Amen. Good morning, everyone. There's a cotton candy machine up here. You're going to see me do a fun party trick where I do a sermon and make some cotton candy at the same time. I'm just kidding. I'm not actually going to do that.

Well, it's a joy to be with you all in worship. Today is Pentecost Sunday, and if you've known anything about some churches that celebrate Pentecost, we often say that it's the birthday of the church. It's the beginning of this new movement that happens after Jesus ascends into heaven, where the Holy Spirit comes upon and rests upon the people, the disciples, and gives them this new commission to go out boldly into the world, to all corners of the world.

So we're going to be reading from Acts chapter 2, but before that, would you join with me in a word of prayer? Let us pray.

Heavenly God, we thank you so much, Lord, for the gift of your Holy Spirit that enables us to be like your Son, that shapes us and molds us to be like you, and that we can truly see your hands and feet in our world. Lord, we thank you for the gift of this symbol of fire that happens at Pentecost. And we hope, Lord, that a fire may be fanned in our hearts, that your Spirit may continue to be stirred among our gathering here today. We thank you so much, Lord, and in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

So we're going to be reading from Acts chapter 2, verses 1 through 8, and this is the passage that refers to the day of Pentecost.

This is the reading from Acts chapter 2:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now, they were staying in Jerusalem, God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked, "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?" Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?

This is the Word of God for the people of God. And thanks be to God.

Every time I read this passage, I think it's so funny. They're able to note that these people are Galileans. And I wonder if, for some of you, maybe in different countries or cultures, you can point out, "Oh, you're from this region," based on their dialect or the way they speak. But all of these Jews were also the people that were gifted with the power of the Holy Spirit to speak in different tongues or languages—different languages.

Now, if you've heard people adapting to a new language, you might hear some of their original dialect or a bit of an accent come out. So whenever I hear that, it always makes me think of people learning a language for the first time, and some of their dialect or accent comes through. For me, there's sometimes a favorite kind of accent among Koreans, where certain vowels can't be sounded quite right, and you can just tell, "Ah, that's where you're from."

So when I read this, it always makes me feel like there's so many cultures clashing, yet so much unity happening. There are people from all sorts of different places. The way their cultures are shaped by their languages is so diverse. Their mannerisms are different. But they're being unified in this space.

These people who are God-fearing are somehow coming together and starting to hear the gospel being preached in their own language, but by a distinct people. I think it's so powerful that as these disciples were praying, the Holy Spirit descended and rested on them. The symbol shown was flames that looked like tongues, licking the air in a way that we might see flames kind of licking the air. This symbol of fire, I believe, is so important for Pentecost.

In ancient Israel, fire was a common symbol, a recurring theme throughout their narrative. It was a sign they could refer back to. It was present when a covenant was being made. There were times when the Israelites came out of Egypt, went to Mount Sinai, and it was covered in smoke, with the mountain aflame. When they went into the wilderness, they were led by a pillar of fire by night.

These themes are so important for Pentecost and for us as Christians. As we come out from a place of prayer, from a place of ministry, and are ushered into a new movement empowered by the Holy Spirit, there's a symbol to remind us of some very important truths.

The establishment of a new covenant with Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. That this fire is coming down and resting not upon a mountain or between two animals split in a covenant, but upon each disciple. Almost like when the dove rested upon Jesus—the Holy Spirit symbol—indicating that the power, the gift, the boldness, the ability to do ministry in God's name is resting upon each individual.

I think it's so powerful. For the Israelites, the pillar of fire did not stay with them throughout the entire Bible. It was present during the wilderness season. The symbol of fire was not always visible throughout Israel's entire ministry, but it appeared at key moments. So we might not see flames or tongues resting visibly upon us, but it's a sign we can look back to because it's part of our story as Christians—that God enables people to speak boldly on God's behalf.

You might remember the story of Moses and the burning bush. There, a fire was present, and God met Moses in that burning bush and gave him a mission. But Moses kept saying, "I'm not eloquent of speech. I'm slow to speak. Send somebody else." There was this ongoing feeling of inadequacy, of not being enough. And God responded, even with anger, because Moses kept refusing.

The fire symbolized God's enabling—empowering Moses to speak to Pharaoh, to Egypt, to liberate the Israelites. A continuing thread is that at Pentecost, we are given this enabling to speak—to those who are held captive, oppressed, in need of healing. This gift of the Holy Spirit assures us that, even when we feel incapable, God empowers us.

The pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness was to light the way, but also to show that God's presence was with them. They could tangibly see God's presence—protecting, guiding, and showing them where to go. It even rested with them when it was time to rest. It was a sign that God was with them in darkness and fear, giving confidence and strength.

This same image is present in Pentecost. The Spirit guides us, protects us when we rest, and enables us to see further than before. We might not have a literal flame visible, but it's a sign that we are being led.

For Christians, when we feel lost, we look back to Pentecost and remember that the symbol of fire shows God's presence with us—protecting, guiding, lighting the way. Even if we don't always feel it vividly, seasons of darkness or doubt are part of our journey. The fire was not with Israel constantly, but during specific seasons, and they looked back on it as a sign of God's covenant.

This day of Pentecost marks the beginning of a new covenant with Jesus Christ. It's not about animal sacrifices or law-bound religion, but about being set free—doing the works Jesus did: casting out evil, healing, bringing peace, and including those marginalized.

Even in times when we feel like we're in the wilderness without light, we can remember moments when we've been brought back, when we've been an avenue for others to find belonging, hope, and the fire of God guiding them.

