The Power of the New Testament

Heart-Touching Sermon Outlines 15. The Power of the New Testament (Acts 2:1–13)

THE POWER OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

Acts 2:1–13

The true and real influence of a church depends not on its size, the social position of its members, the stateliness of its buildings, or the size of its contributions, but on the presence and power of the Holy Ghost. Let us consider three things about the empowered church of the New Testament:

I. The assembly of the saints; Acts 2:1.

A. They were assembled in prayer; Acts 1:14; cf. Luke 18:1.

B. They were assembled in unity; Acts 2:1; cf. Ps. 133:1.

C. They were assembled in obedience; Luke 24:49; cf. 1 Sam. 15:22.

D. They were assembled in worship; Luke 24:52, 53.

E. They were assembled in praise; Luke 24:53.

II. The advent of the Holy Spirit; Acts 2:2–4. God has spoken to men and women throughout history in types and symbols, and the Word of God. The ministry signified by the third continues throughout this dispensation, although the symbol itself has ceased.

A. The ministry of regeneration was pictured by the wind; John 3:8; Ezek. 37:9.

B. The ministry of purification was pictured by the fire; Isa. 6:6, 7; Matt. 3:11.

C. The ministry of communication was pictured by the tongues; Acts 2:7, 8; Eph. 5:18, 19.

When the church knows the power of the Holy Spirit, she will experience the ministry of regeneration, purification, and communication. Is this not the answer to the so-called generation gap?

III. The attitude of society.

Neither the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ nor that of the early church left men neutral toward spiritual matters; John 7:43.

A. Some people accepted Christ as Saviour and Lord; Acts 2:41.

B. Some people neglected Christ as Saviour and Lord; Acts 2:12.

C. Some people rejected Christ as Saviour and Lord; Acts 2:13.

Individuals living in the world today need to follow the example of those in Acts 2:41 and gladly believe the Word of God and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

The Power of the New Testament

The true and real influence of a church depends not on its size, the social position of its members, the stateliness of its buildings, or the size of its contributions, but on the presence and power of the Holy Ghost.

Let us consider three things about the empowered church of the New Testament:

I. The assembly of the saints; .

A. They were assembled in prayer; ; cf. .

B. They were assembled in unity; ; cf. .

C. They were assembled in obedience; ; cf. .

D. They were assembled in worship; , .

E. They were assembled in praise; .

II. The advent of the Holy Spirit; .

God has spoken to men and women throughout history in types and symbols, and the Word of God. The ministry signified by the third continues throughout this dispensation, although the symbol itself has ceased.

A. The ministry of regeneration was pictured by the wind; ; .

B. The ministry of purification was pictured by the fire; , ; .

C. The ministry of communication was pictured by the tongues; , ; , .

When the church knows the power of the Holy Spirit, she will experience the ministry of regeneration, purification, and communication. Is this not the answer to the so-called generation gap?

III. The attitude of society.

Neither the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ nor that of the early church left men neutral toward spiritual matters; .

A. Some people accepted Christ as Saviour and Lord; .

B. Some people neglected Christ as Saviour and Lord; .

C. Some people rejected Christ as Saviour and Lord; .

Individuals living in the world today need to follow the example of those in and gladly believe the Word of God and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.