We have the power! - Acts 2:1-4; 22-24, 32-33, 36-41
We have the power! - Acts 2:1-4; 22-24, 32-33, 36-41
By Pastor Lee Hemen
April 22, 2012 AM
Maria and Rick may be like people you know. They are Christians, but they find it difficult to share the gospel with lost people. Maria recently said, “I know it’s important to tell people about Jesus, but I just freeze up when I think about this.” Rick chimed in, “Even though I’m in sales, I lose my confidence when it comes to telling others about the Lord. I feel like a flashlight without a battery.”
This is for all the “Marias” and “Ricks” that recognize they need to be more effective as witnesses for Christ but wonder how they can. Perhaps you are like them too. An in-depth look at Acts 2 provides principles about the role of the Holy Spirit in witnessing. We will see that what the early believers’ experienced on the Day of Pentecost indicates that the Holy Spirit empowers all believers to fulfill their mission for Christ, and this is how today’s followers of Jesus can be effective witnesses as well. After all, we have the power!
READ: Acts 2:1-4; 22-24, 32-33, 36-41
The Old Testament “Festival of Weeks” came to be called Pentecost (from a Greek word meaning “50”). It was a yearly Jewish celebration on the 50th day after the Sabbath following Passover that celebrated the end of the grain harvest. Therefore it always fell on the first day of the week (Sunday). Jesus’ disciples “were all together in one place” and were experiencing remarkable unity when something truly extraordinary occurred. The Holy Spirit came upon them as Jesus had promised. From what happens we know that…
I. The Holy Spirit equips His witnesses! (Acts 2:1-4)
1. The best outfit for the believer is the presence of the Holy Spirit! -- Leeferism
1) The arrival of the Holy Spirit, after Jesus’ ascension, was announced by three unexpected phenomena: sound, sight, and speech. The sound and sight never occurred again in the New Testament. The speech, however, was repeated only several more times. The sound was similar to “the blowing of a violent wind.” The sound was sudden and “came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” This, however, was no ordinary wind. Jesus told Nicodemus, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 NIV) The sight “seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” This was supernatural too, for the fire appeared to them and rested on them. As early as the days of Moses, fire had been a symbol of God’s presence! Luke did not say how long either the sight or the sound lasted. In any case, none of those present had ever experienced anything like it. Evidently, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke implies that all of Jesus’ followers present, rather than just the apostles were affected. The speech was as amazing as the sound and sight. They “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” They spoke in different languages, without having to study them or learn them! The terminology used here definitely means “known languages” and not guttural utterances or gibberish. And we know this to be true because “Jews from every nation under heaven” heard the disciple’s speech and “each one heard them speaking in his own language!” (Vv. 5-7) People in the crowd asked, “How is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?” (v. 8)Some thought they were drunk but Peter immediately, empowered by the same Spirit, stand and explains what occurred and why. God had poured out His Spirit on them so they could share the fact that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!” (v. 21) The Holy Spirit equips His witnesses!
EXAMPLE: The indwelling Spirit is Jesus’ gift to everyone who believes in Him. Paul later expressed it this way: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Think about what this means: if you are a believer, the very Person of God Himself lives within you. From the moment of your conversion, God gave you the power you needed not only to live the Christian life, but also to witness for Him. The challenge you face as a believer is to use the Spirit—or stated more accurately, to let the Spirit use you—as a witness for Jesus. If fishermen can become witnesses for the risen Lord, we can too because we have the power of the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit created such a commotion that a large crowd—mainly Jewish travelers in Jerusalem for the festival—gathered around. Peter explains that this experience not only fulfilled the promise of Jesus, but also Old Testament prophecy. As was appropriate for a Jewish audience, Peter began with a text of Scripture, which was Joel 2:28-32. Then he launched into the heart of his message. The disciple who miserably denied that he even knew Jesus now boldly proclaimed Christ! The difference was that Peter was now Spirit-enabled. In what occurs we discover that…
II. The Holy Spirit uses the Message! (Acts 2:22-24, 32-33)
1. The message is the gospel, the method is us, and the means is the Holy Spirit! -- Leeferism
1) I love Peter’s sermon because he does not mince his words or his theology! He begins his teaching with, “Men of Israel, listen to this!” Peter gives them two facts concerning Jesus: 1) “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs”, and 2) “which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” They knew what Jesus did and how He did what He did! Jesus’ life had been open to them! Also, they knew about Jesus’ death! Many in the crowd that day had witnessed Jesus’ death. Jesus “was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross!” God had promised humankind a Savior, and the prophets of old had foreseen that the Messiah would suffer according to the plan of God (Isaiah 53:1-12). While wicked humans, both the religious ruling class and the Romans, were responsible for Jesus’ death, “God raised him from the dead!” Without the resurrection, people would have continued believing that Jesus was a criminal justly condemned for His misdeeds. The resurrection shows that this is not true. The resurrection is important for us as well because we have had our lives transformed through an encounter with the living Lord! We too are witnesses of how Jesus has changed our lives, just as they were! In fact, Peter boldly declared, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact!” The gospel means good news. Those who embrace Jesus receive priceless gifts: The gift of the Savior Himself; the gift of salvation; the gift of eternal life; and the gift of forgiveness. Peter emphasized the promised Holy Spirit, who was poured out that day. The resurrected Jesus, now “exalted to the right hand of God”, gives the Spirit to all who believe! The Holy Spirit uses the Message!
