Pentecost is one of my favorite church festivals. In Christian church we celebrate three major events. The first one is Christmas when we can soak up that peaceful atmosphere of baby Jesus laying in the manger. Second one is Easter with its drama of Jesus’ death and joy of his resurrection. And then there is Pentecost with its excitement, power and enthusiasm.

Unfortunately it is this third festival that is often forgotten. We don’t give it as much recognition and attention as to the other two. But if you think about it Pentecost is just as significant as Christmas or Easter. For without Pentecost we wouldn’t be here. The Christian church wouldn’t exist.

For it was fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection that God sent his Spirit upon disciples and empowered them to go and share the good news about forgiveness and eternal life in Christ. Jesus wasn’t with the disciples anymore for he ascended to heaven ten days ago. But he said: “Wait for the Advocate, that’s how Jesus referred to Holy Spirit, wait for the Spirit of truth who will give you power to testify on my behalf.”

And when the Spirit came it was incredible. Rush of a violent wind, tongues of fire, excitement and the energy, disciples speaking in other languages, for the Spirit gave them the ability. Now you know that I speak other language, but imagine that I wouldn’t and then all of the sudden: Zacnem rozpravat po slovensky velke veci o Bohu, jeho moci a slave, o tom ako vzkriesil Jezisa a dava vecny zivot kazdemu kto kona pokanie a veri v neho…

I know you were probably thinking, what is he swearing at us? But just imagine, all Jesus’ disciples with great power and excitement speaking in different languages testifying about Jesus and his resurrection. People were amazed saying: “In our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” (pause)

Now what do we make out of all these things? How do these events connect to our everyday lives, to the life of our church? Well I think there is a lot that we can learn from these events about the power of the Holy Spirit. The first thing is its power and excitement it can create in our hearts. When we speak of God, are our words strong like a rushing wind and powerful like tongues of fire? Are we excited about the message we share?

John Wesley the founder of the Methodist church once said: “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.” Are people coming to see us burn with enthusiasm, with God’s love, with the power of his Spirit? Trust me, if that enthusiasm for Christ and his children will be shared in this place, people will come to be a part of it.

And what about the language? God’s spirit empowered disciples to speak in different languages so that people of different cultures and different customs could understand the good news about Jesus Christ. Now let’s look outside the box and think about what does our language look like? Do we speak the language that this world? Can people around us, young and old relate to our message? And I’m not talking only about words, but everything else that comes with it. When people join us for worship, or any other activity, do they understand what is going on? Is the love, forgiveness and compassion of Christ communicated to them in their “own language”? That’s what the Pentecost is all about. About enabling God’s Spirit to work though us.

The Apostle Peter said: “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” We had forty kids with us at Pocono’s last week. Your sons and daughters. Could we feel the power of the Spirit there? Absolutely? Did they prophesy, did they see visions? They did. As we talked about their faith lives, their involvement in youth group, their personal calling.

One of them said during worship: “Every year I come here with my eyes closed, and every year my eye get open.” That’s the power of the Holy Spirit. To have our eyes open. To see the vision for Christ’s church and with excitement pursue this vision. To dream dreams, big dreams and with the help of God’s Spirit make them happen.

Do you have a vision for this place, for this church for this community? Do you have a dream? Then let the Spirit guide you, let the Spirit set you on fire and trust me people will come to see you burn. Every great thing begins with a dream. And I believe it is the time to dream big. In this hurting world, filled with uncertainty it is time to give people around us a feel of God’s power. For Christ is the winner and the victory belongs to us who believe and trust in him.

Today we heard those powerful, life and hope giving words: “That everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” It is time to call on his name, especially if you are in the place where you haven’t felt God’s presence for a long time. Christ is here present with his Spirit, ready to lift you up, to cheer you up, to give you strength and hope you need. He’s here to set your heart on fire for God and to send you out strengthened and renewed. God can do that, here in this place with the power of a rushing wind and tongues of fire.

Are we willing to let him lead you? Are we willing to him encourage you? Are willing to let him to empower you? Then go and dream big, become an active part of God’s vision for his people. This is just a beginning of great things happing here in this place in the name of Christ.

Amen