“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:8
Those were Christ’s words to the apostles after his resurrection. The fulfillment of that promise began a few days later, on Pentecost, and continues in believers to this day. We’ll explain what that has to do with your finances.
In the Christian calendar, while Christmas and Easter receive the most attention, Pentecost is a pivotal event for believers, emphasizing themes of power and proclamation. This year, as Pentecost approaches, let's explore how this day influences more than just spiritual life—it impacts our financial decisions too.
Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and early followers of Jesus, as recounted in Acts 1:4-8 and Acts 2. Jesus, after his resurrection, promised his disciples that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to be his witnesses "to the ends of the earth." This promise was fulfilled on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended like tongues of fire, enabling the apostles to speak in various tongues and proclaim the Good News to people from diverse regions, resulting in 3,000 new believers in one day. This miraculous birth of the Church underscores Pentecost’s themes of divine power and the call to proclaim the gospel.
But what does Pentecost mean for Christians today, especially regarding financial decisions? Pentecost reminds us that, as part of the body of Christ, our actions—including how we manage our money—reflect our faith and values. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, our lives are not our own; we were bought at a price and are called to glorify God in all aspects, including our finances.
A Pentecost-informed perspective on money prioritizes serving others over personal gain. It changes our motivations, inspiring us with a new spirit and a heart for generosity and ethical conduct. This spiritual transformation should drive our financial choices, encouraging us to use our resources to further the gospel and serve the global community.
As Pentecost Sunday nears, let's remember its profound impact on our spiritual lives and daily financial decisions. Embrace the Holy Spirit’s power to cultivate godliness in every area, including our economics.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}
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