EXAMPLE: I will never forget the day my sweetheart said “Yes” to my stammered proposal of marriage, I will never forget the day we received word concerning our daughter’s birth, and I will never forget the day my grandson was born. As wonderful and joyous as those dates were, I will never ever forget the day I first heard and responded to the Message of the Gospel! Afterwards, my life would never be the same. Every person who has ever responded to the Message did so at the tug of the Holy Spirit in life. The Message that Jesus came, died on a cross, and raised from the dead transforms the life of those who heed the Spirit’s call! The Holy Spirit uses the Message!
Today, the message has gone far beyond its original audience of Israelite’s. It is for men and women of every race and nation. But the essence of the good news hasn’t changed since Pentecost: Jesus lived and ministered; He was crucified for sinners; God raised Him from the dead; He is Lord; and He gives His Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit used the message Peter proclaimed that day, so He will powerfully use the message we proclaim about Jesus as Messiah and Lord to bring people to salvation. And, the wonderful fact is that…
III. The Holy Spirit moves people to respond! (Acts 2:36-41)
1. Christians provide the message, the Spirit moves the person! -- Leeferism
1) Peter began his message with Jesus’ humanity: He was from Nazareth (v. 22). Peter concluded by telling his listeners that God had raised and exalted Jesus. Jesus whom humans had crucified was now vindicated by God. He has been fully revealed as “both Lord and Christ” (Messiah)! As such, Jesus not only fulfilled the scriptural prophecies, but someday He will be fully revealed to all as the messianic King, the Son of God! Many came under deep conviction by the Holy Spirit. Notice, they were “cut to the heart.” Jesus had taught that “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment!” (John 16:8) That’s what the Holy Spirit does, He empowers and convicts! With conviction came the question, “Brothers, what shall we do?” The people who heard Peter preach knew they were sinners. Peter immediately responds, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!” Because of Peter’s statement, some erroneously conclude that baptism helps with salvation, however, the Greek word “eis”, translated here as “for” (NIV), doesn’t always mean “in order to.” It also can mean “because of.” This helps us understand a number of such passages that use “eis” with baptism. Add to the fact Jesus and later Paul never equated baptism with salvation, only faith in who Jesus was and His resurrection! “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” We present the good news, God does the calling! Peter then pleads with the people, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation!” The result of Peter’s message: “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day!” The wonderful truth is that the Holy Spirit moves people to respond!
EXAMPLE: I am totally amazed at how the Holy Spirit works in people’s lives to bring them to God. I used to think that if I came up with the perfect argument, then anyone I spoke to about Jesus would accept Him as Savior and Lord. After being disillusioned numerous times I learned that God has already provided the perfect message in His Son and we are only to share what we know and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. This was confirmed to me when after a week of training in how to witness we went out to homes of folks we knew to share our faith. I had witnessed to this particular individual for several years with no results. Every argument and discussion led nowhere. Then we entered the home and my friend who was with my group, remarked, “Don’t you think it is about time for you to accept Jesus?” The man, whom I had no success with, to my utter amazement, responded by saying, “Yes, I do.” I learned that night that the Holy Spirit moves people to respond!
Conclusion:
The Holy Spirit equips His witnesses! The Holy Spirit uses the Message! The Holy Spirit moves people to respond!
