Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing Pentecost's Promise
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather to delve into the profound significance of Pentecost and its implications for our lives. We began by reflecting on the power of prayer and the importance of community. James 5:13-16 instructs us to pray for the sick, encourage the suffering, and sing praises with the cheerful. This sets the stage for understanding the communal and spiritual dynamics that Pentecost brings.
We then moved into the heart of the message, focusing on the promise of Pentecost, which is the reception of God's power. Acts 1:8 tells us that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This promise is not just for a select few but for every believer. The prophet Joel also spoke of this outpouring, emphasizing that it is for all people, regardless of age, gender, or social status.
Next, we explored the posture of Pentecost, which involves unity, prayer, and a deep engagement with God's Word. The early believers were together in one place, constantly in prayer, and devoted to the teachings of the apostles. This unity and devotion created an environment ripe for the Holy Spirit's outpouring. We emphasized the necessity of walking in holiness and the dangers of a lukewarm faith. True Pentecostal power requires a life set apart for God, marked by obedience and reverence.
We then examined the picture of Pentecost, which includes the historical and agricultural significance of the Feast of Weeks. This feast commemorated the giving of the law to Moses and the completion of the harvest. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of gratitude. We also discussed the manifestation of the Holy Spirit through the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire, which filled the room and rested on each believer. This powerful imagery underscores the transformative and purifying work of the Holy Spirit.
The preaching of Pentecost, as exemplified by Peter's sermon in Acts 2, is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter boldly proclaimed the truth, calling people to repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. This message cut to the heart of the listeners, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people that day. The clarity and boldness of Peter's preaching serve as a model for us to proclaim the gospel with both love and conviction.
Finally, we looked at the practice of Pentecost, which involves living as a Holy Spirit-filled community. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They were a learning, caring, worshiping, and evangelizing church. Their unity and devotion resulted in awe and wonder among the people, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
As we concluded, we invited everyone to seek a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We emphasized the need for repentance, holiness, and a deep hunger for God. The altar was opened for those who wanted to rededicate their lives to Jesus and receive a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. We prayed for a new Pentecostal experience, where the Holy Spirit would move powerfully in our midst, transforming lives and equipping us to fulfill God's plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Community: James 5:13-16 emphasizes the importance of praying for the sick, encouraging the suffering, and singing praises with the cheerful. This communal approach to faith creates an environment where God's power can manifest. The early church's unity and devotion to prayer were crucial in preparing them for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. [17:20]
2. The Promise of Pentecost: Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29 highlight that the promise of the Holy Spirit's power is for all believers. This power enables us to be witnesses for Christ, transcending age, gender, and social status. The Holy Spirit's outpouring is a gift that equips us to fulfill God's mission on earth. [40:15]
3. The Posture of Pentecost: Unity, prayer, and engagement with God's Word are essential for experiencing Pentecostal power. The early believers' commitment to these practices created a fertile ground for the Holy Spirit's work. Walking in holiness and maintaining a reverent attitude towards God are crucial for sustaining this power. [55:56]
4. The Picture of Pentecost: The historical and agricultural significance of the Feast of Weeks reminds us of God's provision and the importance of gratitude. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit, such as the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire, symbolize the transformative and purifying work of the Spirit in our lives. [01:08:29]
5. The Practice of Pentecost: The early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer serves as a model for us. Their unity and commitment resulted in awe and wonder among the people, leading to daily conversions. Living as a Holy Spirit-filled community involves learning, caring, worshiping, and evangelizing together. [01:23:22]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [17:20] - The Power of Prayer and Community
3. [40:15] - The Promise of Pentecost
4. [55:56] - The Posture of Pentecost
5. [01:08:29] - The Picture of Pentecost
6. [01:23:22] - The Practice of Pentecost
7. [01:41:03] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 5:13-16: "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
