Relationships that Heal: Pentecost

Relationships that Heal: Pentecost

Sermon 4 of 7 in the series Relationships that Heal.

As presented by Rev. Jonathan Mills, Pastor at Kanata Baptist Church.

2010-05-23

Subject:At Pentecost the Apostles spoke in various languages in a miraculous demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power. It is a symbol of how God unifies all people throughout the world through the work of the Spirit. And it is a call to embrace people beyond our own culture in order to broaden the Kingdom.

Note to Reader: The preaching of God's Word (the Bible) is a verbal method of communication—it is always important to remember this when reading a sermon in printed form. While the text may convey the essential content of the message, it is the engagement of preacher/listener which provides room for God to work in a person's life. Please remember to pray for God's illumination and guidance as you embark upon reading this so He can bring his living Word to life in your experience.

Scriptures:

All Scripture readings, unless otherwise noted are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. The complete text of Today's New International Version of the Bible can be found at www.biblegateway.com . Other translations of the Bible are also available at www.studylight.org and www.crosswalk.com along with other helpful study tools and resources.

Acts 2:1-13

The Holy Spirit Comes

 1 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.

 5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

 7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

 13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”

Introduction

[started with a video featuring various members of the congregation saying John 3:16 in various languages]

Today is the day of “Pentecost” in the church year. Baptists don't tend to follow the liturgical calendar beyond Christmas and Easter – but today is Pentecost Sunday. For Christians the world over, it is the day when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.

And, what I wanted to convey in that video is the remarkable experience of that first Pentecost – the miraculous proclamation, in many different languages, of the wonderful things God had done.

1) The Miracle of the Languages of Pentecost

The People of Pentecost.

The second chapter of Acts is an amazing chapter of Scripture.

Pentecost – The World Was There

The Day of Pentecost¹ which is recorded in this chapter of the New Testament was an absolutely incredible day! Here are just a few of the reasons why it was significant:

• It was the birthday of the Church.

• It was the day when the long promised Holy Spirit came upon all the believers

• It was the day of the fulfillment of many Old Testament scriptures about the pouring out of God's Spirit (ie. Isa 44:1-5)

• It was the day when the timid and frightened Apostles were instantly transformed into a powerful group of dedicated workers who would ultimately changed the course of human history

• It was the day when faith stopped being about observing the divine law (ie. rule keeping) – and started being rooted in a living relationship with God through the indwelling Spirit.

• It was the day we can call God, Abba, Father.

It was a red letter day! An amazing moment in time...

Jews from the Whole World

There are so many things we can learn from the day of Pentecost – but unfortunately, we only have time to focus on one – and I have chosen the remarkable multicultural significance of that day.

(vs. 5)

⁵At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. ⁶ When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

⁷ They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, ⁸ and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!

Then, in verses 9 thru 11, we have a list of the places the visiting Jews had come from “.... every nation.” (vs. 5)

These included:

[North East] Parthians [NE Iran], Medes [Central Iran], Elamites [SE Iran/Mesopotamia], people from Mesopotamia,

[Palestine] Judea [Roman province including Syria],

[North West] Cappadocia [Central Turkey], Pontus [NE Turkey/South Shore of Black Sea], the province of Asia [Turkey & Greece], Phrygia [Central Turkey], Pamphylia [South Turkey/ across from Cypress],

[South West] Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene

[Roman], visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans [Greece], and

[East] Arabs [Saudi Arabia between Red Sea and the Euphrates].

When you see all those places on a map – you can see how diverse that gathered group of people was.

How Did Galileans Learn So Many Languages?

The miracle of the disciples speaking in all these different languages is made all the more significant because of a subtle cultural reference that is easily lost to us today. (Verse 7)

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee ...”

Galileans were distinct because of their dialect (Mt 26:73). As New Testament Professor, Richard Longenecker wrote;

"Galileans had difficulty pronouncing gutturals and had the habit of swallowing syllables when speaking; so they were looked down upon by the people of Jerusalem as being provincial (cf. Mark 14:70). Therefore, since the disciples who were speaking were Galileans, it bewildered those who heard because the disciples could not by themselves have learned so many different languages."² [former McMaster Divinity College Professor of New Testament, Rickard Longenecker and chair of the New International Version translation committee]

“Provincial” is a polite way of saying: they were “country bumpkins,” – the first century equivalent of hillbillys – lacking the culture and refinement of educated city folk.

