The Church Unleashed: A Study of the Book of Acts Holy Spirit s Power to Unleash the Church Acts 2:1-13 April 20-21, 2013 Pastor John Lloyd

Transcription

1 The Church Unleashed: A Study of the Book of Acts Holy Spirit s Power to Unleash the Church Acts 2:1-13 April 20-21, 2013 Pastor John Lloyd The church of Jesus Christ is a powerful force for God! God loves all the people of this world and desires to see each one have a strong connection with Him and each other. This week, we will look at the power of the Holy Spirit. It is absolutely impossible to do God s work without the power of the Spirit. We cannot win spiritual battles with man made weapons. We will not defeat our hurts, habits and hang-ups without God s power. God has given us all that we need to do His work and be a witness for Him. Enjoying the Journey, Pastor John Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 11b We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, What does this mean? 13 But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine. Big Idea: Through the Holy Spirit we have the power to bear witness of God s wonderful works! Empty me, fill me, change me, use me!

2 How can we in the church best unleash the people of God, in the Spirit of God, with the Word of God, for the glory of God, in the world? I. God begins a new in us through the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 1:5) Show me my emptiness: Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:10 as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 2:22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Realizing I am empty begins the process of being filled.

3 II. God unleashes the church to to us in our language. Acts 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 3 views on tongues: 1. It is valid for today. 2. It is not valid for today, I Corinthians 13:8-10, called cessationist view: tongues ended with completion of the canon of Scripture and close of apostolic age. 3. Seek not, forbid not (Christian Missionary Alliance) based on I Corinthians 14:39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. Charismania (an overemphasis on charismatic gifts) versus Charisphobia ( a fear of charismatic gifts). Ajith Fernando In essentials unity, in non essential beliefs we have liberty, and in all things we show charity. Ephesians 5:18b 18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery but be filled with the Spirit, Reflective Questions: What is repeatable and what is unrepeatable in the book of Acts? What did they know? What did they have? What do we know and what do we have? I must be filled to be changed. Lord, please fill me and change me.

4 III. The Unleashed Church needs God s all of the time. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 2:11b We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord The key to the Spirit-filled Christian life is found in a paradox: cultivating an attitude of perpetual emptiness brings with it a perpetual fullness. Hughes, R. Kent Acts: The Church Afire. (Matthew 5:6) Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders, (Acts 9:31, 13:9). Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 2:12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, What does this mean? 13 But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine. As we realize how empty we are please fill us with your Holy Spirit, change us into your image, and use us to be a witness for God. Empty me, fill me, change me, use me! PRAYER: Here s our cup, Lord. Warm it and fill it up, Lord! May all you intend to happen in our lives come to pass, through the power and presence of your Holy Spirit. Please continue to work in us and through

5 us, producing a supernatural joy and praise in our hearts. May your fullness bring salvation to many around us, for your glory. In Jesus name, Amen. Hughes, R. Kent. Acts: The Church Afire