Acts 2 - Empowerment

Pray

If anyone in Hollywood is looking to reboot Crocodile Dundee with a person of color in the lead role, 26-year-old Eugene Bozzi won’t have to send in an audition tape, because he’s already got an alligator-hunting viral video under his belt.

When Bozzi was notified by his children that an alligator had wandered onto their suburban property, he went outside to investigate. He told USA TODAY that he assumed it was a baby alligator and was prepared to let it go, but when he saw its real size, he knew he needed to act.

Bozzi, a US Army veteran, said “I'm removing it because he's probably hungry. The only thing that came to my mind was to protect my kids and the other children outside." His heroic exploits were filmed and posted to Twitter, where it’s been viewed at least six million times.

When the video footage of him begins, Bozzi has a dark-colored trash receptacle tipped over on its side, lid up, mouth open, and he’s pushing it toward the gator. “Let me know when the head goes inside,” he implores the onlookers who are filming him. Then, once the gator is close enough, Bozzi swings the lid over, striking the gator on its head. As the gator violently thrashes around, he slowly tilts the can upward, trapping it inside as onlookers whoop and holler in joyful disbelief.

We hear this story this morning, and if you’re like me, we’re like man this guy has some real guts to deal with an alligator using only a trash can… If you’ve got nothing better to do later on, you can actually find this video online and it’s pretty entertaining.

But here’s the point, this man had a massive problem to deal with. And this problem wasn’t only threatening Bozzi, it was that was threatening his family. It was threatening his children. And so, in the wake of this problem. This army vet doesn’t run, he doesn’t hide, no, instead he’s empowered to deal with the problem head on.

We then turn to today’s message and say, what in the word does a 26-year-old man trapping an alligator have anything to do with my walk with Christ. And here’s the key… empowerment.

You see, although you’re here this morning, and likely saved. Many of us are going through life defeated. We know God is for us, but sometimes, we allow ourselves to believe the alligator (or the serpent) has the upper hand. Others of us, we should rise to the occasion and address the problems in our lives, but if we’re not careful… we allow the problems to persist.

This morning, because of the Holy Spirit. You can live a life of empowerment.

We read last week in acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Church, unlike last week which was about waiting for the Holy Spirit. This morning, we’ll see the Holy Spirit has been sent and this will change not only the course of history.But also, you’re very life this morning, if you’ll allow Him to.

With this in mind. Turn we me to the book of Acts 2 as we’ll focus specifically on 3 things this morning the Holy Spirit empower us to do 1. The Holy Spirit Empowers us to Address (the threat) 2. The Holy Spirit Empowers us to Testify 3. The Holy Spirit Empowers with confidence.

1. The Holy Spirit Empowers us to Address (the threat)

Acts 2:1-13 explains: 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

So, we stop for a second and notice several things. First of all, The day of Pentecost has arrived. The word Pente in the greek means 5 and the suffix koste indicates “times ten.” And so, the word Pentecost means 50, and it was celebrated 50 days after Passover. Now for the Jewish people, their calendar had a total of 7 feasts, but all 7 feasts fall within 3 major holidays,in the first, third and sevent months of the Jewish Calendar.

And for a moment, I want us to catch the correlation of how each of these holidays is fulfilled in Christ. The first major Holiday that was celebrated was Passover, In exodus 12 the Isrealites were told to take the blood of a spotless lamb or goat and put it on the doorframe of the house so that the angel of the Lord would Passover that house and not kill the firstborn child.

This Passover would ultimatly be satisfied through the shedding of spotless blood of Jesus, the lamb that was slain for our sins.

50 days after the Passover, the isrealites would arrive at the base of Mt Sinai, and Moses would go on to ascend the mountain and receive the law. So, Pentecost was initially celebrated for this reason. But understand, without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the people we’re helpless. When the law was given to Isreal, no one could keep it… but because of the Holy Spirit. People could live empowered, regenerated lives. And so again, because of Christ, we see Pentecost satisfied.

Finally, the last of the 3 major festivals was that of tabernacles OR feast of trumpets. And just like the Passover which was fulfilled in a single day through the cross, or Pentecost which was fulfilled in a single day, we also see that a day is coming that no man knowns the day or hour – when a trumpet will sound, and Jesus will return for his bride. At which point, all Christians will tabernacle with the Lord forever.

But as we go back to the scripture we’re told: 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. that refers to the 120 core followers of Jesus. Who are together in the upper room ,2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting,3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The bible explains

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. By the way, this large crowd has gathered from different tribe, tongues, and nations, each of them are there in Jerusalem to celebrate this Passover festival.

And 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?

By the way, Galileans would have been viewed by these city-slickers like a bunch of ignorant, and uneducated people. The crowd is basically saying the Beverly hillbillysare here with us.

And verse 12 continues: “12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” In other words, some of those present were making a mockery of what’s taking place…

But I want us to notice Peter’s response. As some are making a mockery of what’s taken place, what does Peter do? verse 14 explains : 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say… and for the next several verse Peter would go on to address the Crowd. Peter would say:

15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

You see, here’s the point. In the face of adversity, Peter didn’t shy away. He doesn’t remain quiet… No peter stands up, he raises his voice, and he addresses the crowd. and what does he use? He uses the bible; he’s quoting Joel here and Psalms later.

