Tongues of Fire

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. Acts 2: 3-4 (NIV Bible)

Coming from the top center of this design are tongues of fire. The design itself has many different components, all totally different than each other. This represents all the people at Pentecost, from many different nations, and walks of life, with different languages. Scripture tells us how the disciples were able to be heard and understood by all, each in his/her own language! The power of the Holy Spirit!

I have to tell you that I have never spoken in tongues. This gift I have not. There are some who discredit this, and even go so far as to ridicule anyone who has this gift. Candidly, I do not understand it all that well, but I do accept it as coming from the Holy Spirit. And far be it for me to criticize someone with this gift. Praise God!

It was at this time, on the day of Pentecost that the disciples spoke and all heard and understood in their own language. For me the most exciting part is Peter’s, if you will, sermon to the crowd. (Hint: open your Bible and read Acts Chapter 2.) In Acts 2:38-39, it is written, Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call.” He is talking about you and me! The Scriptures tell us that 3,o00 were added to their number that day. Can you imagine that? How many have we added to our numbers this week? This month? This year? Or say, in the past 3 years?

The good news is you do not have to be able to speak in tongues to tell people about Jesus and invite them to get to know Him. You just have to be willing to open your mouth and tell people about Him. You don’t have to “convert” them, just make the introduction and let Jesus do the work. How easy is that?