---
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2012 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
By Pastor Lee Hemen
April 22, 2012 AM
Maria and Rick may be like people you know. They are Christians, but they find it difficult to share the gospel with lost people. Maria recently said, “I know it’s important to tell people about Jesus, but I just freeze up when I think about this.” Rick chimed in, “Even though I’m in sales, I lose my confidence when it comes to telling others about the Lord. I feel like a flashlight without a battery.”
This is for all the “Marias” and “Ricks” that recognize they need to be more effective as witnesses for Christ but wonder how they can. Perhaps you are like them too. An in-depth look at Acts 2 provides principles about the role of the Holy Spirit in witnessing. We will see that what the early believers’ experienced on the Day of Pentecost indicates that the Holy Spirit empowers all believers to fulfill their mission for Christ, and this is how today’s followers of Jesus can be effective witnesses as well. After all, we have the power!
READ: Acts 2:1-4; 22-24, 32-33, 36-41
The Old Testament “Festival of Weeks” came to be called Pentecost (from a Greek word meaning “50”). It was a yearly Jewish celebration on the 50th day after the Sabbath following Passover that celebrated the end of the grain harvest. Therefore it always fell on the first day of the week (Sunday). Jesus’ disciples “were all together in one place” and were experiencing remarkable unity when something truly extraordinary occurred. The Holy Spirit came upon them as Jesus had promised. From what happens we know that…
I. The Holy Spirit equips His witnesses! (Acts 2:1-4)
1. The best outfit for the believer is the presence of the Holy Spirit! -- Leeferism
1) The arrival of the Holy Spirit, after Jesus’ ascension, was announced by three unexpected phenomena: sound, sight, and speech. The sound and sight never occurred again in the New Testament. The speech, however, was repeated only several more times. The sound was similar to “the blowing of a violent wind.” The sound was sudden and “came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” This, however, was no ordinary wind. Jesus told Nicodemus, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 NIV) The sight “seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” This was supernatural too, for the fire appeared to them and rested on them. As early as the days of Moses, fire had been a symbol of God’s presence! Luke did not say how long either the sight or the sound lasted. In any case, none of those present had ever experienced anything like it. Evidently, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke implies that all of Jesus’ followers present, rather than just the apostles were affected. The speech was as amazing as the sound and sight. They “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” They spoke in different languages, without having to study them or learn them! The terminology used here definitely means “known languages” and not guttural utterances or gibberish. And we know this to be true because “Jews from every nation under heaven” heard the disciple’s speech and “each one heard them speaking in his own language!” (Vv. 5-7) People in the crowd asked, “How is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?” (v. 8)Some thought they were drunk but Peter immediately, empowered by the same Spirit, stand and explains what occurred and why. God had poured out His Spirit on them so they could share the fact that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!” (v. 21) The Holy Spirit equips His witnesses!
EXAMPLE: The indwelling Spirit is Jesus’ gift to everyone who believes in Him. Paul later expressed it this way: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Think about what this means: if you are a believer, the very Person of God Himself lives within you. From the moment of your conversion, God gave you the power you needed not only to live the Christian life, but also to witness for Him. The challenge you face as a believer is to use the Spirit—or stated more accurately, to let the Spirit use you—as a witness for Jesus. If fishermen can become witnesses for the risen Lord, we can too because we have the power of the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit created such a commotion that a large crowd—mainly Jewish travelers in Jerusalem for the festival—gathered around. Peter explains that this experience not only fulfilled the promise of Jesus, but also Old Testament prophecy. As was appropriate for a Jewish audience, Peter began with a text of Scripture, which was Joel 2:28-32. Then he launched into the heart of his message. The disciple who miserably denied that he even knew Jesus now boldly proclaimed Christ! The difference was that Peter was now Spirit-enabled. In what occurs we discover that…
II. The Holy Spirit uses the Message! (Acts 2:22-24, 32-33)
1. The message is the gospel, the method is us, and the means is the Holy Spirit! -- Leeferism
1) I love Peter’s sermon because he does not mince his words or his theology! He begins his teaching with, “Men of Israel, listen to this!” Peter gives them two facts concerning Jesus: 1) “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs”, and 2) “which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” They knew what Jesus did and how He did what He did! Jesus’ life had been open to them! Also, they knew about Jesus’ death! Many in the crowd that day had witnessed Jesus’ death. Jesus “was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross!” God had promised humankind a Savior, and the prophets of old had foreseen that the Messiah would suffer according to the plan of God (Isaiah 53:1-12). While wicked humans, both the religious ruling class and the Romans, were responsible for Jesus’ death, “God raised him from the dead!” Without the resurrection, people would have continued believing that Jesus was a criminal justly condemned for His misdeeds. The resurrection shows that this is not true. The resurrection is important for us as well because we have had our lives transformed through an encounter with the living Lord! We too are witnesses of how Jesus has changed our lives, just as they were! In fact, Peter boldly declared, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact!” The gospel means good news. Those who embrace Jesus receive priceless gifts: The gift of the Savior Himself; the gift of salvation; the gift of eternal life; and the gift of forgiveness. Peter emphasized the promised Holy Spirit, who was poured out that day. The resurrected Jesus, now “exalted to the right hand of God”, gives the Spirit to all who believe! The Holy Spirit uses the Message!
