Whitsun 2024

This same event, referred to as Whitsun in countries with a British Christian heritage, commemorates one very special Pentecost. This pivotal event is described in the New Testament book of Acts and marks the occasion when the disciples of Jesus received the power of the Holy Ghost and boldness to spread the message of Christ. This event marked the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as the Messiah by 3,000 Israelites/Jewish believers who were baptised on that day.

Thus for Christians, Whitsun symbolises the birth of the Christian Church as an official movement. It signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Comforter, who would guide and strengthen his followers in their mission to proclaim the Gospel, firstly to Israel, and then to all nations.

Whitsun, Pentecost and Shavuot:

Shavuot, known as the Feast of Weeks, whilst fundamentally a harvest celebration also traditionally commemorates the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai, marking the covenant between God and the Israelites. The events at Shavuot/Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2, describe a second time when God manifested as tongues of fire – reminiscent of the fire witnessed at Sinai 2000 years earlier (Exodus 19:16-19) – but this time it was personal. Curiously, the Old Testament narrative describes the death of 3,000 people who declined God’s Covenant invitation, whilst the latter described the acceptance of 3,000 people prepared to enter into a new covenant, with Jesus as the mediator. As Shavuot celebrates the physical harvest of crops, the spiritual harvest of souls on this first Whitsun further strengthens the interconnectedness of these two events.

The Promise of a New Covenant:

Throughout the Old Testament, prophecies foretold of a new covenant that would be established with the Israelites through the Messiah. The new covenant, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and reiterated in Hebrews 8:6-13, signifies a transformative relationship where God's laws are written on the hearts of His people, rather than on tablets of stone. Just as Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Mosaic law and covenant God made with Israel, Whitsun is a time when Christian Israelites celebrate the transforming power of the Messiah and Holy Ghost, the promise of renewing the law and establishment of a new covenant with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

The Promise of Redemption and Immortality:

Central to the beliefs of the Christian Israelite Church is the belief in the redemption of spirit, soul, and body, and the ultimate hope of being made immortal at the return of Jesus Christ. Whitsun is a time of looking forward as we are reminded of the amazing promise in 1 Corinthians 15, that mortality will be swallowed up in immortality at the glorious return of our Lord and Savior. This belief fills Whitsun celebrations with a great sense of hope and anticipation, as we eagerly await the fulfillment of God's promise of immortality and the fulfillment of other Biblical promises including the promise to gather the lost tribes of Israel.

Whitsun Celebrations in Singleton:

The Christian Israelite Church is preparing to celebrate Whitsun in Singleton between 17 and 20 May, a time referred to in the Church as Whitsuntide. As part of the festivities, the Church will host a free community concert on Whit Saturday night, 18 May.  The concert will include local musicians, drama performances, and the combined Church brass band, in a celebration of faith and creativity.

Under the theme 'Messages from God,' this Whitsuntide weekend will feature a range of thought-provoking messages exploring this theme.

As Christian Israelites gather to commemorate Whitsun, we trust this sacred weekend will be a time of celebration and reflection, as we look to the return of our Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the fulfilment of His promises in the Bible, especially to His people Israel.

Concert details are on our website at www.cichurchsingleton.org.au/events and on our Facebook page.