One Accord

Pentecost – A Day of Unity (Acts 2:1-21) Luke 24:44-53 The Beginning of the Church Age Last Thursday was Ascension Thursday: Upon HIS departure HE said, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 Today is the Day of Pentecost: Feast of Harvest, the Firstfruits of God’s Harvest; “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 READ: Acts 2:1-21 One Accord – I can’t seem to get past it. What would God do with a church that was of One Accord? Lightly exegete verses 1-4. 1. One Accord: They were all of One Accord BEFORE the Holy Ghost fell upon them. 2. “Rushing mighty wind” a. Exodus 20:18 “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking:” b. Acts 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” 3. “Cloven tongues like as fire” a. Prophecy of John the Baptist: Matthew 3:11 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” 4. “They were all filled” a. A promise fulfilled, without respect of persons, while they were found praying. (1:14) Do we think so highly of ourselves as to believe that the Holy Ghost would fill this place while we are not in one accord? Would HE fall on any of us? What if HE fell on us this morning? Are you in One… The early Church was of One Accord – praying 9 days, thought the spirit was promised they prayed; Elijah prayed 7 times for promised rain. We too must be found praying – in One Accord. Jesus said in John 14:20 ““At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” SHIFT: One Accord; that which is lacking in our families and in this church. I have to ask, “Lord, is it I?” (my fault) Now why would I suggest that? • Less than 2 dozen to pray for the nation • No confidence to have an Ascension service • Few adults playing Jeopardy • Few parents for awards night • Members that haven’t been in over a month • Members that haven’t been in over a year • Members that place self-interest over God • Members that don’t attend SS & evenings We are a body of Christ with missing parts. Obviously, I could go on but let me just say, it’s never a good thing when the Pastor has to ask Lord, “is it I”. Am I reason for the lack of the Church being of One Accord? Am I the reason there is • A lack of physical growth in the church? • A lack of spiritual growth in the church? • An absence of people; of being in One Accord? And if it’s not me, is it you? The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:1 that we have been given a ministry… SHIFT: We desperately need a Day of Pentecost in this church; we need a day, a season, of being in one accord. A time where we pray in One… We forgotten surrendered our lives to God We are supposed to have died to self. • Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. • Luke 9:23 - And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Matthew 10:38 - And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Who are you living for? It was Christ that died for you, not you, not your spouse, not your children or grandchildren, not your job, BUT Christ Himself! What is the calling Christ has really placed upon your life? HE said “GO!” and yet we sit, and we wait… for someone else to do something. It’s the Preacher’s job to visit people or to lead someone to Christ. It’s the deacon’s job to visit the shut-in and those in the hospital. I’m not a teacher and on and on the list goes. The calling of Christ is to us all and it is to go and make disciples. Who are you pouring water on? Jesus said in John 7:38 “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” If we are of One Accord, Reidville should be flooded by now. Who are you pouring life into? Jesus Christ promised the out pouring of the Holy Spirit on HIS followers. If you have not received that out pouring then you need to be at this altar pleading with God to reconcile you unto Him. If we were of one accord revival would break out in the church that would set this community on fire. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14. Are we not HIS people? Should we not be of one accord? How can we say we are of one accord if we are not here together? SHIFT: How do we get there? 1. “…choose you this day whom ye will serve…” Joshua 24:15 2. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” Ephesians 4:31. 3. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3 4. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 Men! Teach your families the Word of God; let them learn and grow in one accord. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” VBS is coming up / A Camp Meeting is in the works. Members are sick / family members are lost. This community is growing but we are not. But before all of that You Must Become In One Accord with Jesus – ARE YOU THERE? DO YOU KOW MY GOD AND DO YOU KNOW HIM AS LORD & SAVIOUR?