We Value Strategic Evangelism (Part 2)

Acts 2:1-12

The Spirit Empowers Strategy

“Go in the Holy Spirit” (Mission Statement)

Our Values: Strategic Evangelism

-It is not by accident. We have a strategy we are implementing on purpose.

However, the strategy is just the game plan, it’s not the fuel.

ILL- Football team: coach provides strategy. But Barry Switzer said, ““It's not the X's and the O's, but the Jimmys and the Joes that make the difference.”

Truth is that without X’s and O’s the Jimmy’s and Joe’s will never be able to use their talents but ultimately the players ability determines success.

The power of the Holy Spirit is what fuels strategy. Strategy is what will motivate us to use our talents.

The Holy Spirit Empowers us to live our calling. Outside of the Holy Spirit we cannot fulfill the calling God has placed on our life.

We are told to do nothing outside of the power of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples are waiting for the Holy Spirit to come…

Acts 2:1–12 ESV

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? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—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?”

5 Results of the Presence of the Holy Spirit

1. Perfect Unity (1)

Acts 2:1 ESV

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

They were together on Pentecost.

50 days from the Sunday following the Passover . Jesus resurrected the Sunday and spent 40 days with disciples before ascension. He ascends on a Sunday. So they have been in upper room one week.

Pentecost was a harvest celebration.

It was one of 3 pilgrimage days. Jews would come to Temple to give offerings of grain.

Our call is a corporate call.

There are no longer loner prophets like the old testament.

We are called to be part of the church. Our calling fits within the body of Christ.

They were together because Christ commanded them to wait in Upper Room.

The disunity of the night before Jesus was crucified in Upper Room is replaced with Acts 2:44

Acts 2:44 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

2. Perfect Timing (5-11a)

Acts 2:5 ESV

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

The day of Pentecost was not a coincidence. God's perfect timing is amazing.

This is one of the main reasons Christianity spreads so fast all around the Roman Empire.

Our obedience in the now is preparation for God's perfect timing later.

ILL-- DHS training for adoption. The empty room with two beds was used when Ruby and Abel showed up at our door.

God's timing doesn't always make sense to us.

These people did not speak the same language. Lots of people to preach to but no way to communicate with all of them.

What if Jesus gave them their Pentecost assignment before they were ready?

They would have thought he was crazy. Probably give up before the time even comes.

3. Perfect Understanding (11b)

Acts 2:11 ESV

11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

When we are obedient to share the Gospel the Holy Spirit is there to help with understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:12–13 ESV

12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

4. Perfect Testimony (12)

More next week

Acts 2:12 ESV

12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

"amazed and perplexed"= The means and the message caused a lot of wonder.

Luke 12:11–12 ESV

11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Peter preaches an amazing sermon that fascinates all who hear it.

5. Imperfect Accusations (13)

Acts 2:13 ESV

13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Satan is the great accuser

They looked to the wrong power.

Not everyone is going to believe. People are always trying to find an answer besides God.

ILL-- Humanistic evolution is a way to explain Creation without the supernatural power of God.

These are those who refuse to believe. The accept an alternate reality by faith.

Hebrews 11:3 ESV

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

By Faith= We have to chose which world-view we want to use to interpret the evidence.

Saul, The Pharisee who becomes Paul the Apostle was probably in the crowd that day.

He was definitely in the room while Stephen was tried. His face became like an angel.

When Jesus called Saul on the Road to Demascus he said, Acts 26:16-18

Acts 26:16–18 ESV

16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

The choice for us is what are we going to believe about Jesus.

Salvation is by faith, and faith alone.

What do you believe in?

The church is not a social club that you join so you can belong.

The Church is made up of those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

CONCLUSION

Before you can receive the Holy Spirit to enable your calling, you must first accept the free gift.

Are you living in the power of the Holy Spirit?