The Holy Spirit Comes

Before Jesus went back to heaven, He told His friends, 'Wait in Jerusalem. I'm going to send you a special gift—the Holy Spirit!'

So the disciples waited. They prayed together in a room. About 120 of Jesus' followers were there.

Then one morning—WHOOOOSH! A sound like a HUGE wind filled the house! But this wasn't regular wind. It was from heaven!

Then they saw something amazing. Little flames of fire appeared and landed on each person's head! But the fire didn't burn them.

The Holy Spirit filled everyone! Suddenly they could speak in languages they had never learned!

Jerusalem was crowded with visitors from many countries. They heard the noise and came running. They were SO confused!

'Wait—those are simple people from Galilee! How can they speak MY language?!'

People from everywhere could understand! It was a miracle!

Some people laughed. 'They're just drunk!'

Peter stood up bravely. 'We're not drunk! It's only 9 in the morning! This is what God promised long ago! He said He would pour out His Spirit on everyone!'

Then Peter told them all about Jesus—how He died on the cross and rose again.

The people felt sorry for their sins. 'What should we do?'

'Believe in Jesus and be baptized!' Peter said.

That day, THREE THOUSAND people believed! The Church was born!

The same Holy Spirit lives in everyone who believes in Jesus today!