Connecting Pentecost with the Ongoing Church 6-25-25

As I was on the Bible study conference call, the teacher made a statement that caused me to think about the foundation of the church in Ephesians 2:20-  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.

This took me back to Acts, chapter two, on the Day of Pentecost, which was the beginning of the church age (called the sixth dispensation or time period). The connecting scripture which is the foundation of the church is: having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). There was a connection that I had not seen before; God is so good!

There is also another scripture that Peter spoke in Acts  2:15-21 prophesied by Joel. And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions (Joel 2:28).

To those who are not open to being baptized with/in the Holy Spirit limit themselves to how the Spirit of God wants to operate in and through them with the Dunamis power (explosive like dynamite) to accomplish great and mighty things to advance the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4). I am truly a living witness of experiencing this dynamically awesome POWER, used properly (to pray, witness and minister).

Excerpt from AI-Significance:

This prophecy speaks of a time when God's Spirit will empower people to speak His word, receive divine guidance, and experience His presence in a profound way. It also suggests a shift from a select group receiving these gifts to a more inclusive and widespread experience. Some scholars believe this prophecy extends beyond Pentecost and continues to be relevant for believers today. 

Betty-  I also believe that the gifts and being baptized with/in the Holy Spirit is relevant for today, if that were not true, why do I pray in  tongues. God’s Spirit has been empowering the New Testament church since the Day of Pentecost until Jesus returns and take us to be with Him (1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Also, every child of God can have this unknown tongue language, which comes with the empowerment that goes beyond the norm. As an intercessor I definitely need to pray in tongues; when I don’t know what to pray for the Spirit Himself prays through me, and eventually it is revealed to me what the intercession was for.  When a situation or people come in mind to pray for, the Spirit of God is our Helper.

AI continued ·       1 Corinthians 14:2:

Paul writes, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. For no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries," highlighting the private, spiritual nature of praying in tongues. 

·       1 Corinthians 14:14:

This verse states, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful," indicating that praying in tongues is a spiritual activity that bypasses the intellect. 

·       1 Corinthians 14:18:

Paul acknowledges his own practice of speaking in tongues, saying, "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you," emphasizing its value. 

·       Romans 8:26-27:

This passage speaks of the Holy Spirit interceding for believers with "groanings too deep for words," which some interpret as related to the experience of praying in tongues. 

Betty - Caution: Be careful how you use your prayer language, stay in balance; this tongue language is different from the gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues in 1 Corinthians 12:10. Receive the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit; and please stop grieving and quenching Him (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org