Acts (5)

Introduction: Certainty, can often seem difficult. We live in a culture of uncertainty. We live under the curse of sin where confidence and hope can seem more like a desert mirage than an ocean of perseverance and assurance of faith. The French enlightenment philosopher, Voltaire once said, “doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.” Sadly, many, many people live with this same conclusion.

However, for those who are Christians, we are well aware of the temptations of doubt. We fight for clarity and confidence in the things we have been taught. We resist the devil, who loves to plague our thoughts with delusions and doubts. Often, we are given over to the burdens of this battle and find ourselves disabled and weakened by uncertainty.

Today, we are reminded from God’s word that ...

Big point. Christians can have certainty because Jesus keeps His Promises. In Acts 1:5-8 Jesus promised He would baptize his apostles with the Holy Spirit, and in Acts 2:1-13 (which is our focus text today) the eye witness historical record tells us, Jesus kept His promise.

Read text and pray.

Transition: Three questions to help us navigate this passage. And a final question to make some application.

When did Jesus keep His promise?

The feast of Pentecost All together in one place (2:1)

How did Jesus keep His promise?

Filled by the Holy Spirit and speaking the mighty works of God in different languages (2:2-3)

What was the result of His promise?

The result was what He said it would be… His followers became witnesses.

A bewildered gathering of devout Jews from every nation under heaven (2:5-11)

A response from the gathering (2:12-13)

Jesus said they would be His witness… and so it begins here in Jerusalem.

Closing question...

How will we respond to Jesus’ promises?

Here are 2 to consider...

John 6:35–38 ESV

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

Matthew 11:25–30 ESV

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Closing: Jesus made a promise and gave a command to His apostles. He kept His promise and they obeyed His command. Jesus is making a promise to you today.. that He will never cast you out, and that He will give your rest. However, I ask.. will you come to Christ? Will you turn from your sin and trust in Christ? Will you turn away from your burden, will you turn away from trying to fix your own life… and trust Christ? Will you come to Christ? As we did last week, today, I invite you …