But, here they were; Galileans – of all people – declaring the wonderful works of God in the languages of the whole world. It must have been a bewildering experience.

2) Living in a Cross-Cultural World

The day of Pentecost was pretty crazy. And I think that that experience of the New Testament church conveys two truly remarkable messages for us to reflect on:

First; God loves all people regardless of ethnicity, culture, language, tribe, heritage or nationality.

And second, the Holy Spirit is able to overcome linguistic and cultural boundaries in order to bring unity.

Culture Clash: Football Match

When Jan and I first moved to German in 1989, I didn't know the language at all. I ended up working in a factory, and one of the local guys invited me to a soccer game; or “football” as the rest of the world calls it.

I remember sitting in the stands, and the guy beside me had no idea I didn't speak much German – it didn't seem to matter to him: he'd nudge me with his elbow and say something; fliedermaus dumcapf rechtige einhalt caput. It made about as much sense as that to me … As much as I might have wanted to interact and connect with him, there was a linguistic barrier that I could not overcome – I just nodded, and said “Nien” and surprisingly the guy never caught on.

My one experience of German football, and the teams played to a thrilling 'nil nil' tie.

Missionaries: Baby Food

Talking about a football match is a pretty mundane experience.

I remember reading about a much more serious situation that happened to a missionary family who were serving in a very remote village—among a tribal group virtually untouched by the modern world in Zaire. They settled into the community and began the work of learning the language and customs of their community – and building bridges with the local people. The villagers welcomed them warmly and were very open and receptive. For several months, all was going well.

Then, suddenly and without warning, everything changed; no one wanted to talk to them any more. All the work they had done to foster friendships and relationships evaporated overnight. They were devastated.

After several attempts, the wife was finally able to find someone who confided in her the reason for the change. The local woman explained that, before the missionaries came, they had never seen food in cans and jars. In the village, they only ate fresh food – so they were very curious about this new food.

They learned that the picture on the outside of the jar showed the food that it contained; whether beans, or pineapple, or whatever.

But a short while ago we saw you feeding your baby … as she spoke about it, the woman's voice trailed off revealing how deeply upsetting it was for her to talk about it.

Suddenly it dawned on the missionary what had happened.

Let's put up a picture of the baby food jars.

Now, if you can't read English – what would you think is contained in those jars? … it's no wonder they stopped talking to them – they thought they were cannibals!³

Canadian Multiculturalism

There is no doubt about it – when two cultures come into contact with one another, there is great potential for misunderstanding.

I think that's one of the truly remarkable things about being Canadian. We live in the most ethnically diverse nation on earth. We are, as some have said; the great modern social experiment – bringing together virtually every language and people from the whole world … striving to weave together this rich tapestry of cultures and heritages into one nation.

When it works, it's an amazing thing!

We are not a perfect country – but we are a truly remarkable nation in many ways.

It think that's something worth celebrating!

Good News for All Nations

But the Biblical vision of multicultural unity goes well beyond anything we might experience, even here in Canada.

Pentecost points the Christian church to a great longing in the heart of God – to the gathering together of the scattered nations.

the book of Revelation – the last book of the Bible – paints a compelling vision of a totally unified church worshiping for all eternity in the heavens. There are several references to people from “... every nation and tribe and people and language.” (Rev. 7:9-10. cf. 5:9; 11:9; 13:7; 14:6)

every nation and tribe and people and language,

This is a vision of the future which we have to look forward to – a future where everyone will be in perfect unity under the reign of Almighty God. A vision for the Lordship of Christ drawing all people to himself … and where the Spirit of God will create perfect unity.

3) Building Unity Amidst Diversity

This is a wonderful challenge that the New Testament presents to us – an invitation to cooperate with the Spirit and enable the rich diversity of this gathered community to experience a deep and abiding unity.

Whenever we are able to reach across a racial boundary and foster understanding based on mutual respect – we are engaging in the work of creating community in the spirit of Pentecost.

Eph 4:3-5

³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Not only does this passage of scripture from Ephesians call us to unity – it also reminds us of the unity of the Trinity. Verse 4 – “one Spirit”; verse 5 – one Lord; verse 6 – “one God and Father of all.”

God; revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is not divided.

He is one God, in perfect unity.

Cross-Cultural Engagement: Short Term Mission

If we are going to be a unified people, a good place to start is through broadening our perspective regarding others. When we meet with other people – particularly those who come from a different cultural background – we will learn things and see things from a different point of view. This helps broaden us and help us to develop a greater appreciation of others.

If you can put yourself in a position where you have to consider things from someone else's perspective, that's good. That will help you to grow. And that is precisely why Short Term Mission trips can be so helpful. They immerse us in a different culture and help us to see things from a different point of view.

Not only can you learn about other cultures – more importantly – it gives you the opportunity to learn more about your own cultural and world view assumptions.

Just ask those who recently returned from Oaxaca Mexico. You realize in that context that the neat and tidy worldview that you have been building is not a true reflection of the real world. [Photo of Ana & Pablo. Their house consists of four corrugated steel walls and a roof (dirt floor and a privy out back). They are happy because it is their first home].

Serve Refugees: Matthew House

Of course you don't have to go to Mexico, or Africa to experience a cross-cultural experience. Right here in Ottawa, churches and organizations are partnering to start a new ministry called Matthew House: a refugee welcome center.

Matthew House is a home where non-sponsored refugees can live while they get their bearings in Canada and find more permanent accommodations.

I have found that, while the risk of culture shock is real, the benefits of the experience far outweigh the costs. When we build bridges to others – especially people who are different than we are – we expand our ability to become 'citizens of the world' … or what Canadian Baptist Ministries calls “a global disciple.” Someone who recognizes that the gospel call is not simply a call to personal growth – but it is a call to engagement in the world; in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the Earth (Acts 1:8).

Gary Nelson's Call to Shalom

Speaking of Canadian Baptist Ministries, I would encourage you to pick up a copy of the latest CBM magazine; Mosaic. The articles are always informative and interesting, but this issue features a major article by

the General Secretary, Gary Nelson. After 10 years at the helm, Gary has accepted the appointment to serve as the next President of Tyndale University and Seminary in Toronto.

As he prepares to leave CBM, Gary has done a lot of reflecting back on what he has learned. He writes; in contrast to a self-centered, personal piety kind of faith, Gary writes about the need for “dissident discipleship.”

“A lived-out dissident discipleship will encourage a healthy, effective incarnational engagement of the culture by followers of Christ. It will challenge and nurture participants to be what Andy Crouch calls “culture makers” and what I call “people of shalom” in society. We will not longer be able to be passive participants who work during the week and worship on Sunday. Neither will we be able to cocoon ourselves within church program participation.

“Living it out will call people from a privatized faith which, at its worst, engages the world with a belligerent attitude, to a much deeper life of witness through word and deed. It will provide a way of living and speaking shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, modeled first in the Church as a foreshadowing of the new possibilities that the Kingdom of God provides. Not all of us are called to be leaders but all of us can be salt and light in the places we live.”⁴

If you haven't done so, please pick up a copy of Mosaic and take the time to read the whole article – it is full of food for thought.

Conclusion

Shalom and Ubuntu

Gary mentions “People of shalom.” I think it's his way of trying to express the underlying principle of the unity that is embodied by Pentecost. To be part of a community that is healthy, peaceful, safe, and harmonious – which provides a home base from which we can share shalom with the world in ever-widening circles; like the ripples moving out in all directions when a stone is dropped in a pond.

According to Strong's Concordance, Shalom means: Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.

In the Western world, and particularly in North America, we think of shalom in a narrow meaning – about our own personal health, peace, welfare and prosperity. But shalom has broader community implications. A “people of shalom” are those where there is no discord or agitation – where there is perfect tranquility and harmony, and where everyone's welfare is important and there is an overall sense of wholeness.

Interestingly, for us to grasp the concept of being “people of shalom”, which is admittedly a bit of a foreign concept for Westerners, it may be that the best term for encapsulating its meaning comes from Africa: Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is a state of being – where our tribe is healthy and peaceful. Where its people are able to seek the good of others in a kind of generosity of spirit which is free and purposeful and self-giving. You have Ubuntu when you look for others to prosper because when one prospers, everyone prospers. When one is diminished, everyone is diminished – but when one is strengthened and built up – everyone enjoys the blessing of peace and harmony.

