Empowered by the Spirit: Celebrating the Church's Birth
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone! It's always a joy to see new faces and familiar ones alike. If you're visiting us for the first time or the first time in a long time, please fill out a visitor card and drop it in the offering plate. We have some exciting events coming up. Next Sunday is our Graduation Sunday for high school seniors. We have Bibles in the foyer for you to highlight your favorite verses and write notes of encouragement. Our youth pastor, Mr. Gabe Strong, will be delivering the message next week. Additionally, on June 2nd, Deborah Perry and Jaden's Call will be ministering to us through song and testimony.
Let's begin with a prayer. Father, we thank you for who you are and for the salvation you provide through Jesus Christ. We ask that your Holy Spirit move among us today as we worship and open our hearts to your word. Amen.
Today, we are celebrating a significant event in the life of the church: Pentecost, the birth of the church. Many of us know about the birth of Jesus and His resurrection, but the birth of the church at Pentecost is often overlooked. In Acts 1, Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, who will empower them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. After Jesus ascends, the disciples gather in Jerusalem, and the Holy Spirit descends upon them, enabling them to speak in different tongues. This miraculous event marks the creation of the church.
The early church was a community that met daily, shared everything, and supported one another. They were deeply rooted in love and generosity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify about Jesus. This is the model we should strive to emulate today. We are called to be a different culture, an oasis in the desert, a place where people can find acceptance and love.
The mission of the church is to communicate the love of God to a lost and dying world. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel in various languages, reaching people from different nations. This was a miraculous event that demonstrated God's desire for His message to be heard by all. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything Jesus has commanded.
The goal of the church is to establish a unique fellowship equipped for the mission of sharing the gospel. In Acts 2:37-41, Peter preaches to the crowd, and about 3,000 people are baptized and added to the church. This new community was like nothing the world had ever seen before. They were devoted to one another, supported each other, and were committed to spreading the gospel.
Today, we extend an invitation to anyone who has not yet given their life to Jesus. If you feel the call of the Holy Spirit, confess your sins and invite Jesus into your life. Our church family is here to support you and celebrate with you. If you have any prayer requests or need support, please come forward. Let's stand together and worship.
As we conclude, remember the upcoming events and keep our church family in your prayers. We are a community that loves and supports one another, and we are committed to sharing the gospel with the world. God bless you all.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Birth of the Church at Pentecost: Pentecost marks the birth of the church, a significant event often overlooked. The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in different tongues and empowering them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This miraculous event signifies the creation of the church and its mission to spread the gospel. [24:34]
2. The Early Church's Community: The early church was a model of love, generosity, and support. They met daily, shared everything, and supported one another through trials and tribulations. This deep sense of community and family is what we should strive to emulate today. We are called to be an oasis in the desert, a place of acceptance and love. [56:27]
3. The Mission of the Church: The mission of the church is to communicate the love of God to a lost and dying world. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel in various languages, reaching people from different nations. This demonstrates God's desire for His message to be heard by all and our responsibility to share the gospel. [32:23]
4. The Great Commission: The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything Jesus has commanded. This is not just a call for missionaries but for all believers to share the gospel in their daily lives. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. [50:28]
5. The Goal of the Church: The goal of the church is to establish a unique fellowship equipped for the mission of sharing the gospel. In Acts 2:37-41, Peter preaches to the crowd, and about 3,000 people are baptized and added to the church. This new community was devoted to one another, supported each other, and committed to spreading the gospel. This is the model we should strive to emulate today. [51:51]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [09:48] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
3. [11:10] - Opening Prayer
4. [22:30] - Worship and Praise
5. [24:34] - The Birth of the Church at Pentecost
6. [26:04] - Jesus' Final Instructions
7. [27:40] - The Creation of the Church
8. [29:11] - God's Plan for the Church
9. [30:42] - The Church Belongs to God
10. [32:23] - The Mission of the Church
11. [34:10] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
12. [35:29] - The Miracle of Tongues
13. [37:15] - The Great Commission
14. [39:06] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
15. [41:03] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
16. [42:40] - The Gift of Tongues
17. [44:43] - God's Miraculous Ways
18. [46:01] - Communicating the Gospel
19. [47:10] - Sharing the Gospel in Unique Ways
20. [48:46] - The Story of Roland Stewart
21. [50:28] - The Great Commission Explained
22. [51:51] - The Goal of the Church
23. [53:27] - The Early Church's Growth
24. [54:57] - The Early Church's Community
25. [56:27] - The New Testament Church
26. [58:11] - No Plan B
27. [59:55] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
28. [01:01:51] - Confession and Salvation
29. [01:03:31] - Prayer and Invitation
30. [01:05:14] - Closing Prayer
31. [01:08:06] - Final Announcements
32. [01:10:34] - Men's Ministry and Other Events
33. [01:12:17] - Evening Service and Business Meeting
34. [01:13:49] - Cardinal Care and Baptism
35. [01:15:16] - Baptism Plans
36. [01:16:36] - Praises and Prayer Requests
37. [01:18:50] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:1-9: "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
2. Acts 2:1-4: "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."
3. Matthew 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples before His ascension according to Acts 1:1-9?
2. Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.
