Recharged
Notes
Transcript
Acts 4:23-31
Acts 4:23-31
Permit me to inform you about a group of individuals who dedicated their time to serve their community this Thanksgiving. They provided meals for the homeless and engaged with these men and women, demonstrating their importance. This exemplifies accurate community service. We are grateful for their efforts and look forward to receiving weekly updates on our initiatives. Please share your updates through email or announcements to ensure everyone stays informed and motivated in our collective mission to serve our neighbors.
Today, we discuss the concept of recharge. What does it mean to be recharged? In most Protestant Churches, there is a belief that one receives the Holy Spirit only once. This belief is only partially accurate. In Ephesians 5:18, we are encouraged to be filled with the Spirit, suggesting ongoing renewal. Similarly, Acts 4:31 illustrates a moment when believers were filled anew with the Spirit, empowering them to boldly speak the word of God. I have batteries here; one is depleted, and the other is fully charged. A depleted battery cannot recharge itself; it must be charged. Conversely, the charged battery continues to function until its energy is exhausted, at which point it becomes useless and must be recharged by connecting it to a charger.
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
We are the batteries. Our effectiveness is limited without recharging. We require a sufficient source to restore our energy. These verses illustrate two areas where replenishment is possible: firstly, through our interactions with one another; and secondly, via the Holy Spirit. To put this into practice, consider setting aside dedicated time for personal prayer and reflection to reconnect with your spiritual source. Participating in worship services provides an opportunity to recharge in a communal setting, drawing strength and inspiration from shared faith and music. Fellowship with others, whether through small groups or community activities, fosters mutual encouragement and support, helping to sustain our energy and commitment to our spiritual journey.
Each Other:
Each Other:
Where did Peter and John go straight to after being released? As recorded in Acts 4:23-24, they went to their brothers and sisters. They wanted to report on the fantastic event that happened to them. The Greek word for went is ‘erchomai.’ This means to come, to become, to reach a state or condition, or to happen. It just happened that they reached a state, and they came to tell their brothers and sisters about it. What happens once this report is given? Those who were there lifted their voice to God with one accord. They were being recharged through the interaction of their brothers.
Why might this inspire them? Because they were united through the Holy Spirit. How many individuals become upset upon hearing about the murder of our brothers and sisters? How many feel a surge of enthusiasm when hearing a brother or sister proclaim the Name of Jesus on live television? There is a sense of connection because we share the same Spirit. Let us, therefore, encourage and support one another, reinforcing this bond of unity that God has given us through the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we deepen our connection with Him and with each other.
Recall last week when I discussed the concept of being grafted into the True Vine. If we maintain our connection to the True Vine, it inherently signifies a connection to one another. This empowerment is infectious and propagates among those who are followers of Jesus. They raise their voices in praise, citing Scripture. Remember what Paul told the Church of Colosse, Colossians 3:5. Here, Paul emphasizes putting to death whatever belongs to earthly nature, which includes fostering unity by eliminating elements that cause division. Thus, aligning ourselves with the teachings of the True Vine helps promote unity and empowers us as a community.
Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.
How many of you recall the iPhone release that featured the ability to charge other devices? You would align the backs where the battery is situated, and it would transmit power to the other phone. When we hear that someone spoke the Name of Jesus, we should leap with joy, lifting our voices in praise to God. We know that faith comes from hearing the Word, Romans 10:17. How do they hear? Through us, spreading the Good News. Could you imagine the angels singing over those being saved? Luke 15:10. To make this sharing actionable, consider this: each of us could commit to sharing a meaningful Scripture on social media this week or inviting a co-worker to a church event. A small gathering in your home or discussing a passage over a cup of coffee can also be impactful. Whether reaching out with a message or sharing experiences in person, these simple acts can inspire others and strengthen our community's faith.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
They were praising and energizing each other so much that the Holy Spirit came upon them with renewed strength. In this powerful moment, their voices united in harmony and devotion, creating an atmosphere filled with divine presence. The Holy Spirit's arrival manifested as a profound sense of peace and inspiration, motivating them to go forth with courage and zeal. This divine encounter not only uplifted their spirits but also fortified their commitment to spreading the message of God's love and unity. Witnessing the transformative impact of the Holy Spirit reminded them of the power inherent in unity and faith, fueling their dedication to their community and their spiritual mission.
Holy Spirit:
Holy Spirit:
There is a belief that you only receive the Holy Spirit once. It is a common misunderstanding, as Scripture repeatedly dispels it. We see again, as they were praying, that the Holy Spirit came upon them again. The first time they received the Holy Spirit was when Jesus breathed upon them (John 20:22). They received the Power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). We see Peter being filled with the Holy Spirit before the Sanhedrin Court (Funny Sanhedrin means committee), Acts 4:8. And again we read how they were filled again by the Holy Spirit.
And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,
They understood their limitations and the need to connect with the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we can stand and speak with Boldness. Just like a battery without a charge requires a charger, we, too, need to seek ways to reconnect and recharge. Engaging in prayer, spending time in worship, or immersing ourselves in Scripture are practical ways we can connect with and be filled with the Holy Spirit. These practices allow us the opportunity to reflect, invite the Holy Spirit to guide us, and become empowered to act with conviction. Remember the battery without a charge? The only way it will be fully charged is by placing it on a charger and letting it charge for a set amount of time.
Another issue that will destroy a battery is being connected to the charger indefinitely. We are meant to be filled and go out spreading the Good News and serving our neighbors. We are not meant to come in and receive filling but never go out and allow the Holy Spirit to use us. Consider the story of Elizabeth, who, after participating in a prayer retreat and feeling rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit, decided to volunteer at a local shelter. Her efforts not only helped those in need but also strengthened her faith and deeply inspired those around her. Such examples remind us of the importance of taking action and sharing the gifts we've been given.
Remember what Christ told the Apostles and Disciples, Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19-20. Are you allowing the Spirit to use you? Are you bringing a boost of energy from what God did in your life to us? Let these moments of spiritual growth serve as reminders of the vibrant and fulfilling role you can play in the world. Embrace the opportunities God sets before you and feel encouraged, knowing that God delights to use you. Your journey of faith can inspire and uplift those around you.
but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
