The Power of Pentecost

Acts 2:1–8 NIV84

1 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 them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?

The day of Pentecost was a significant event in the early church as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. It is a story of power, transformation, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Power through the Holy Spirit

A. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to witness

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.””

B. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome sin

Romans 8:13 “13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,”

C. The Holy Spirit gives us power for service

1 Corinthians 12:7 “7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

2. The Power of Unity

A. The disciples were together in one place

Acts 2:1 “1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.”

B. Unity brings the presence of God

Psalm 133:1 “1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

C. Unity is a powerful testimony to the world

John 17:21 “21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

3. The Power of the Gospel Message

A. Peter preached Jesus as Lord and Christ

Acts 2:36–38 “36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “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.”

B. The message of the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation

Romans 1:16 “16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

C. We are called to preach the Gospel

Mark 16:15 “15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

4. The Power of a Transformed Life

A. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching

Acts 2:42 “42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

B. Transformation leads to a Christ-like character

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

C. A transformed life is a powerful witness

Matthew 5:16 “16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Conclusion

Pentecost is more than an event; it's a powerful reminder of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we embrace the lessons of Pentecost, we will experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which will empower us to live transformed lives and be effective witnesses for Christ.