Embracing the Spirit: Communal Preparation and Understanding
Summary
This morning, we gather on this special Pentecost Sunday at Royal Lane Baptist Church. I am Victoria Rob Powers, your senior pastor, and it is my great joy to welcome you all to worship. If you are a guest, please take a moment to register your attendance using the QR code in your bulletin or the card in the pew. For those joining us online, a special welcome to you as well. Today is not only Pentecost but also our graduation recognition service, where we honor two of our youth who are high school graduates. We are so proud of Emma and Jacob, and I want to say to young families, look who your kids will turn into if you raise them here. We will always be your church home.
A couple of announcements: Our mission trip team leaves tomorrow for the border as part of a trip with Fellowship Southwest. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel to Brownsville, Texas. Next Sunday, we will have a conversation with Lisa Jacob, the lead organizer of the North Texas chapter of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, discussing the intersection of immigration and Christian nationalism. Even if you are not going on the mission trip, please plan to attend.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of seminary students at Perkins about a sermon I preached here on Transfiguration Sunday. It was delightful to share my process and philosophy behind preaching. I began preaching regularly in 2016, and it has been a journey. In the early days, I spent 20 hours a week studying the text, creating extensive notes, and ensuring my sermons were consistent with the scripture. However, my sermons were not very compelling. In 2017, at a homiletics festival, I heard Nadia Bolz-Weber advise preachers to stop reading commentaries and write from what burns within. This advice transformed my preaching. Now, I find a word that burns within me, put the research away, and let the Spirit move.
Recently, a friend told me that my preaching feels like it is on fire. This is because I have found a rhythm where preparation and inspiration come together to create a flame. Our scripture today is the story of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. This story is not just about speaking in tongues but about speaking in a way that others can understand. Dr. Jack Levison, an expert on the Holy Spirit, explained that the miracle of Pentecost is about speaking the language of another person, a language they can understand.
I have been pondering this a lot. What a miracle it would be to speak in a way that someone understands. Sometimes, it feels like there are language barriers in our own shared language. We don't know how to talk to each other or hear one another. Imagine being able to speak to each other in ways that can be heard. I made a pastoral care visit to a friend in the hospital this week, and we had a rare moment of connection where it felt like our souls were meeting. We talked about the need for peace and God's redemptive grace. This is Pentecost, friends—learning to speak the tongue of someone else, sharing a language in which we both can understand the praiseworthiness of God.
We need more of that. We need the Spirit to help us speak each other's tongue so we can share in the praise of God's goodness. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not about an individualized experience but a communal one. It brings us together in such a way that we can finally speak to one another. Yes, it is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, but we can prepare for it. The disciples were ready for Pentecost because they devoted themselves to prayer as they waited. We need to prepare our hearts and minds to receive the Holy Spirit. We have to gather in solidarity, wait expectantly, and pray. We often want to be inspired without doing the work to prepare. We need to balance preparation and inspiration to allow the Spirit to take over.
As you go from this place, may you prepare yourself to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which will enable you to speak the tongue of another person so that together you can speak of the praiseworthiness of God. Go in peace. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Community and Preparation: On this Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate not only the outpouring of the Holy Spirit but also the importance of community and preparation. The disciples were ready for the Holy Spirit because they devoted themselves to prayer and stayed together in solidarity. This teaches us that while the Holy Spirit's inspiration is a divine gift, our preparation and commitment to community play a crucial role in receiving it. [24:03]
2. Balancing Preparation and Inspiration: My journey in preaching has taught me the importance of balancing preparation and inspiration. Initially, I spent countless hours on research, but my sermons lacked inspiration. It was only when I learned to trust the Spirit and write from what burns within that my preaching became more impactful. This balance is essential in all aspects of our spiritual lives. [45:24]
3. The Miracle of Speaking in Other Tongues: The story of Pentecost is not just about speaking in tongues but about speaking in a way that others can understand. This miracle teaches us the importance of communication and understanding in our relationships. We need to learn to speak each other's language, not just in words but in understanding each other's experiences and perspectives. [51:15]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Communication: The Holy Spirit enables us to speak to one another in ways that can be heard and understood. This is crucial in a world where miscommunication and misunderstandings are common. By allowing the Spirit to guide our words and actions, we can bridge divides and foster deeper connections with others. [54:11]
5. Preparation for the Holy Spirit's Inspiration: While the Holy Spirit's inspiration is a divine gift, we have a role in preparing for it. The disciples' commitment to prayer and community prepared them for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Similarly, we need to prepare our hearts and minds through prayer, solidarity, and expectant waiting to receive the Spirit's inspiration. [57:51]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:03] - Graduation Recognition and Announcements
