The Early Church had convened in the Upper Room. Why?

Jesus Christ, Whom they loved so dearly, told them: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

The chief characteristic of this prayer meeting is that they are together in one place or in one accord. Their unity is the beautiful foundation for what unfolds next. Read the passage in Acts 2:1-4.

The day of Pentecost had fully come, and the arrival of the Father’s Promise is marked by three supernatural signs. Luke, the physician, is our doctor of detail who recorded these miraculous manifestations.

How did the people in this prayer meeting know the Holy Spirit?

1. They heard His sound.

Amazingly, the first way that Heaven reveals Him was with an audible sound. It is not recorded that they felt this wind, only that they heard a sound like “a mighty rushing wind” (verse 2). This sound filled the entire house.

Isn’t this the way of God, historically and experientially? He reveals Himself in a way that causes us to hear something that we have not before. The sense of hearing makes good sense. The question is, are you listening to Him?

2. They saw His fire.

Upon hearing, they began to see. Luke described, “there appeared to them” divided tongues as of fire. They had each heard the Holy Spirit, and now each of them saw His fire. This fire did not rest upon only a select few but was seen on each individual. This visible sign was for the entire house.

Have you ever seen something that could only be described as sent from Heaven? Many have complained that they cannot see God. Yet, He shows signs of His presence all along the way to those who have their eyes opened. The question is, are you looking for Him?

3. They spoke His words.

They have heard, and they have seen His presence. This led to the most supernatural of these three as they were all “filled with” or controlled by the Holy Spirit. While the first two signs indicate that He is in the physical house (the sanctified building), this miracle of tongues demonstrates that He is in charge of the physiological house (the sanctified servant). Again, while the first two indicate His presence, this latter sign indicates His residence. This sign was for every individual in the house.

Have you ever spoken in a different way and with different words after being filled with His Spirit? His presence and these signs were not to merely assure the Early Church that Jesus Christ and His Gospel were real. After all, over five hundred of them had met with and heard the Resurrected Savior speak before He ascended. This promise was fulfilled to empower them and us for witnessing. The question is, are you speaking for Him?

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Many often lament the spiritual condition of their local church and the Church at large?
Could it be that your senses have lost some sensitivity to the Spirit’s signage? The key to reclaiming that sensibility rests in the grace of personal sanctification.

“This is promised to believers, And we all may have it too.”

“O Lord, send the pow’r just now And baptize every one.”