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The Promise
Published June 8, 2025
What Is Pentecost and Why It Still Matters
Pentecost marks 50 days after Passover — the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers in Acts 2. On Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Randy opened our new sermon series, Unleashed, by looking at Acts 1:1–11. This passage reminds us that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not just history — it’s a present-day promise.
The Book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, showing how the Good News didn’t stop at the cross. Jesus rose, taught, and then told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit — the power they’d need to carry the message forward.
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1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit is for Every Believer
> "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised…" – Acts 1:4
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a command, not a suggestion. Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for it before doing anything else. This shows us that the Spirit isn’t optional for Christian living — He’s essential.
Across all four Gospels, Jesus is described as the one who would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Baptism here means full immersion — to be completely soaked in God’s presence and power. Pastor Randy emphasized this isn’t just a feeling or emotional moment; it’s saturation in the Spirit, a gift promised in Joel 2 and fulfilled in Acts 2.
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2. The Purpose of the Holy Spirit is Power to Be a Witness
> “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses…” – Acts 1:8
The power of Pentecost wasn’t given so we could argue theology, chase experiences, or sit idle waiting for Christ’s return. It was given to make us bold witnesses for Jesus, starting at home and reaching to the ends of the earth.
A Spirit-filled life is a witnessing life. If you’re struggling to share your faith, Pastor Randy challenged us: Are you soaked in the Spirit?
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3. The Promise Is Still Ours — And Jesus Is Coming Again
> “Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return…” – Acts 1:11
As Jesus ascended into heaven, angels promised His return. Until that day, we are to live empowered by the Holy Spirit, sharing Jesus boldly and living like citizens of the Kingdom of God.
We’re not called to stand around waiting. We’re called to go and witness. And we need Pentecost power to do that.
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The Baptism in the Holy Spirit Is for Today
> “This promise is for you, your children, and for those far away…” – Acts 2:39
The Holy Spirit baptism is not reserved for a few or for the past. It’s for you. It’s for now. If you’ve been saved, you’ve received the Spirit in you — but there’s more. Jesus wants to baptize you in the Holy Spirit. To soak you. To empower you.
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Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Less – Get Soaked
The Church began with a promise — and that promise hasn’t changed. If you’ve been trying to follow Jesus without the power of the Holy Spirit, today is the day to ask. It’s a gift. Receive it.
Pentecost marks 50 days after Passover — the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers in Acts 2. On Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Randy opened our new sermon series, Unleashed, by looking at Acts 1:1–11. This passage reminds us that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not just history — it’s a present-day promise.
The Book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, showing how the Good News didn’t stop at the cross. Jesus rose, taught, and then told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit — the power they’d need to carry the message forward.
---
1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit is for Every Believer
> "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised…" – Acts 1:4
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a command, not a suggestion. Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for it before doing anything else. This shows us that the Spirit isn’t optional for Christian living — He’s essential.
Across all four Gospels, Jesus is described as the one who would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Baptism here means full immersion — to be completely soaked in God’s presence and power. Pastor Randy emphasized this isn’t just a feeling or emotional moment; it’s saturation in the Spirit, a gift promised in Joel 2 and fulfilled in Acts 2.
---
2. The Purpose of the Holy Spirit is Power to Be a Witness
> “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses…” – Acts 1:8
The power of Pentecost wasn’t given so we could argue theology, chase experiences, or sit idle waiting for Christ’s return. It was given to make us bold witnesses for Jesus, starting at home and reaching to the ends of the earth.
A Spirit-filled life is a witnessing life. If you’re struggling to share your faith, Pastor Randy challenged us: Are you soaked in the Spirit?
---
3. The Promise Is Still Ours — And Jesus Is Coming Again
> “Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return…” – Acts 1:11
As Jesus ascended into heaven, angels promised His return. Until that day, we are to live empowered by the Holy Spirit, sharing Jesus boldly and living like citizens of the Kingdom of God.
We’re not called to stand around waiting. We’re called to go and witness. And we need Pentecost power to do that.
---
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit Is for Today
> “This promise is for you, your children, and for those far away…” – Acts 2:39
The Holy Spirit baptism is not reserved for a few or for the past. It’s for you. It’s for now. If you’ve been saved, you’ve received the Spirit in you — but there’s more. Jesus wants to baptize you in the Holy Spirit. To soak you. To empower you.
---
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Less – Get Soaked
The Church began with a promise — and that promise hasn’t changed. If you’ve been trying to follow Jesus without the power of the Holy Spirit, today is the day to ask. It’s a gift. Receive it.
Don’t just attend church. Don’t just be good. Be unleashed.