Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Boldness and Unity
Summary
Today, we gather to reflect on the significance of Pentecost and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. We live in a time where we often try to make church comfortable and accessible, but the Holy Spirit's role is to challenge and empower us to stand boldly for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit doesn't come to make us comfortable; He comes to make us uncomfortable in this world so that we can stand firm in our faith and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ with boldness and assurance ([23:10]).
The miracle of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, is not just about the receiving of the Holy Spirit but also about the unity and empowerment that came with it. The disciples were all together in one place when a sound from heaven, like a rushing mighty wind, filled the house, and they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them ([24:58]). This event marked the beginning of a new era where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak a new language—a language of unity and proclamation of the gospel.
The significance of Pentecost is deeply rooted in the Old Testament feasts. The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, is celebrated 50 days after Passover. This period symbolizes the journey from the crucifixion of Christ (Passover) to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost). The number 50 represents Jubilee, a time of liberation and restoration. Just as Moses received the law on Mount Sinai after 40 days, and the disciples waited 10 days for the Holy Spirit, Pentecost signifies a time of waiting and receiving divine empowerment ([15:18]).
The unity experienced at Pentecost is a reversal of the confusion at the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11, God confused the language of the people to scatter them because their unity was leading to rebellion. However, in Zephaniah 3:9, God promises to restore a pure language so that all may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him with one accord. This restoration of language at Pentecost brought unity and empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel to all nations ([01:22]).
The Holy Spirit's empowerment is not just about speaking in tongues but about living a life that reflects the gospel. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness and courage to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. The early apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, were able to stand up and preach with such power that 3,000 people were saved on the day of Pentecost. This same Spirit empowers us today to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, to live in Him, move in Him, and have our being in Him ([37:31]).
Pentecost is about reclaiming the nations that were once scattered. The Holy Spirit empowers us to take the message of the gospel to all the earth. This is not about speaking in an unknown tongue but about a new language that unites us and enables us to proclaim the wonderful works of God. The Holy Spirit gives us a pure language, a gospel of hope and good news to carry into all the world. All of us should embrace the Spirit of Pentecost and become proclaimers of the message of Jesus Christ ([30:39]).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit's Role in Our Lives: The Holy Spirit comes to make us uncomfortable in this world, challenging us to stand boldly for Jesus Christ. This discomfort is necessary for us to be effective witnesses of the gospel. We are called to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ with boldness and assurance, empowered by the Holy Spirit. [[23:10]]([23:10])
2. Unity and Empowerment at Pentecost: The miracle of Pentecost is not just about receiving the Holy Spirit but also about the unity and empowerment that came with it. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, symbolizing a new language of unity and proclamation of the gospel. [[24:58]]([24:58])
3. The Significance of the Feast of Weeks: Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Passover, symbolizes the journey from the crucifixion of Christ to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This period represents a time of waiting and receiving divine empowerment, marking a new era of liberation and restoration. [[15:18]]([15:18])
4. Reversal of the Tower of Babel: The unity experienced at Pentecost is a reversal of the confusion at the Tower of Babel. God promises to restore a pure language so that all may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him with one accord. This restoration of language brings unity and empowers us to proclaim the gospel to all nations. [[01:22]]([01:22])
5. Reclaiming the Nations: Pentecost is about reclaiming the nations that were once scattered. The Holy Spirit empowers us to take the message of the gospel to all the earth, giving us a pure language of hope and good news. We are called to embrace the Spirit of Pentecost and become proclaimers of the message of Jesus Christ. [[30:39]]([30:39])
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - The Tower of Babel and Language Confusion
[15:18] - The Feast of Weeks and Pentecost
[23:10] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Our Lives
[24:58] - Unity and Empowerment at Pentecost
[30:39] - Reclaiming the Nations
[37:31] - Living a Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
> "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
2. Genesis 11:1-9 (NIV)
> "Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, 'Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.' But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.' So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth."
3. Zephaniah 3:9 (NIV)
> "Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder."
### Observation Questions
1. What event is described in Acts 2:1-4, and what were the immediate effects on the disciples?
2. In Genesis 11:1-9, what was the reason for God confusing the language of the people at Babel?
3. According to Zephaniah 3:9, what does God promise to restore, and for what purpose?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in making believers uncomfortable in this world? ([23:10])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the unity experienced at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) contrast with the confusion at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)? What does this signify about God's plan for humanity?
2. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit enabling the disciples to speak in other tongues at Pentecost? How does this relate to the concept of a "pure language" mentioned in Zephaniah 3:9? ([01:22])
3. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to stand boldly for Jesus Christ. How does this empowerment manifest in the lives of believers today? ([23:10])
4. How does the sermon explain the connection between the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) and the journey from the crucifixion of Christ to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? ([15:18])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncomfortable because of your faith. How did the Holy Spirit empower you in that situation? ([23:10])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. What steps can you take to promote unity within your small group or church community? ([24:58])
3. How can you actively wait and prepare for divine empowerment in your life, similar to how the disciples waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? ([15:18])
4. In what ways can you reclaim and spread the message of the gospel in your daily life, as empowered by the Holy Spirit? ([30:39])
5. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit gives us a new language of hope and good news. How can you use your words to bring hope and good news to those around you this week? ([30:39])
6. Think about the concept of the Holy Spirit making us uncomfortable to stand boldly for Jesus. What specific areas of your life might the Holy Spirit be challenging you to step out in faith? ([23:10])
7. How can you embrace the Spirit of Pentecost and become a more effective proclaimer of the message of Jesus Christ in your community? ([30:39])
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Role in Our Lives
The Holy Spirit comes to make us uncomfortable in this world, challenging us to stand boldly for Jesus Christ. This discomfort is necessary for us to be effective witnesses of the gospel. We are called to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ with boldness and assurance, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's role is not to make our lives easy but to equip us to face challenges and stand firm in our faith. This empowerment allows us to proclaim the gospel with confidence and courage, even in the face of adversity. [23:10]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel the Holy Spirit is making you uncomfortable? How can you embrace this discomfort to stand boldly for Jesus Christ today?
Day 2: Unity and Empowerment at Pentecost
The miracle of Pentecost is not just about receiving the Holy Spirit but also about the unity and empowerment that came with it. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, symbolizing a new language of unity and proclamation of the gospel. This event marked the beginning of a new era where believers were empowered to spread the message of Jesus Christ to all nations. The unity experienced at Pentecost serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together as one body in Christ to fulfill the Great Commission. [24:58]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community? What steps can you take to promote a spirit of togetherness and collective empowerment?
Day 3: The Significance of the Feast of Weeks
Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Passover, symbolizes the journey from the crucifixion of Christ to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This period represents a time of waiting and receiving divine empowerment, marking a new era of liberation and restoration. The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and signifies a time of renewal and divine intervention. Just as the disciples waited for the Holy Spirit, we too must be patient and open to receiving God's empowerment in our lives. [15:18]
Leviticus 23:15-16 (ESV): "You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering. You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you need to wait patiently for God's timing? How can you prepare yourself to receive His empowerment during this period of waiting?
Day 4: Reversal of the Tower of Babel
The unity experienced at Pentecost is a reversal of the confusion at the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11, God confused the language of the people to scatter them because their unity was leading to rebellion. However, in Zephaniah 3:9, God promises to restore a pure language so that all may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him with one accord. This restoration of language at Pentecost brought unity and empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel to all nations. [01:22]
Zephaniah 3:9 (ESV): "For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord."
Reflection: How can you use your words to promote unity and understanding in your community? What steps can you take to ensure your speech reflects the purity and love of Christ?