3. What is the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:18-20, and what are its key components?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their mission? How does this relate to the concept of empowerment in the church today? [24:34]
2. How did the event of Pentecost demonstrate God's desire for His message to be heard by all nations? What does this imply about the inclusivity of the gospel? [32:23]
3. In what ways does the early church's community, as described in Acts 2:42-47, serve as a model for modern churches? How can we emulate their sense of fellowship and support? [56:27]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit's guidance in your own life. Can you think of a time when you acted without seeking God's direction? How did it turn out? [24:34]
2. The disciples were empowered to speak in different tongues to reach a diverse audience. How can you use your unique gifts and abilities to share the gospel in your community? [32:23]
3. The early church was known for its love, generosity, and support. What practical steps can you take this week to foster a deeper sense of community and support within your small group or church? [56:27]
4. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [50:28]
5. The sermon emphasized the church as an oasis in the desert, a place of acceptance and love. How can you contribute to making your church a welcoming and loving environment for newcomers? [56:27]
6. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's leading and promptings throughout your day? [39:06]
7. The early church met daily and shared everything they had. While this may not be practical today, what are some ways you can increase your involvement and commitment to your church community? [56:27]
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
#### Day 1: The Birth of the Church at Pentecost
Description: Pentecost is a pivotal moment in Christian history, marking the birth of the church. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in various tongues and empowering them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This miraculous event signifies the creation of the church and its mission to spread the gospel. The disciples, once fearful and uncertain, were transformed into bold proclaimers of God's word, reaching people from different nations and cultures. This event underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church and its mission.
Bible Passage: "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." (Acts 2:1-4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to share the gospel in your daily life? What steps can you take to be more open to the Spirit's leading?
[24:34]
#### Day 2: The Early Church's Community
Description: The early church was a model of love, generosity, and support. They met daily, shared everything, and supported one another through trials and tribulations. This deep sense of community and family is what we should strive to emulate today. The early believers were deeply rooted in love and generosity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify about Jesus. They were an oasis in the desert, a place where people could find acceptance and love. This is the model we should strive to emulate today, creating a community that reflects the love of Christ.
Bible Passage: "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts." (Acts 2:44-46, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to building a community of love and generosity within your church? How can you support and encourage others in your faith community?
[56:27]
#### Day 3: The Mission of the Church
Description: The mission of the church is to communicate the love of God to a lost and dying world. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel in various languages, reaching people from different nations. This demonstrates God's desire for His message to be heard by all and our responsibility to share the gospel. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything Jesus has commanded. This mission is not just for missionaries but for all believers to share the gospel in their daily lives.
Bible Passage: "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." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be a witness for Christ in your everyday interactions? What practical steps can you take to share the love of God with those around you?
[32:23]
#### Day 4: The Great Commission
Description: The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything Jesus has commanded. This is not just a call for missionaries but for all believers to share the gospel in their daily lives. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. The early church took this command seriously, and as a result, the gospel spread rapidly. Today, we are called to continue this mission, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need.
Bible Passage: "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.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from sharing the gospel? What would it look like to step out in faith and share the good news with someone this week?
[50:28]
#### Day 5: The Goal of the Church
Description: The goal of the church is to establish a unique fellowship equipped for the mission of sharing the gospel. In Acts 2:37-41, Peter preaches to the crowd, and about 3,000 people are baptized and added to the church. This new community was devoted to one another, supported each other, and committed to spreading the gospel. This is the model we should strive to emulate today. The church is not just a place to gather but a community on a mission, united in purpose and empowered by the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the world.
Bible Passage: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common." (Acts 2:42-44, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the mission of the church in your community? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in their faith journey?
