Sabbath Thought – Pentecost – By: Dan Dowd

     On this coming Sunday, we will be observing the Feast of Pentecost once again.  All of God’s Holy Days as recorded in Leviticus 23 are important, but each also reveals a unique aspect of God’s Plan of Salvation.  Pentecost is no different in this regard.  Pentecost represents the giving of God’s Holy Spirit, a down-payment if you will of God’s very nature and the bridge for Christ to be able to dwell in us (Romans 8:9, 11).  For a refresher on the Feast of Pentecost I recommend reading our booklet, God’s Holy Day Plan (http://www.gnmagazine.org/booklets/HD/). 

     After Christ rose from the dead, one of the things He told His disciples was to wait in Jerusalem for “…the Promise of the Father, ‘which’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me,’” (Acts 1:4).  I have often wondered what the disciples thought about this instruction.  John chapter 14 records some of Christ’s instruction regarding the Holy Spirit that was to come after His death, but did they comprehend what this would mean?  I suspect not fully, because they didn’t have any personal experience of what that meant – but nonetheless they waited.

     In Acts 2:1-4 (MKJV) we read how that Promise was fulfilled, “And in the fulfilling of the day of Pentecost, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly a sound came out of the heaven as borne along by the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And tongues as of fire appeared to them, being distributed; and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled of the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  How dramatic would that have been to witness?  As baptized members of God’s Church, we have that very same Spirit dwelling in us – a Spirit of power, love, a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) and holiness (Romans 1:14) that is no less dramatic than that example 2,000 years ago.

     With God’s Spirit working in us, we are to take on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) and become transformed (Romans 12:2).  In doing so we become sons (and daughters) of God (Galatians 4:6, 1 John 3:2).  Pentecost is a pivotal Holy Day.  In it we rehearse ceasing to be driven only by our carnal nature hostile to God’s way of life, but rather living according to the Spirit with true life and peace and with God dwelling in us (Romans 8:5-11).

     Pentecost is a truly wonderful reminder of another step in God’s Plan of Salvation revealed in His Holy Days.  As we count down to that day let’s remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ represented in the Passover that makes all of God’s plan possible, and the sin we rehearsed coming out of in the Days of Unleavened Bread, so that we can once again be reminded of the very special gift God gives of His Holy Spirit to each and every one of His called-out ones.

For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

1. In what city did Rahab live before it was destroyed?
*Hint: Joshua 2:1-6

2. What was the name of the well that Jesus asked a Samaritan woman to give Him a drink from?
*Hint: John 4:1-9

3. How was Zacharias punished for not believing the angel Gabriel who told him that his wife would have a baby in her old age?
* Hint: Luke 1:5-22

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (May 27th): 2:00 PM (NO – Potluck)
2. Pentecost: (Sunday May 28th) – There will be Morning services at 10:30 AM and afternoon services at 2:30 PM. An offering will be collected in the morning service. There will be a potluck meal between services. Please bring your favorite dishes and desserts to share with you brethren.
3. Next Sabbath – (June 3rd): 2:00 PM
4. Book Club: There will be a meeting this Sabbath, May 27th, at noon! We will be covering chapters 10-12 of "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by W. Phillip Keller
5. Spring/Summer Picnic: Mark your calendars, Our annual Spring/Summer Picnic is scheduled for after Sabbath Services on June 10, 2023 at Price Park.
6. Festival Assistance: For those who will need festival to attend the Feast of Tabernacles this year. Please let myself, John, or the festival advisor know so that we can get the request in asap.
7. West Michigan Camping/Tubing Weekend, July 7–9: You are invited to join the West Michigan UCG congregations for a weekend of fellowship, camping and fun-filled outdoor adventure! There is a special outdoor Sabbath service on July 8 at Sandy Beach County Park in White Cloud, Michigan, and an organized tubing trip on the Muskegon River for Sunday morning, July 9. If you would like further details or a copy of the flyer advertising the event, contact Christina Morris at 269-903-1902 or stinamsu@yahoo.com.
8. Troyer’s Hollow Campout: Mark your calendars for the Annual Troyer’s Hollow Campout June 23-25, 2023! Nestled in the scenic hills of Amish Country near Charm, Ohio, Troyer’s Hollow in the Doughty Valley, it has a long tradition within the local community and the church as a relaxing retreat. A beautiful creek winds through the secluded canyon hollow where we will camp.

We have the entire property for two days, and one side on Sunday. Activities planned include a Friday evening Bible Study (8:00 PM), Sabbath Services (11:00 AM), an afternoon potluck, kettle popcorn over the fire, and many campfire discussions. The campground has covered pavilions with a small kitchen, nicely maintained bathrooms, and shower facilities. 

Tent camping is most popular, though there are a few RV/Camper sites.  There are also hotels in the area for brethren who are non-campers.  Please contact Mary Miller or Susan Miller to make your reservations, especially for RVs and campers. 

Please plan to provide your own meals and drinks, aside from the Sabbath Potluck where everyone shares the meal with abundance.

Fees to cover property usage: Campers: $25 per camper/ $35 per family per night –

Non-campers: $10 per person / $20 per family per day

Arrival Time: Friday, June 23 after 3 PM - Departure: Sunday, June 25 by 2 PM

Nearby hotels are available for those who do not wish to camp. Alcohol is prohibited on the property. If you wish to come, or just have questions, please contact Mary Miller (mary@crawfordmfg.com, 330-204-6972) or Susan Miller (330-204-1756)

Facebook Event Link: https://fb.me/e/5lOeXEQOS

If I’ve overlooked anything, Please let me know ASAP.