The message that Jesus brought to the people of His time was once described by the well-known author and student of history, H G Wells as “one of the most revolutionary doctrines that ever stirred and changed human thought”.

Jesus’ teachings of the “Kingdom of Heaven” both demanded and offered a complete change to human relationships; based on the idea of a new beginning. He spoke of being being born again, through an inner cleansing and a personal experience with the active power of God – the Holy Spirit.

This fresh start for the men and women of that time began on the day of Pentecost and is recorded in detail in the Book of Acts, chapter 2. We are told that around 120 of Jesus’ followers were gathered in a certain place when, “…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. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”.

It was clearly understood that this life changing experience was to pass down through the generations, “this promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

Today, people are still experiencing the same life-changing power of God when they receive the Holy Spirit; a personal event which is manifest “…in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and with (personal) assurance.” As the apostle Paul conveyed at the time, the Gospel comes “ …in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”