The Gospel Unleashed

Good morning Faith family!

Imagine this - a small stone is tossed into a still pond. At the point of impact, a ripple forms. It starts small, but it grows, spreading across the entire surface of the water. A tiny, seemingly insignificant stone, yet it has the power to disturb the entire pond.

Now, let's think of ourselves as those stones, our lives as the pond, and our faith as the ripples. At times, we may feel small, insignificant, just like that stone. Yet, when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, when we stand on the promises of God, and when we boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ, our faith creates ripples that can reach every corner of our pond - our homes, our workplaces, our schools, our community, and even our world.

Today, we delve into the heart of Acts 2:14-23, walking alongside Peter, a simple fisherman who became a beacon of hope, creating powerful ripples of faith that are still felt today.

Together, we'll explore what it means to be 'The Witnessing Church,' so the Gospel can be Unleashed and how we can create our own ripples of faith in our everyday lives. So, are you ready to make a splash? Let's dive in!

Acts 2:14–15 NKJV

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

The joyful worship of the believers was not the result of too much wine; it was the evidence of the arrival of God’s Holy Spirit to dwell in His people.

Orthodox Jews did not eat or drink before 9 a.m. on the Sabbath or on a holy day, nor did they usually drink wine except with meals.

"But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them..." How did Peter, who once denied Christ, become the church's spokesman?

The Power of the Holy Spirit

This transformation was through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Just as a lighthouse cannot shine without a light source, neither can we bear witness without the Holy Spirit.

As we read in Zechariah 4:6

Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.

As we navigate our everyday lives, we must remember to rely not on our strength, but on the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions.

So, how did Peter begin his sermon?

Bible Scholars believe… Aramaic, common language of Jews of his day.

He quotes the old testament.

Acts 2:16–21 NKJV

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’

What do we see?

The Holy Spirit Has Come

Peter quotes the prophet Joel, emphasizing that the events of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are part of God's plan foretold long ago.

Peter did not say that Pentecost was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2:28–32, because the signs and wonders predicted had not occurred.

When you read Joel’s prophecy in context, you see that it deals with the nation of Israel in the end times, in connection with “the Day of the Lord.”

However, Peter was led by the Spirit to see in the prophecy an application to the church. He said, “This is that same Holy Spirit that Joel wrote about. He is here!”

But I believe we ARE living in the last days. Jesus could come back at any minute.

Will He find us actively engaged in the mission Jesus left us with when comes to get us?

It’s our job to proclaim the Gospel. But it’s God’s job to unleash it’s power.

This reminds us of Isaiah 55:11

Isaiah 55:11 NKJV

11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

The fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, and we, as the witnessing church, are to share this hope with the world.

Where does Peter go next with his message?

Acts 2:22–23 NKJV

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;

Peter boldly proclaims the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus That You Crucified Is Alive and He’s the Messiah

He declares that Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23).

Although the Jews were guilty of having Jesus put to death, it was no accident.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are the cornerstone of our faith. We are reminded of Paul's words in Romans 1:16

Romans 1:16 NKJV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

We are called to share this good news, for it is through this message of hope that we shine as a lighthouse to those lost at sea.

We Are To Be The Witnessing Church

In a world filled with storms and uncertainties, we are called to be 'The Witnessing Church,' shining the light of the gospel for all to see. Here are some practical next steps for the coming week:

Seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit daily. Start each day with a prayer for God to guide your words and actions.

Recognize the fulfillment of God's promises in your life and around you. Share these testimonies with others to encourage their faith.

Share the good news of Jesus, our crucified and risen Savior. Speak with boldness, knowing that the message of the cross is the power of God that brings salvation.

Let us be a lighthouse, steadfast and shining bright, guiding lost souls to the safe shores of Christ's love. Let us be 'The Witnessing Church.' Can I get an amen?