Church Era: Birth of the Church

Why Listen?

Big Tuesday - El Porto

Have you ever experienced the overwhelming power of nature? Describe it.

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-13

Acts 2:1–13 ESV

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

We have just read from the inspire, inerrant, authoritative Word of God and I agree with Paul when he writes to his disciple Timothy that the Word of God is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness so that we may be complete and equipped for every good work.

Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary program called Witness 1:7 - Each full-time student completes 2 mission hours per week focused on evangelism.

What’s the Big Idea?

Over a period of forty days they had listened to the teaching of their Lord (1:3). They had received his commission to be worldwide witnesses, and they had been given his promise that the Holy Spirit would be granted them as empowerment for that mission (1:5; 1:8). With the Lord’s final departure in his ascension, nothing was left to do but to wait and pray for the fulfillment of that promise (1:14). In chap. 2 their prayer was answered in a mighty way.

The presence of the large crowd testifying to the witness of the Spirit-filled Christians (2:6–11) would indicate that

The full 120 disciples were involved (Acts 1:15)

as would the text Peter quoted from Joel that refers to women as well as men prophesying (Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28-29)

The tongues spoken were actual languages

1 Cor 14:19 “Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

The Church has now been empowered for her mission.

So What?

The filling of the Holy Spirit is distinct to believers.

All new converts to Christianity receive the permanent gift of the Holy Spirit, in Scripture this is sometimes known as the Holy Spirit “baptizing,” (Acts 1:5; 11:16) “pouring out,” (Acts 2:17f; Acts 10:45) “coming upon,” (Acts 8:16; 10:44; 11:15) or most simply “receiving” (Acts 2:38; 10:4)

We should be living life fully embracing the fullness of the gift of the Holy Spirit which uniquely gives each of us...

2. Spiritual gifts are given to us for two primary reasons to edify the church and for the salvific mission of the world.

In addition to living life fully embracing the fullness of the gift of the Holy Spirit, we should be expectant and ready for...

3. A filling of the Holy Spirit is specifically designed for a time of special inspiration and testimony to the faith.

What’s Jesus Say?

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”