2. Acts 1:8: "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."
3. Joel 2:28-29: "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 5:13-16, what are the different responses to various situations like trouble, happiness, and sickness? How does this passage emphasize the power of prayer and community? [17:20]
2. In Acts 1:8, what is the promise given to the believers when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? How does this promise relate to their mission? [46:14]
3. Joel 2:28-29 speaks of an outpouring of the Spirit on all people. What are the specific manifestations mentioned in this passage? How does this align with the inclusivity of the Holy Spirit's power? [47:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the communal approach to faith in James 5:13-16 create an environment where God's power can manifest? Why is community important in experiencing God's power? [17:20]
2. Acts 1:8 mentions that believers will receive power to be witnesses. What does it mean to be a witness for Christ, and how does the Holy Spirit empower believers to fulfill this role? [46:14]
3. Joel 2:28-29 emphasizes that the outpouring of the Spirit is for all people. How does this inclusivity challenge or affirm your understanding of who can receive the Holy Spirit's power? [47:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on James 5:13-16, how can you incorporate more prayer into your daily life, especially in times of trouble or joy? Is there someone in your community you can pray for or with this week? [17:20]
2. Acts 1:8 speaks of receiving power to be witnesses. Identify one area in your life where you can be a more effective witness for Christ. What steps can you take to rely on the Holy Spirit's power in this area? [46:14]
3. Joel 2:28-29 mentions that the Spirit will be poured out on all people. How can you encourage and support others in your community, regardless of age, gender, or social status, to seek and experience the Holy Spirit's power? [47:35]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity, prayer, and engagement with God's Word. What practical steps can you take to foster unity and deeper engagement with God's Word in your small group or church community? [53:36]
5. Reflect on the historical and agricultural significance of the Feast of Weeks discussed in the sermon. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's provision in your life? What are some specific ways you can express this gratitude? [01:03:17]
6. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. How can you incorporate these practices into your daily routine to live as a Holy Spirit-filled community? [01:23:22]
7. The sermon concluded with an invitation to seek a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit. What areas of your life need a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit? How can you create space in your life to seek and receive this fresh wind? [01:36:38]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Community
Prayer and community are foundational elements in the life of a believer. James 5:13-16 emphasizes the importance of praying for the sick, encouraging the suffering, and singing praises with the cheerful. This communal approach to faith creates an environment where God's power can manifest. The early church's unity and devotion to prayer were crucial in preparing them for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When believers come together in prayer and support one another, they create a fertile ground for God's miraculous interventions and spiritual growth. [17:20]
James 5:13-16 (ESV): "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is suffering or in need of prayer. How can you reach out to them today and offer your support through prayer and encouragement?
Day 2: The Promise of Pentecost
The promise of Pentecost is the reception of God's power through the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29 highlight that this promise is for all believers, enabling them to be witnesses for Christ. This power transcends age, gender, and social status, equipping believers to fulfill God's mission on earth. The Holy Spirit's outpouring is a gift that empowers us to live out our faith boldly and effectively, sharing the gospel with those around us. [40:15]
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: Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit. How can you seek to be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in your daily life?
Day 3: The Posture of Pentecost
Experiencing Pentecostal power requires a specific posture: unity, prayer, and engagement with God's Word. The early believers were together in one place, constantly in prayer, and devoted to the teachings of the apostles. This unity and devotion created an environment ripe for the Holy Spirit's outpouring. Walking in holiness and maintaining a reverent attitude towards God are crucial for sustaining this power. A life set apart for God, marked by obedience and reverence, is essential for experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit. [55:56]
Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Reflection: Consider your current spiritual practices. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of unity, prayer, and engagement with God's Word in your daily routine?
Day 4: The Picture of Pentecost
The historical and agricultural significance of the Feast of Weeks reminds us of God's provision and the importance of gratitude. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit, such as the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire, symbolize the transformative and purifying work of the Spirit in our lives. These powerful images underscore the Holy Spirit's role in transforming believers and equipping them for God's work. Reflecting on these symbols helps us appreciate the depth and impact of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. [01:08:29]
Acts 2:2-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How have you experienced the transformative and purifying work of the Holy Spirit in your life? What steps can you take to invite more of the Holy Spirit's presence and power?