I think I've got that right. In Kenya this July, I will see if I can experience Ubuntu.

I definitely want to reach beyond myself – beyond my culture and comfortable world view – the neat and tidy world that I live in; so I can get my hands dirty; so I can work shoulder to shoulder with my Kenyan brothers and sisters; so I can experience a broader sense of community made possible through the Holy Spirit within us – drawing us together and leading us to Ubuntu; shalom; peace.

“A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished ...”⁵

Benediction: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you shalom.

Notes and Additional Material:

Pentecost:

The day of Pentecost was an annual spring feast at which the Jews presented the first-fruits of their wheat harvest to God (Exod. 34:22a). The Jews also called Pentecost the Feast of Harvest and the Feast of Weeks. They celebrated it at the end of seven weeks (i.e., a week of weeks) following the Feast of Passover. God received a new crop of believers, Christians, on this particular day of Pentecost. The Jews also celebrated Pentecost as the anniversary of the giving of the Mosaic Law (cf. Exod. 19:1). Paul regarded the Spirit's indwelling presence as God's replacement for the external guidance that the Mosaic Law had provided believers under that old covenant (Gal. 3:3, 23-29).

"Pentecost" is a Greek word, transliterated into English, that means fiftieth. This feast fell on the fiftieth day after Passover. It was one of the feasts at which all the male Jews had to be present at the central sanctuary (Exod. 34:22-23). Jews who lived up to 20 miles from Jerusalem were expected to travel to Jerusalem to attend these feasts. Pentecost usually fell in late May or early June. Travelling conditions then made it possible for Jews who lived farther away to visit Jerusalem too. These factors account for the large number of Jews present in Jerusalem on this particular day. ⁶

Multicultural Hurdles: A Common Vision

Language and culture and ethnic heritage have a significant impact on us – and can set us up for misunderstanding, and even conflict.

Perhaps there's no better way to illustrate this than a conversation I had a number of years ago with a black woman in a former congregation. [it seems to me, I may have told this story before, so forgive me if I am repeating myself]

We were chatting one day and the subject of multiculturalism came up. She explained to me that Caucasian Canadians of European descent [people like me] tend to view the multicultural ideal in terms of “colour blindness.” In other words, if we can live in such a way so as not to see a person's skin colour – we will have achieved the goal of eliminating racism.

And, as she described this vision of a multicultural idea, I agreed that that was exactly the way I had always looked at it.

Then she said; “but if you ignore the colour of my skin, you ignore an important part of who I am. It is a part of my identity – my heritage – my family – a part of me. If you ignore the colour of my skin and you diminish me as a person.

Call to Share Good News with Every Nation

This vision for sharing the Good News of the Gospel with all nations was explicitly stated by Christ in the first chapter of Acts: (Acts 1:8)

“… 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.”

My undergraduate was in Geography – so I visualize this as if it were a map … [and yes, with my BA in Geography, I am actually capable of opening up any map, and then folding it up again. I know, amazing isn't it].

Anyway, if we picture this expansion of the Apostle's witness, it's like the ripples going out from a stone in a pond.

Starts in Jerusalem/Judea; spreads out to Samaria; and eventually to the ends of the Earth.

Recently heard a mission strategist speaking about this verse, and he presented it in this helpful grid;

Christ's commission to the Apostles was to bear witness to the saving power of God to people close and distant – both geographically and culturally.

The Spirit Creates Unity

Of course, they could not have imagined that this would happen on this one day when the Holy Spirit descended on them and gave them the miraculous ability to speak of the Wonderful things God had done in the languages of every nation. But this is exactly what did happen …

It is as if God was using Pentecost as a kind of object lesson: “Look at what is possible! When you experience the power of the Spirit – what formerly caused division and conflict will no longer keep you apart.”

There is no room in the church for racism, bigotry, intolerance, favoritism, division, inequity, exploitation, or marginalization. Our calling is to Unity – to Peace and Reconciliation – to a unity that is forged through the indwelling Spirit of God, and which is expressed in many was as we

A rich diversity, integrated into a unified whole.

Eph 4:3-5

³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

I love Pentecost – because I love to celebrate the miracle of unity for every nation, tribe, people and language – that results from the power of the indwelling Spirit of God.