The symbol of fire at Pentecost is so powerful. It's not just about enabling speech in different languages but about empowering disciples who felt uncertain, confused about what was next. They were told to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. When it came, they began to go to all corners of the world.

Soon after Acts 2, we see the building of ministry, the election of deacons, and the recognition that those chosen are filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. They didn't see a literal fire over their heads but recognized it in the faith, boldness, and transformation in others.

This change might not always be dramatic—casting out demons or healing—but it can be seen in the likeness of Jesus in speech, posture, mannerisms, and treatment of others. The early Christians looked different from others, even from their fellow Jews, because they carried the Spirit.

In the beginning of Acts, the apostles' ministry started in synagogues. They preached the gospel there, and over time, more people joined because they saw the power and truth in the Spirit-filled lives of the disciples. The fire symbol is a reminder of that.

The United Methodist logo features a cross and a flame—the flame of Pentecost—symbolizing the ongoing presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that we need both Christ's work and God's Spirit to transform us.

Throughout Acts, the disciples face obstacles, opposition, and provocation, but they see the efficacy of the Spirit—people recognize the difference in them. Their words, actions, and hearts reflect Jesus.

Today, it can be harder to recognize who is truly full of faith and Spirit just by appearance. We might not see a literal flame, but we can sense it in the way people carry themselves—through acts of compassion, kindness, and the presence of Jesus in their interactions.

When someone shows genuine love, care, and compassion, it’s a sign that they are touched by God. And often, we feel the weight of our burdens lifted when we encounter such people.

After Pentecost, the disciples were scattered across the world, tasked with sharing the good news of Jesus. They had a difficult mission—confronting ingrained cultures and religions—but they did so empowered by the Spirit.

The symbol of fire reminds us that God's presence is with us, lighting our way, protecting us, and empowering us to do God's work. It’s a sign of the covenant of forgiveness, liberation, and grace.

So, I ask: how is that symbol of fire present with you today? Is it resting upon you, giving you confidence that God is lighting your path? Is it keeping you safe and enabling you to be like Jesus to others?

I believe we must have faith that we can be like Christ. It’s a vital part of our Christian journey—that we are called to reflect Jesus in this world.

When the disciples gathered in the upper room at Pentecost, I don’t think they looked at each other and thought, "Oh, you’re going to be the one to speak for God," or "I’ll just watch." They all received the Spirit fully, enabling each of them to be like Jesus.

They didn’t draw straws or play games to see who would be the one. Rather, when the Spirit came, they were ready—integrated with that Spirit, empowered to go forth.

This process of being conformed to Christ’s image can be challenging. It might take us to places that are risky, difficult, or even traumatic. But the gift of the Spirit is there, and as we are willing to accept and integrate it, we grow more confident.

This confidence is rooted in the covenant—our relationship with Jesus—that covers our mistakes, liberates us from guilt and shame, and empowers us to do greater works than Jesus did.

Pentecost is a day to remember that the Holy Spirit’s power is with us. God is ready to do wondrous things in us and through us. People need that touch—eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to know they are loved.

As this is my final Sunday here at the Vine, I want to share my gratitude. You have all shared with me the touch of Jesus—through your presence at events, gifts, shared meals, ministries, and even in the way you’ve treated me and others.

I wish I could see the flames of the Spirit with spiritual eyes, but I know without a doubt that the Spirit dwells and rests upon each of you so powerfully because you have been like Jesus to me.

And I am confident we can continue to be Jesus for many others. Maybe in some places, it’s hard—family, home, workplace, grocery store. You might wonder, "Can I be like Jesus here?" I believe that your love, kindness, and faithfulness will make a difference.

The Spirit’s work in the early church and throughout history shows us that God can do wondrous things through us. We are capable of great acts in Jesus’ name because the Spirit is with us.

So I pray that we are ready—ready to say yes to God, to be lit by the fire of the Spirit, and to go where God leads us.

With fire lighting our way, resting upon us, assuring us of forgiveness, liberation, and God’s presence, let us step forward in faith.

Would you join me in a final prayer?

Heavenly God, this is an amazing day. It’s not just about the miracle of speaking in different languages, but about the sign that a covenant has been established—that freedom, grace, and forgiveness are available to all.

We ask for your blessing on everyone gathered here, and for the full confidence that as we go into places we cannot imagine, your presence will go before us. Remind us that you are guiding us, molding us to be like your Son, and that even in darkness, your light can shine through us.

Use us, Lord, as vessels, instruments, friends. Help us to be with you and to see your work being done in this world. We thank you for the gift of Pentecost and for the reminder that your Spirit is with us always.

We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Subject: Empowered by the Spirit: Living the New Covenant

Dear The VineVa,

I hope this message finds you feeling the fire of the Holy Spirit resting upon you as we reflect on Pentecost Sunday.

Last Sunday, we explored the powerful moment in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples like tongues of fire, enabling them to speak boldly and in many languages. This fire is more than a symbol—it’s a sign of God’s presence, guidance, and empowerment resting on each of us, just as it did on the early church. We remembered how this new covenant with Jesus frees us to live like Him, even when we feel uncertain or inadequate, and how the Spirit’s work continues to shape and send us into the world with confidence and love.

As you go about your week, I encourage you to ask yourself: How is the fire of the Spirit present in your life today? Are you willing to be shaped and sent, even into places that feel risky or unfamiliar? Trust that God’s presence is lighting your path and empowering you to be like Jesus in your words and actions, offering hope and grace to those around you.

Blessings,
The VineVa Team