Day 5: Reclaiming the Nations
Pentecost is about reclaiming the nations that were once scattered. The Holy Spirit empowers us to take the message of the gospel to all the earth, giving us a pure language of hope and good news. We are called to embrace the Spirit of Pentecost and become proclaimers of the message of Jesus Christ. This empowerment is not just about speaking in tongues but about living a life that reflects the gospel. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness and courage to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to all nations. [30:39]
Isaiah 49:6 (ESV): "He says: 'It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take to share the message of Jesus Christ with those around you? How can you be a light for the nations in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We don't even call them sermons anymore. We call them talks now. We're having talks. A friend of mine said, we don't even call the sanctuary the sanctuary anymore. It's the auditorium. Because we keep trying to make it easy for people. We want to make people comfortable. But the Holy Spirit doesn't come to make us comfortable in this world. He comes to make us uncomfortable. He comes to make us uncomfortable in this world and then empowers us in the uncomfortability to stand with the message of Jesus Christ and him crucified and raised from the dead." [23:10]
2. "The Holy Spirit is the one that God has sent. So who knows the mind of God? The Spirit of God who searches the deep things of God and reveals them to us freely. You need to have fellowship with the Holy Spirit who is in you. You should live in Him, move in Him, and have your being. He won't let you be silent. He'll give you boldness and courage and confidence to tell somebody, Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming. Jesus. Jesus is coming. Ready or not, here He comes." [38:15]
3. "The miracle of Pentecost was obviously first and foremost receiving of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 verse 1. Acts 1 and 4 says when the day of Pentecost is speaking about that feast, that's the day. When that day was fully come, not when the Pentecostal denomination came, when the 50 day arrived. When the 50th day arrived, Jesus Luke chapter 1 showed himself alive by many infallible proofs for 40 days and the disciples tarried 10 days just like Moses went up into the mountain for 40 days and it took them 10 days to get there. It's a reproduction of that. 50 days, 50 is the number of Jubilee. It means something great is about to happen on the 50 day." [24:05]
4. "Pentecost is about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pentecost is about giving us a pure language, a gospel of hope and good news to carry into all the world. All of you should be Pentecostals. I said all of you should be Pentecostals. Come on, don't, see, you automatically feel tension when I say that. My mama said, don't mess with them Pentecostals. We're not talking about rolling on the floor and falling out in the spirit, or Jericho marching with your banner. That's not what Pentecostal is. Pentecostalism is receiving the Holy Spirit who brings a restorative language of the gospel of Jesus Christ and empowers you and I to stand up in the midst of adversity like Peter did in chapter two and say, men and brethren, behold him who you have killed. He is the Christ, the one that died on the cross and God raised from the dead for your life." [36:15]
### Quotes for Members
1. "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Isn't that interesting language all the way back to the Tower of Babel. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven. Notice the sound came down from heaven. Men wasn't required to build a tower to heaven. There was a sound that came down from heaven as a rushing mighty wind and it filled the whole house. The house where they were sitting and there appeared unto them divided tongues, the King James would say cloven tongues, as of fire. You remember that Jesus said that John baptized you with water, I'm going to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." [24:58]
2. "The Tower of Babel brought confusion because the unity was producing rebellion. But this language. Excuse me. It was the same unity, because the consequence was to build the kingdom, not a tower into heaven. So here's what's happening. There's a re-gathering of the nations at this point. This is the purpose of Pentecost. Is for the Holy Spirit to come, empower us with a new language for the purpose of re-gathering the nations under our God." [30:39]
3. "The Holy Spirit is God's divine gift to you. He's not something you should be scared about, intimidated over, reluctant to participate and partner with on this journey. A matter of fact, you can't be. You can't be. You can't be an effective witness without the Holy Spirit. Church has gotten good at doing church, singing our three songs and our little sermon." [22:27]
4. "You as a follower of Jesus, when you act silly, when you don't do the will of God, when you quench the Holy Spirit, when you don't become the voice box for the glory and the goodness of God to the world around you, you don't get a pass for being disobedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Let me just help you out. You're not going to get a pass. You don't get to, oh, just enter in, thou good and faithful servant. Go on with yourself. And all you ever done was confess Jesus as Lord and Savior and got baptized in water, went and done your job, played golf, fished, done everything else under the sun, but served God with your life now. Listen, that's not the way this thing works at all." [19:37]
5. "The Holy Spirit won't let you cuss people out. I said the Holy Spirit won't let you cuss people out. The Holy Spirit won't let you curse people. We are going to the book of Genesis, the book of beginning, that's what Genesis means, the beginning, the book of beginnings, the book of Genesis, chapter 11, I'm going to read a few verses, so be patient with me, and then we're going to flip over to Zephaniah chapter 3, verse 9, Zephaniah, you might have to look in your table of contents to find that one, it's right after Habakkuk, praise the Lord, yeah it's over around Nahum, if you know where that one's at." [26:34]
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