EXAMPLE: I will never forget the day my sweetheart said “Yes” to my stammered proposal of marriage, I will never forget the day we received word concerning our daughter’s birth, and I will never forget the day my grandson was born. As wonderful and joyous as those dates were, I will never ever forget the day I first heard and responded to the Message of the Gospel! Afterwards, my life would never be the same. Every person who has ever responded to the Message did so at the tug of the Holy Spirit in life. The Message that Jesus came, died on a cross, and raised from the dead transforms the life of those who heed the Spirit’s call! The Holy Spirit uses the Message!
Today, the message has gone far beyond its original audience of Israelite’s. It is for men and women of every race and nation. But the essence of the good news hasn’t changed since Pentecost: Jesus lived and ministered; He was crucified for sinners; God raised Him from the dead; He is Lord; and He gives His Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit used the message Peter proclaimed that day, so He will powerfully use the message we proclaim about Jesus as Messiah and Lord to bring people to salvation. And, the wonderful fact is that…
III. The Holy Spirit moves people to respond! (Acts 2:36-41)
1. Christians provide the message, the Spirit moves the person! -- Leeferism
1) Peter began his message with Jesus’ humanity: He was from Nazareth (v. 22). Peter concluded by telling his listeners that God had raised and exalted Jesus. Jesus whom humans had crucified was now vindicated by God. He has been fully revealed as “both Lord and Christ” (Messiah)! As such, Jesus not only fulfilled the scriptural prophecies, but someday He will be fully revealed to all as the messianic King, the Son of God! Many came under deep conviction by the Holy Spirit. Notice, they were “cut to the heart.” Jesus had taught that “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment!” (John 16:8) That’s what the Holy Spirit does, He empowers and convicts! With conviction came the question, “Brothers, what shall we do?” The people who heard Peter preach knew they were sinners. Peter immediately responds, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!” Because of Peter’s statement, some erroneously conclude that baptism helps with salvation, however, the Greek word “eis”, translated here as “for” (NIV), doesn’t always mean “in order to.” It also can mean “because of.” This helps us understand a number of such passages that use “eis” with baptism. Add to the fact Jesus and later Paul never equated baptism with salvation, only faith in who Jesus was and His resurrection! “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” We present the good news, God does the calling! Peter then pleads with the people, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation!” The result of Peter’s message: “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day!” The wonderful truth is that the Holy Spirit moves people to respond!
EXAMPLE: I am totally amazed at how the Holy Spirit works in people’s lives to bring them to God. I used to think that if I came up with the perfect argument, then anyone I spoke to about Jesus would accept Him as Savior and Lord. After being disillusioned numerous times I learned that God has already provided the perfect message in His Son and we are only to share what we know and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. This was confirmed to me when after a week of training in how to witness we went out to homes of folks we knew to share our faith. I had witnessed to this particular individual for several years with no results. Every argument and discussion led nowhere. Then we entered the home and my friend who was with my group, remarked, “Don’t you think it is about time for you to accept Jesus?” The man, whom I had no success with, to my utter amazement, responded by saying, “Yes, I do.” I learned that night that the Holy Spirit moves people to respond!
Conclusion:
The Holy Spirit equips His witnesses! The Holy Spirit uses the Message! The Holy Spirit moves people to respond!
---
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2012 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
Comments