[45:24] - Journey in Preaching
[51:15] - The Miracle of Pentecost
[54:11] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Communication
[57:51] - Preparation for the Holy Spirit's Inspiration
[01:11:23] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:1-4 (NRSV)
> "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples doing when the Holy Spirit came upon them on the day of Pentecost? (Acts 2:1-4)
2. According to the sermon, what did the disciples do to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit? [57:51]
3. How did the speaker describe the transformation in her preaching after she started writing from what "burns within"? [47:40]
4. What does Dr. Jack Levison say is the true miracle of Pentecost? [51:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the communal aspect of the Holy Spirit's outpouring emphasized in the sermon? How does this compare to individual experiences of the Spirit? [57:09]
2. How does the balance of preparation and inspiration play a role in the speaker's preaching, and how might this apply to other areas of spiritual life? [49:14]
3. What does it mean to "speak the language of another person" in the context of the Pentecost story and the sermon? [52:39]
4. How can the concept of "preparing our hearts and minds" for the Holy Spirit be practically applied in our daily lives? [57:51]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and preparation. How can you actively contribute to your church community to prepare for the Holy Spirit's work? [57:51]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep connection with someone despite different backgrounds or experiences. How can you foster more of these connections in your life? [55:51]
3. The speaker found a new rhythm in her preaching by balancing preparation and inspiration. What areas of your life could benefit from a similar balance? [49:14]
4. Miscommunication is a common issue in relationships. What steps can you take to better understand and speak the "language" of those around you? [54:11]
5. The disciples devoted themselves to prayer as they waited for the Holy Spirit. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? [57:51]
6. The sermon suggests that the Holy Spirit helps us speak across divides. Identify a specific divide in your life (e.g., political, cultural, generational). How can you seek the Spirit's guidance to bridge that gap? [57:09]
7. The speaker mentioned the importance of not just waiting idly but preparing actively. What are some practical ways you can prepare yourself spiritually for the Holy Spirit's inspiration? [57:51]
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of Community and Preparation
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and preparation. The disciples were ready to receive the Holy Spirit because they devoted themselves to prayer and stayed together in solidarity. This teaches us that while the Holy Spirit's inspiration is a divine gift, our preparation and commitment to community play a crucial role in receiving it. We must gather in solidarity, wait expectantly, and pray, just as the disciples did. This preparation allows us to be open and ready for the Holy Spirit to work within us and through us.
In our own lives, we often seek inspiration and divine intervention without putting in the necessary groundwork. We need to balance our desire for spiritual experiences with a commitment to community and preparation. By doing so, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely and powerfully among us. Let us commit to preparing our hearts and minds through prayer, community, and expectant waiting, so that we may be ready to receive the Holy Spirit's inspiration.
[24:03]
Acts 1:14 (ESV): "All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers."
Reflection: How can you commit to preparing your heart and mind to receive the Holy Spirit this week? What specific steps can you take to foster a sense of community and solidarity in your life?
Day 2: Balancing Preparation and Inspiration
In our spiritual journey, it is essential to find a balance between preparation and inspiration. Initially, we may spend countless hours on research and preparation, but without inspiration, our efforts can feel dry and uninspired. It is only when we learn to trust the Holy Spirit and allow ourselves to be guided by what burns within us that our spiritual practices become more impactful. This balance is crucial in all aspects of our spiritual lives, from preaching and teaching to personal devotion and prayer.
By finding this balance, we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us in powerful ways. We must be diligent in our preparation, but also open to the inspiration that comes from the Holy Spirit. This requires a willingness to let go of our own control and trust in the Spirit's guidance. As we seek to balance preparation and inspiration, we create space for the Holy Spirit to move and work within us, leading to a more vibrant and dynamic spiritual life.
[45:24]
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to find a better balance between preparation and inspiration? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in these areas?
Day 3: The Miracle of Speaking in Other Tongues
The story of Pentecost is not just about speaking in tongues, but about speaking in a way that others can understand. This miracle teaches us the importance of communication and understanding in our relationships. We need to learn to speak each other's language, not just in words but in understanding each other's experiences and perspectives. This kind of communication requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to listen deeply to others.
In our daily interactions, we often encounter language barriers, even when we speak the same language. Misunderstandings and miscommunications can create divisions and hinder our relationships. By learning to speak the language of another person, we can bridge these divides and foster deeper connections. This is the essence of Pentecost—learning to communicate in a way that others can understand and sharing the praiseworthiness of God together.
