The Start of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-13 (New King James Version)
Coming of the Holy Spirit
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord[a] in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Crowd’s Response
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Pentecostals believe that the outpouring of the Spirit is valid for today. Notice from the scriptures that "they were all filled" with the Holy Ghost. A Review of Acts chapter 1 reveals those who were waiting in the upper room for this experience.
Acts 1
The Upper Room Prayer Meeting
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,[b] with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Notice in the above scripture that it wasn't just the Apostles. The women and Mary the mother of Jesus was there too.

When Peter began explaining this experience in Acts chapter two he quoted from the prophet Joel's prophecy of this New Testament out pouring of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:16-21
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘ And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
21 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be saved.’

Notice key phrases from the scriptures to gain an understanding of who this is for. "All flesh" is pretty easy to understand that it's for all humanity. It is going to be poured out "on my menservants" and "on my maidservants" lets us know it's for men and women. Obviously then, we can understand that it was not just for the apostles as there were no "maidservants" among those who Jesus had chosen at that time.

It was promised by God through Joel. Peter told them it was happening now. Millions have received this experience and so can you! I received it on September 11, 1988.

You will know them by their fruits.
Since that time I have had a deep love for God, God's church, and His Word. I believe that the Holy Bible is God's word. I do believe that God's Spirit can give us a balanced and fulfilling life as we live and serve Him. As a result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, my prayer life also became much better and I believe that is a result of God's Spirit helping me to pray as he promised in Romans 8:26,27.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

I am not free from Sin but I am an overcomer through God's Spirit. Some sins were eradicated and I was delivered from them the moment that I believed and received the Spirit. Other sins I have struggled with and am now "overcoming daily with the Spirit's Sword" [Song - Standing on the Promises of God]. I have also experienced several miracles such as my back being healed, carpal tunnels in my wrists, and other notable blessings such as major financial blessings and other things I and my family needed at the time. God is a good Father and a good provider for his children. He provided for me the "lamb" of sacrifice, the man Christ Jesus, [Who is God in Flesh] to take my sins out of the way and nailed them on the cross so that I [and everyone] could come and live with him for all eternity. This is my Blessed Hope!

Love in(g) Christ,
Puddles : )