Pentecost | The Spirit Poured Out for the Life of the Church
Pentecost is not just the birthday of the church—it is the moment when the promised Holy Spirit came with power, reversing Babel, empowering witness, and bringing the dead to life through the Word. On this page, you’ll find a collection of sermons, devotions, and resources that explore the rich theology and gospel truth of Pentecost from multiple biblical texts. Whether you’re curious about the meaning of tongues, seeking assurance that the Spirit is at work in you, or looking to grow in your understanding of Word and Spirit ministry, these resources are for you.
Sermons on Pentecost
Prophesy | Ezekiel 37 & Acts 2
I Will Pour Out My Spirit | Acts 2:1–21
Then You Shall Know | Ezekiel 37:1-14
From Prophecy to Reality | Acts 2:1-21
Last Days & Living Hope | Acts 2:1-21
Dwell in the Word Episodes
The Spirit Poured Out | Joel 2:28-32
Tongues, Wind, and Witness | Acts 2:1–13
Call Upon the Lord | Acts 2:14–21
Pentecost FAQ
What happened on the day of Pentecost?
The Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, enabling them to speak in other languages so that people from every nation gathered in Jerusalem could hear the gospel in their own tongue. This marked the birth of the global church and the beginning of gospel proclamation to the nations.
Why is Pentecost considered the birthday of the Church?
On Pentecost, God fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit, uniting believers into one body—the Church. It was the moment when the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection went public with power and clarity, and 3,000 people were brought to faith through Peter’s preaching.
What does it mean that the Spirit was poured out on “all flesh”?
This phrase from Joel, quoted by Peter, means that the Spirit is no longer limited to select individuals like prophets or kings. Now, God pours out His Spirit on men and women, young and old, rich and poor, from every nation—not just Israel. The gospel is for all people.
Does everyone receive the Holy Spirit?
No. The Spirit is poured out on all types of people, but only those who repent and believe the gospel receive the Holy Spirit. As Peter said, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Was the speaking in tongues at Pentecost just babbling or real language?
It was real, known languages. The miracle was that people from many nations heard the disciples declaring the mighty works of God in their own native languages. This was not ecstatic or unintelligible speech—it was a sign that the gospel would go to all nations.
How does Pentecost fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
Peter quotes Joel 2 to show that Pentecost fulfills God’s promise to send His Spirit in the “last days.” It also echoes Ezekiel 37, where God breathes life into dry bones through His Word and Spirit. Pentecost shows that God is creating a new people—alive in Christ by the Spirit.
Is Pentecost a reversal of the Tower of Babel?
Yes. At Babel, God confused the languages to scatter sinful humanity. At Pentecost, God miraculously allowed the gospel to be understood in many languages, gathering people into one body in Christ. It’s a sign of unity through the gospel.
Why were signs and wonders performed at Pentecost?
The rushing wind, tongues of fire, and miraculous speech signified the arrival of the Holy Spirit and authenticated the apostles’ authority to proclaim the gospel. These signs weren’t for spectacle—they pointed to the power and truth of the message.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in salvation?
The Holy Spirit brings dead sinners to life, applies the finished work of Christ, and unites us to Jesus. He convicts us of sin, grants repentance and faith, and dwells in believers to sanctify and empower them for witness and obedience.
What should Pentecost mean for me today?
It reminds us that the Spirit still works through the Word to bring life. We are called to hear and proclaim the gospel, trusting that God is gathering a people from every nation. Pentecost assures us that we’re part of something far bigger—the Spirit-empowered mission of Christ’s Church.
Ready to Go Deeper?
Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the Church’s mission—but it’s only the beginning. Explore more about what Christ’s ascension means for the Church today on our Ascension of Christ page, or continue your journey through the book of Acts with our devotional video series, Dwell in the Word.
Whether you're searching for clarity, theological depth, or a deeper experience of God’s grace, we invite you to explore more and rediscover the power of God’s Word for today.