But go back with me to verse 14 for a moment. We’re told: 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say…

The word addressed means to declare or to speak out. And here’s the point, peter doesn’t stay silent. Peter doesn’t shy away… no peter speaks out… he doesn't back down.

You see if we go back to Acts 1:8: “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Friends, I don’t know about you… but when I see that Peter is addressing the crowd, I see empowerment. I see commitment. I see someone who’s committed to the cause.

You know, I’m reminded of a story I came across this week, which explains:

Travelers on a boat tour in the Bahamas were relieved after witnessing an incident on the waters. Witnesses say they saw a twelve-foot-long hammerhead shark swimming in the waters, a rare treat for tourists. But their delight turned to horror when they witnessed a dog jump into the water from a nearby dock to confront the shark.

In a video posted to social media, onlookers can be heard shouting anguished warnings for the dog to get away while the dog and the shark are circling each other. But inexplicably, the shark turns around and swims away. One man exclaimed, “I don’t think the shark is going to mess with him!”

The tour reservations manager Rebecca Lightbourn says she often sees the dog running along the shore to greet the boat, but had never seen it dive in like that. She said, “I guess this time the dog decided he wanted to protect his house or play with a really big fish in the water, so he went after it.”

When the shark swam away from the pier, the medium-sized dog scrambled back onto the rocks and loped away like it was no big deal.

Now I’m not advocating, this was the dogs best move in life… I mean there was a real threat here… but listen, the dog made up his mind to protect his house. The dog had had enough, and it was time to do something about it.

Peter in the book of acts. One of the greatest moments in history has came… And yet, there are some there who are trying to discredit what’s taken place. And you know what peter does? He fights back. He addresses the attack. But he does so standing on the word of God.

Church, for some of us this morning, we’re dealing with a threat, that’s been in our water for too long. A sin, a temptation, a thought… we’ve allowed this monster to roam freely beneath the surface... and today, it’s time to put it down. Today it’s time to address the beast.

1 peter 5:8 makes it clear: 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Friend, today, would you be encouraged to speak up. Would you be encouraged and empowered to no longer remain silent, but to address the problem

2. The Holy Spirit Empowers us to Testify

Acts 2:22-28 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

The New Kings James puts it this way

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—

The word accredit or attest as we just read: Means to provide proof or evidence of something, based on arguments and demonstration.

And so we notice with Jesus, through miracles, wonders and signs… God would validate Jesus as the Messiah.

But here’s what I want to catch for a moment. The speaking of tongues, the ability to prophesy, and see visions and dream dreams, like we just spoke about… all of these… are a testimony of the Holy Spirits indwelling in a believer’s life.

There’s this before and after picture at hand… before the Holy Spirit and after….

You see, with Holy Spirit, the people were empowered. They could suddenly walk in the spirit. The people could exhibit the fruit of the spirit in their lives.

This idea of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. All of a sudden It was possible.

Here’s the point, through Your trials, your testing… should lead to a testimony. Hey… here’s who I was before… but Jesus… Hey, this was the old me… but Jesus…Hey, the man you ran into yesterday, I’ve got a new name, I’ve got a new image, I’ve got a new life and a new purpose… and it has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with Him.

Paul Explains:

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

Church the empowering of the Holy Spirit, should lead to transformation in your life this morning. That you can’t help but tell others about.

Friend, how are we doing with that this morning?

3. The Holy Spirit Empowers us with Confidence

Acts 2:

25 David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

As we wrap up this morning, we understand that many on the day of Pentecost would hear Peter’s sermon and be cut to the heart. So many, the bible says that about about 3,000 people were added to their number that day.

Going back to verse 27

27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidentlythat the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. You see, David knew the Lord wouldn’t abandon him. And peter speaks Confidently of David’s security in the Lord.

The word Confidently here is the word parrēsia And it means:

I.free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance.

You see I think of my daughters this morning. And as you know, I have 4 girls and 1 boy in the middle. And specifically with my 2 older girls, Taylor, and Harper, they’re getting older. They’re no longer 2 and 3 years old… Now this year, Taylor will be in 5th grade, and Harper will be in 3rd.

And can I tell you something, this past year, really the spring in particular.But in some ways, it was challenging. You start to hear murmurings of your girls having to fit in… I mean, there’s talk about who’s wearing the latest shoes, or who has the nicest clothes, or who sat with who at lunch…

And I get that this is part of growing up. This is part of going to school. But do you know what? Ultimately, I want them to be confident because they’re loved by their mom and dad and ultimately, they’re a child of God.

You see our world, for us as adults… a lot of people put their confidence on things that are fleeting.New cars, new homes, new clothes even… it’s not that different from our children.

But do you know what my bible tells me?

Matthew 6:19-21 tells us: 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Church, this morning, you can be confident. Not based on what you have, but on who’s you are. This confidence, this cheerful courage isn’t based on circumstances.

But it is based on your relationship with the Father.

I’m going to call Lisa back up at this time, and as she comes forward.

And as she comes forward, there are 3 camps I want to address.

1. Maybe you’re here and this is something to address in your life. sin, situation

2. Maybe you’ve lost sight of you’re here this morning, and you’ve lost sight of your testimony. You’ve forgot how God has brought you through in the past.

3. Maybe you’re here and you’ve lost your boldness. You have a testimony; you just haven’t shared it with anyone. You’ve lost your voice…

Pray