry in about a dozen countries outside of the USA
Church family, the Holy Spirit has come on us. We are God’s witnesses and even martyrs here and around the world. We’re part of a global movement changing the world one life at a time! What a privilege. What a joy! What meaning and purpose.
If you give, serve, or pray, you’re a part of this movement, the Kingdom of God. Thank you!
In Acts 1:8, Jesus prophesied what would happen in Acts 2, the day of Pentecost.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. (Acts 2:1-3)
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)
You may know the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. God confused the language of the whole world as people were trying to build a tower reaching to the heavens. Acts 2 was a reversal of the Tower of Babel. Reading on…
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. (Acts 2:5-6)
What a miracle! The Holy Spirit shows up, there’s the sound of a violent wind, they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire, people from around the world hear people declaring the wonders of God in their native tongue, and the people are “utterly amazed.”
Peter then preaches a bold sermon, calling people to repentance. The result?
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)
The miracle of tongues captivates the crowd, but Peter’s preaching results in repentance, fulfilled prophecy (Joel 2, Psalm 16, 110), and baptisms. Many see this as the launch of the Church. 3000 people joined in one day! I’d call that revival! But this is only the beginning.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
This wasn’t the first Pentecost. It (Shavuot) was already on the Jewish calendar as a celebration of the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai. But in Acts 2, we see a new covenant formed as the Spirit is poured out on all believers.
Throughout Acts, the Spirit continues to empower the Church with gifts, fruit, and miracles. Some Christians believe certain spiritual gifts have ceased. But in the Churches of God, General Conference…
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is God.
We believe the Holy Spirit has always been engaged in God’s work.
We believe the Holy Spirit revealed himself in a new way on the day of Pentecost.
We believe the Holy Spirit can be known and experienced.
We believe the Holy Spirit endows the followers of Christ with the unity of the Spirit.
We believe the Holy Spirit enables believers to grow spiritually.
We believe the filling of the Holy Spirit is ongoing, present, and active in the lives of believers.
We believe the Holy Spirit dispenses spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church.
We believe the fruit of the Spirit is the essential evidence of a believer’s filling with the Holy Spirit.
So What?
After spending years saving up for a cruise, a man was delighted to board the massive ship, eager to enjoy the views, the entertainment, and fellow passengers. He met several friends throughout the voyage. At the end of the journey, he was asked why he disappeared during the meals.
“I packed peanut butter, jelly, and bread to eat. I could barely afford the cruise. I could never afford the extravagant food on the cruise,” he said.
His friends replied, “All the food is included!” He missed the benefits that were his all along.
In a similar way, many Christians who receive Jesus are unaware of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is included!
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force or a ghost. He is a Person—God Himself—moving among us. Like the wind, we can’t control the Spirit, but we can follow His lead.
Today, I’m praying for more love, more power, more of the Holy Spirit in my life—and in the life of College First. I’m not interested in “playing church,” entertaining, or impressing. I want to be part of a Spirit-filled movement that makes disciples of all nations.
“Go and make disciples... baptizing them... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
June 8, 2025
Acts 2
Big Idea: The events of Acts 2 transformed the world by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4
What is your favorite holiday? Our calendar is filled with religious holidays like Palm Sunday and Passover. We have national holidays like President’s Day and Veteran’s Day. There are “Hallmark” holidays like Secretary’s Day and Groundhog Day. Each is a day to remember, celebrate, and/or appreciate. While Christmas and Easter get most of the attention, Pentecost belongs in the same conversation, a day commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
One of the hardest things in life is saying goodbye to those we love. It may be the result of an extended vacation, a relocation, or a death. I can only imagine the horror of the disciples on Good Friday as they watched their rabbi crucified, their hopes dashed, their loss unbearable. Of course, he told them he would die, though they didn’t understand. Easter undid their grief and pain, but Jesus would leave them again on a day known as Ascension Sunday, recognized on May 29 this year. This was all part of God’s plan, of course. Jesus said,
“If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth…I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:15-19)
Two chapters later, John records these words of Jesus:
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:7-11)
Dr. Luke recorded Jesus’ prophecy concerning the Holy Spirit in the first chapter of Acts.