[51:51]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The point is that when you and I are saved, we are commanded to share the gospel with everybody that we come in contact with. That's called the Great Commission. Matthew 28, 18 through 20, Jesus came near to them and said, all authority has been given to me. Me and on earth, in heaven and on earth, go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I've commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age. Go, make disciples, teach them." [50:28]
2. "We are called to be different people. We are called to be a different culture, an oasis in the middle of a desert, a shady tree on a summer day, a cup of cool water when you're thirsty, a place to come and know you won't be rejected, that you'll be accepted and loved as brothers and sisters, as the family of God, empowered by God for eternal life together. The world changed on Pentecost. It would never be the same again. It would never be the same again. It would never be the same again. And God's church would go on to be the presence of God in this world and influence on that world. And it ought to be exactly the same today. That's what we're here for." [58:11]
3. "Today, we celebrate the birth of the church at Pentecost. We celebrate God's plan to share the good news of Jesus. And yes, the gospel is for everyone, the whole world, but it's for every one of us. Jesus loves you. He gave his life for you. And if you're lonely, and if you're tired, and if you're weary, and if you feel like you've been taken advantage of, you've been beat up, you've been abused, if you've tried everything else and you're out of options, then maybe today is a really good day to consider a rebirth. Maybe today is the day that you truly give your life over to Jesus." [59:55]
4. "The mission of the church is to communicate the love of God to a lost and dying world. You see, at Pentecost, the spirit was given to empower the mission. The early church was filled in order to pour out. I've said it over and over and over again that we cannot allow God to fill us with his spirit, to fill us with his love, to fill us with his power and not have it pour out of us. We're pitchers. We're not vaults. We're not containers. Think of it like a water hose. That's what we are. God turns on the spigot and we just pour it all out." [32:23]
5. "The moment you become a Christian, God commissions you to share this simple message with every part of your world. Amen. Amen. Amen. you who are my age, y'all might remember this happening. You'd turn on a sporting event back in the 70s and 80s, right? And you'd see this guy draping a big John 316 sign out in the middle of center field or left field or somewhere. And remember, he had the rainbow-colored wig on. Y'all remember this guy? Yeah. Well, because you're young. You're not experienced enough to understand. It's okay. Just listen. I'm going to tell you this story. It'll be good. Okay. All right. So here's this guy. His name is Roland Stewart. He got the nickname Rockin' Roland Stewart after so many years. He's responsible for this happening. His story appeared in People magazine years ago, and it's a fascinating story. You see, Roland Stewart was an alcoholic. He met Jesus. He accepted him as Savior. He became a Christian. He became a Christian, and God healed him out of his alcoholism. And one day, the idea struck him that if he could just get into major sporting events and put the Word of God before people, it'd see hundreds of thousands of people come to know Jesus Christ." [47:10]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Lastly, this morning, I want you to see the goal of the church. We've seen the creation of the church, the mission of the church. I want you to see the goal of the church this morning, and that is to establish a unique fellowship equipped for the mission of sharing the gospel. We are a unique fellowship equipped for the mission of sharing the gospel." [51:51]
2. "Isn't it amazing to see that these early Christians, after they first hear the good news, of Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost, there are 3000 new converts. And by the way, as, as biblical tradition and Hebrew tradition of that day, I'm sure you understand those were the men. What were counted was the men that doesn't count the women, the children, the families that came to know Jesus Christ that day. And they began to share something that has never been shared before. They are the first fruits of the church of Jesus Christ. All of them know that they and that they've crucified Christ with their sins. But now they have repented of the sins. They've been baptized. They've been redeemed and they've been given the gift of the Holy Spirit." [53:27]
3. "This new community was like nothing that they had ever seen before. And like nothing, the world ever had to offer people. This community was rooted in love and generosity. It was empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify to the very ends of the earth of what Jesus Christ had done. It's no wonder that the church saw exponential growth in the beginning. They were devoted to one another. They loved one another. They supported one another in the mission to go and tell people about Jesus." [54:57]
4. "I hear people all the time talk about, oh, we're the New Testament church. We're the New Testament church. Really? Let's talk about it for just a minute. Because if we're truly the New Testament church, when did they meet? Oh, Sunday, Sunday night, Wednesday. Some of them don't even do that anymore because the crowd was kind of small. So they just said, no, that's not what it says. It says every day they got together. They shared the word of God. They were in community together. They left everything behind and turned to their new family and spent every day, every waking moment, every trial and tribulation, every victory, everything with their new family." [56:27]
5. "The church was God's idea from the beginning. The church is the bride of Christ. There's no other plan. There's no other purpose. There's no other plan. There's no other purpose of God for how we are to share the good news of Jesus and his grace and his mercy with other people. The church is the plan. The church may never be the most popular institution in the world. Why? Because it flies in the face of everything that this culture tells us. But God wants his church to stand for the truth, his truth, and to be unshakable in our presentation, of the gospel. Because the church belongs to God. It does not belong to us. It is not ours." [30:42]
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