Join the Pentecost Celebration: A Time of Transformation
and Spiritual Awakening.
Next Pentecost Celebration Date:
May 5th, 2024.
Introduction
The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost. All over the world, festivals are significant events that commemorate significant historical events, fostering a collective determination to work towards a brighter future. It is fitting that the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE also commands His people to observe three major festivals. According to Deuteronomy 16:16, these festivals are to take place three times a year: “Three times in a year shall all [Israelites] appear before the LORD thy God in the place which He shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty”.
Many Christians are quick to question the validity and relevance of the divine festivals, rationalizing that they were given to the Jews alone. This is a grave error. Physical Israel was merely a “type” of the people of God, unto whom were given the “oracles” of eternal life (Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:1-2). However, anyone who professes faith in Christ becomes a spiritual Jew (Gal. 3:29; Rom. 2:28-29) and is therefore obligated to observe the feasts.
The divine festivals hold immense value and relevance for believers in Christ. These festivals were not exclusively meant for the Jewish nation, but for all who believe in Jesus Christ. The physical nation of Israel was a representation of God’s chosen people, and the divine festivals were given to them as symbols and reminders of their faith.
Paul makes this clear in Romans 2:28-29, where he states, "A person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart."
The significance of this declaration is that anyone who believes in Christ becomes part of the spiritual Israel and inherits the same blessings and obligations as the Jewish people. Just as physical Israel was commanded to observe the divine festivals, so too are believers in Christ obligated to observe them as part of their spiritual heritage.
The divine festivals serve as reminders of important events in biblical history, but they also point to deeper spiritual truths. They remind us of God's faithfulness, His promises, and His unwavering love for His people. Through observing the feasts, believers can connect with the rich heritage of their faith and experience a deeper sense of communion with God.
Many professing Christian denominations strive to maintain this feast in various ways, albeit under different names such as Lent, Easter, Communion, and so forth.
What is the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)?
The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, receives its name in the New Testament because it marks fifty days after the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. “Pente” in Greek translates to “fifty”, which is why this feast holds its significance. It is widely recognized by Christians, and rightfully so, that the Day of Pentecost was a significant occasion marked by a remarkable outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit upon the disciples: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them” (Acts 2:1-3)
Origin of the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost):
Unveiling the Mysteries Behind This Ancient Celebration Lev. 23:15-21
In the Book of Leviticus 23, God instructed His people to count seven sabbaths starting from the day after the sabbath when they brought the first sheaf of the wave offering. This counting would lead up to the day after the seventh sabbath, which marked the completion of fifty days. On that day, they were to offer a new meat offering to the Lord.
Additionally, they were to proclaim it as a holy convocation, forbidding any servile work. This statute was to be observed forever in all their dwellings throughout their generations. “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations” (Lev. 23:15-21).
The name of the festival – Feast of Weeks – originates from the fact that it is celebrated seven weeks after the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Deut. 16:9-11). “Also in the day of the first fruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work” (Num. 28:26).
The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, holds significant importance in Jewish and Gentile believers. Its name stems from its timing, as it is observed exactly seven weeks after the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which marks the beginning of the Jewish Passover.
According to Deuteronomy 16:9-11, the festival of Weeks is commanded to be celebrated by the Israelite people. It is specifically mentioned as a harvest festival, where the first fruits of the wheat crop are offered as a sacrifice to God. This act of giving thanks and acknowledging God’s provision highlights the agricultural significance of this celebration.
We affirm that the Feast of Weeks commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus, as recorded in the Book of Acts. It marks the birth of the Apostolic Church, and this celebration holds great significance for believers, as it represents the empowerment and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.