The Spirit Who Breathes Life into Dry Bones | Vineyard Church Southern Indiana

At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we believe Pentecost is more than just a moment—it’s a movement. While often known as the "birthday of the Church," Pentecost has deep biblical roots beginning with Passover and culminating in the Upper Room. This message of hope and Holy Spirit empowerment continues today. Join us as we explore the journey from Passover to Pentecost, through Ezekiel's prophecy and Jesus' promise.

I. What Is Pentecost? Understanding Its Biblical Roots In the book of Exodus, God delivers Israel from slavery through the blood of the lamb at Passover (Exodus 12). But deliverance wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of transformation. Over the next 50 days, God shaped Israel through a journey of dependence:

When Israel arrives at Mount Sinai, God offers an invitation to a deeper covenant: “Be a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). Sadly, the people reject the invitation and ask Moses to stand in their place. The result? The law is written on tablets of stone—not hearts.

II. Prophecy of Pentecost: Ezekiel’s Vision of New Life Ezekiel 36:26 prophesies:

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Then in Ezekiel 37, we see a vivid vision of dry bones in a valley. As God commands Ezekiel to prophesy, the bones assemble and flesh forms—but they remain lifeless until the breath (ruach) of God enters them. This prophetic moment sets the stage for what will later happen in Acts 2.

III. Pentecost Fulfilled: 
From Resurrection to the Upper Room Jesus, the perfect Lamb, is crucified at Passover. For 40 days after His resurrection, He teaches His disciples about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Before His ascension, Jesus tells them:

“Wait for the gift my Father promised...” (Acts 1:4)

The disciples wait 10 more days—bringing us to the 50th day, the Feast of Pentecost. Acts 2 describes the moment the Holy Spirit descends like a mighty rushing wind. Tongues of fire rest on each believer. This is the fulfillment of Sinai:

• The law is now written on hearts.
• The Spirit empowers every believer.
• The Church is born—not in fear, but in fire.

IV. The Upper Room and Ezekiel's Dry Bones: 

A Prophetic Parallel Before the Spirit arrived, the Upper Room was a valley of dry bones:

• The disciples were afraid.
• Their mission felt unclear.
• They were emotionally exhausted.
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But when the Spirit breathed, everything changed. Just like Ezekiel’s bones, they stood up filled with power and purpose. The Church began not with a strategy, but with a breath.

V. What Pentecost Means for You Today
At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we believe the same Spirit is moving today. Pentecost is not just a historical event—it’s an invitation to:

• Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Step out of spiritual dryness.
• Live with Kingdom purpose.

Ask yourself:

• Are you feeling spiritually disconnected?
• Do you feel like your passion has dried up?
• Are you longing to hear God's voice again?
• 
  

God is still asking, “Can these bones live?” The answer is yes—when the Spirit breathes.
Conclusion: Receive the Spirit Today Pentecost reverses the fear of Sinai. The Spirit writes on our hearts, breathes into our dry places, and sends us to be witnesses of Jesus. At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we are praying for the wind of God to fill every home, every heart, and every valley.

Come, Holy Spirit.