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. (Acts 1:7)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This is one of my favorite scriptures. It not only announces the coming of the Holy Spirit, it offers a glimpse at the trajectory of the early Church. Jesus says after the Holy Spirit comes, his friends will be his witnesses not only in Jerusalem, but in Judea and Samaria and the ends of the earth. It’s worth noting “witnesses” in the original Greek language is martus, also defined as martyr. Indeed, it is generally believed that the twelve disciples would all become martyrs except for…John, who would be boiled in hot oil!
Although Acts was not written to us, it is certainly for us. When I think about the flow of the gospel in the first century, I envision a similar expansion of the gospel from College First as we love, equip, and send. Where do we send? Across the street and around the world, from Findlay to Finland and everywhere in between. Contextualizing Acts 1:8 might look something like this:
Jerusalem: our home, College First Church of God
Judea: our community
Samaria: the Great Lakes Conference
Ends of the earth: our broader denominational family, the Churches of God, General Conference with ministry in about a dozen countries outside of the USA
Church family, the Holy Spirit has come on us. We are God’s witnesses and even martyrs here and around the world. We’re part of a global movement changing the world one life at a time! What a privilege. What a joy! What meaning and purpose.
If you give, serve, or pray, you’re a part of this movement, the Kingdom of God. Thank you!
In Acts 1:8, Jesus prophesied what would happen in Acts 2, the day of Pentecost.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. (Acts 2:1-3)
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)
You may know the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. God confused the language of the whole world as people were trying to build a tower reaching to the heavens. Acts 2 was a reversal of the Tower of Babel. Reading on…
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. (Acts 2:5-6)
What a miracle! The Holy Spirit shows up, there’s the sound of a violent wind, they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire, people from around the world hear people declaring the wonders of God in their native tongue, and the people are “utterly amazed.”
Peter then preaches a bold sermon, calling people to repentance. The result?
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)
The miracle of tongues captivates the crowd, but Peter’s preaching results in repentance, fulfilled prophecy (Joel 2, Psalm 16, 110), and baptisms. Many see this as the launch of the Church. 3000 people joined in one day! I’d call that revival! But this is only the beginning.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
This wasn’t the first Pentecost. It (Shavuot) was already on the Jewish calendar as a celebration of the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai. But in Acts 2, we see a new covenant formed as the Spirit is poured out on all believers.
Throughout Acts, the Spirit continues to empower the Church with gifts, fruit, and miracles. Some Christians believe certain spiritual gifts have ceased. But in the Churches of God, General Conference…
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is God.
We believe the Holy Spirit has always been engaged in God’s work.
We believe the Holy Spirit revealed himself in a new way on the day of Pentecost.
We believe the Holy Spirit can be known and experienced.
We believe the Holy Spirit endows the followers of Christ with the unity of the Spirit.
We believe the Holy Spirit enables believers to grow spiritually.
We believe the filling of the Holy Spirit is ongoing, present, and active in the lives of believers.
We believe the Holy Spirit dispenses spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church.
We believe the fruit of the Spirit is the essential evidence of a believer’s filling with the Holy Spirit.
So What?
After spending years saving up for a cruise, a man was delighted to board the massive ship, eager to enjoy the views, the entertainment, and fellow passengers. He met several friends throughout the voyage. At the end of the journey, he was asked why he disappeared during the meals.
“I packed peanut butter, jelly, and bread to eat. I could barely afford the cruise. I could never afford the extravagant food on the cruise,” he said.
His friends replied, “All the food is included!” He missed the benefits that were his all along.
In a similar way, many Christians who receive Jesus are unaware of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is included!
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force or a ghost. He is a Person—God Himself—moving among us. Like the wind, we can’t control the Spirit, but we can follow His lead.
Today, I’m praying for more love, more power, more of the Holy Spirit in my life—and in the life of College First. I’m not interested in “playing church,” entertaining, or impressing. I want to be part of a Spirit-filled movement that makes disciples of all nations.
“Go and make disciples... baptizing them... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
Come, Holy Spirit, come!