[51:15]
1 Corinthians 14:9 (ESV): "So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you felt misunderstood. How can you approach future conversations with a greater focus on understanding and empathy?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Communication
The Holy Spirit enables us to speak to one another in ways that can be heard and understood. This is crucial in a world where miscommunication and misunderstandings are common. By allowing the Spirit to guide our words and actions, we can bridge divides and foster deeper connections with others. The Holy Spirit helps us to communicate with clarity, compassion, and love, breaking down barriers and building up relationships.
In our interactions with others, we often rely on our own abilities and understanding. However, when we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us, our communication becomes more effective and impactful. The Spirit helps us to speak words of life and encouragement, to listen with empathy, and to respond with grace. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can become instruments of God's love and peace in our relationships.
[54:11]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions in your interactions with others today? What specific steps can you take to improve your communication and foster deeper connections?
Day 5: Preparation for the Holy Spirit's Inspiration
While the Holy Spirit's inspiration is a divine gift, we have a role in preparing for it. The disciples' commitment to prayer and community prepared them for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Similarly, we need to prepare our hearts and minds through prayer, solidarity, and expectant waiting to receive the Spirit's inspiration. This preparation involves creating space in our lives for the Holy Spirit to move and work.
In our busy lives, it can be challenging to find time for prayer and reflection. However, by prioritizing these practices, we open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit's guidance and inspiration. We must be intentional about creating an environment where the Spirit can move freely. This may involve setting aside regular times for prayer, seeking out community and fellowship, and cultivating an attitude of expectant waiting. By doing so, we prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit's inspiration and to be used by God in powerful ways.
[57:51]
Romans 12:12 (ESV): "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to prepare your heart and mind to receive the Holy Spirit's inspiration? How can you create space in your life for the Holy Spirit to move and work?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to say to young families, look who your kids will turn into. Raise them here. So proud of you. We'll always be your church home. I hope you know that. But I want you to know that my prayer for you both, as you leave this place and go to college and figure out what you want to do next, is that you will do the work to be prepared in this life, but that you'll also allow yourself to be inspired. That's the recipe for turning a heart on fire, for becoming the kind of person that can speak to others in ways that can be heard. What a lesson for us all." [01:00:35]
2. "I love Pentecost, and not just because my whole mother's side of the family is Pentecostal. I love it because it's a cool miracle story, isn't it? All these people beginning to speak in other languages, languages they didn't even know. Can you imagine waking up and being able to speak German or Italian, Spanish or Mandarin? How cool, right?" [51:15]
3. "I can't speak your language if I don't know your experience. How could I say anything of meaning to you if I don't know the language of your life, of your lived experience? I can't speak your language if I don't know your experience. You see, I think that's what's happening at Pentecost. It's the miracle of people speaking to one another in ways they can finally understand, not just in a dialect they can understand. It's like they know each other now, finally." [54:11]
4. "We need a Pentecost, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit which can inspire us to speak to one another, to speak across divides, across experiences, across races, across political parties, across it all, because you know what happens next when that happens? Well, according to the book of Acts, the church is born. People get baptized. People start sharing possessions and food. People take care of each other. People start sharing in prayers and teaching." [57:09]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I have found a rhythm, a rhythm in which my preparation and my inspiration have come together to create a flame, a flame that burns within me. And as it turns out, as our text for today will show us, these two things, preparation and inspiration, have always been a recipe for turning hearts ablaze." [49:14]
2. "The miracle of Pentecost is not speaking in tongues, it's speaking in other tongues. Meaning this story isn't about speaking a language of the spirit that someone has to interpret. This is about speaking the language of another person, a language they can understand. This is about people from all over the world who would not normally be able to talk to one another. This is about being able to hear each other and hear about the praiseworthy acts of God." [52:39]
3. "We need the Spirit to help us to speak each other's tongue so we can share in the praise of the glorious goodness of God. We need a Pentecost, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit which can inspire us to speak to one another, to speak across divides, across experiences, across races, across political parties, across it all, because you know what happens next when that happens? Well, according to the book of Acts, the church is born. People get baptized. People start sharing possessions and food. People take care of each other. People start sharing in prayers and teaching." [57:09]
4. "Yes, it is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit to do something like this, but we can prepare for it. We can prepare ourselves for a Pentecost because inspiration and preparation are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they depend on each other. Yes, it was a miracle what happened on that first Pentecost, but guess what? The disciples were ready for it. Think of what led up to that, that experience Jesus told the disciples just a few mere verses before our text today to stay put and to wait for the promises of God. And so they did. They waited. They waited, but not idly. The Bible tells us that they devoted themselves to prayer as they waited." [57:51]
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