Acts 2:14 - 24 (2)

Intro

*Insert something to grab everyone’s attention*

The story of Pentecost: (Acts 2:1 - 13)

After Jesus had ascended, the disciples were together in one room

Sound like a mighty rushing wind; divided tongues like fire; the HS rested on each of them and filled them

The result was them speaking in tongues

Not babbling! But speaking in languages that those gathered in Jerusalem would understand

Some were amazed; others mocked, “They are filled with new wine” (v. 13)

Read Acts 2:14 - 24 and pray.

Under the Influence

This was such a crazy experience that people thought the disciples were drunk

Only physical explanation that could come close to what they were seeing

Peter defends by saying its only 9 AM

*It’s afternoon somewhere!*

An element of truth to this accusation: The disciples were certainly under the influence...

…of the Holy Spirit, NOT alcohol

Cf. Ephesians 5:18

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Being under the influence of any substance does not allow us to be under the primary influence of the Holy Spirit

*Share Rusty’s sermon on importance of being available to God*

Could be alcohol, marijuana, sex addiction, gambling problems… or even marriage, family, school

What is threatening to influence your life more than the Spirit?

Make no mistake, spiritual renewal is found in living in complete submission to the influence of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost changed everything; the disciples were the first of many who were filled with the Spirit

They got so carried away people thought they were drunk! Do we experience the Spirit to the same extent?

Peter goes on to show that this was not a special experience limited to the apostles, or even the Jews. The Spirit is for all who believe in Jesus.

Re-read verses 17- 18; Cf. Acts 10:44 - 48.

Sons and daughters; young and old. Even slaves! Even the Gentiles! Even you and me! We are called to experience the filling of the Spirit

Careful: This does not mean we must experience the filling of the Spirit in the exact same manner (like proof of tongues)

It DOES mean that the abiding Holy Spirit becomes the most influential person in our life; including ourselves.

To be influenced to this extent requires us to let go; give up control

This is so hard! What about my dreams, desires, goals?

Spiritual renewal is found in living in complete submission to the influence of the Holy Spirit

*Use analogy of getting pulled along by the tide at South Padre Island*

This is the one instance where letting yourself be carried away is a good thing

This is also our goal as a church

We seek God’s leading in prayer; use discernment; want to find out where the Spirit is leading us

Will we have the courage to be swept away together?

Call Upon the Name of the Lord (Jesus)

By teaching from Joel 3, Peter also confirms that the day of Pentecost ushered in “the last days”

This is now the beginning of the end

Pentecost has proven this! The prophecy is fulfilled

We have been in the last days for 2,000 years (better to think of era)

Old covenant -> New covenant

Spirit now abides with believers

Church is founded by Christ; for Christ

The kingdom of God is here

We still look forward to the complete fulfillment of all of these things

Does talking about the end times make you nervous? Just wait until this Fall when we study Revelation together

Jesus wins. He is coming back. Be ready.

All of this seems daunting, but the focus of Peter’s message is in the last verse quoted from Joel: “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (v. 21)

The Lord = The Lord Jesus

This is the reason the Spirit has filled the apostles and others! This is the reason that we are in the last days: salvation is found in calling out to Jesus.

To call out is to shout for help in your greatest time of need

*Talk about almost drowning as a child*

*Share about my dream of darkness*

The promise of Jesus is that He will hear you and rescue you when you call

*Share how my dad eventually saw me and brought me out of the pool*

You do not have to wonder, because Jesus has proven that He will save you.

Proven it through “mighty works and wonders and signs” (v. 22)

Proven it through the resurrection when “God raised him up, loosing the pagns of death” (v. 24)

All according to “the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (v. 23)

All you need to do is call, and you will be saved

Just as everyone is able to receive the Holy Spirit, ALL people who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved

Peter invites the very people that crucified Jesus to be some of the first to call out to Him for salvation (v. 23)

If even those who put Christ to death can be saved, then NO ONE is outside of the grace of God

God is looking to save you. This is His desire. Call out!

*Share about Matt’s death and uncertainty*

Conclusion

This is it; the final wrap-up in our series on spiritual renewal

Today we are reminded that any and all spiritual renewal begins with calling out to Jesus for our salvation

On our own we are spiritually drowning, and we need someone to rescue us

Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit to abide in us, and surrendering to His influence is our key to ongoing spiritual renewal

Not hard to understand, but a challenge to accomplish

Pray.