Day 5: The Practice of Pentecost
The early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer serves as a model for us. Their unity and commitment resulted in awe and wonder among the people, leading to daily conversions. Living as a Holy Spirit-filled community involves learning, caring, worshiping, and evangelizing together. By following the example of the early church, we can create a vibrant and impactful community that reflects the love and power of Christ. [01:23:22]
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to building a Holy Spirit-filled community in your church? How can you actively participate in teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Wouldn't it be amazing that if we had a prayer life that didn't have any words in it for a while? Maybe our prayer life ought to change a little bit to where we go before the Lord and we lay out before him and we wait and listen to hear what he's got to say. But too often our prayer life is, 'Lord give me this, Lord work this out, Lord do this for me. Okay, I gotta run. See you later. Bye. In Jesus name.' And we go at it so frantically that we don't even know who we're praying to." [58:15]
2. "You know what we ought to do? Before the harvest even comes in, we ought to start saying, 'Thank you Lord for saving them. Lord, I just believe in your word that all who call upon your name shall be saved.' So I'm going to just name some folk today that I believe are going to get saved. And we ought to go through those names in our prayer life and just begin to thank the Lord for what he's going to do in their lives." [01:04:47]
3. "If you missed Wednesday night, you missed a treat in the house of the Lord. God moved in miraculous ways. And we'll let you know, we're going to map these out as we go along and continue to do what we call Encounter services throughout the year. And just watch for those. But what an amazing time in the Lord." [39:11]
4. "You want Pentecost, you want Pentecost, you want Pentecost? Put him back where he belongs as king of kings and lord of lords, as prince of peace and everlasting father, as Yahweh Yeshua, Hallelujah, El Shaddai." [59:58]
5. "Come Holy Spirit. Give us an upper room encounter. Oh, he'll do it again. Yes, he will. Hallelujah. Come Holy Spirit. Give us an upper room encounter. Oh, he'll do it again. Yes, he will. Hallelujah. How many of you believe for fresh wind in your life? Come on, how many of you believe for fresh fire over your life? Hallelujah. Father, in the name of Jesus, we speak this in confidence knowing that you will move in our life again. Fresh wind and fresh fire and we receive it in the name of Jesus, Amen." [01:30:58]
### Quotes for Members
1. "There is no substitute for Christian community. Don't let anyone fool you, don't let anyone deceive you that you can be a committed and fulfilled Christian outside of the body of Christ. And the body of Christ, of which he is the head over, is called the church. Now I'm preaching to the choir because you're here today, Amen. But don't let anyone deceive you that God has ordained over your life as a believer that you're to be connected to the body of Christ, not just for your good but for the common good of the church." [54:02]
2. "We need times alone in prayer. We need times together in prayer. We need open hearts to God, allowing God to capture our attention through prayer. Wouldn't it be amazing that if we had a prayer life that didn't have any words in it for a while? Maybe our prayer life ought to change a little bit to where we go before the Lord and we lay out before him and we wait and listen to hear what he's got to say." [57:50]
3. "If we want to see Pentecost happening in the house of God, we've got to walk holy with God. There's a high percentage of Americans today who are professing believers in Jesus Christ. And added to that number are people who claim to have this deep spirituality. And you will find out that an overwhelming percentage of Americans see themselves as the people of God. If that be the case, then tell me why we're in the mess we're in. Where's the power of the house of God? Where's the power in the church of God? Where's the power in the family unit today?" [55:56]
4. "The fire of the Holy Ghost in the upper room purges the individual. You become like gold that is in the refiner's fire. You want to know if the Holy Spirit's been visiting you in your life? Here's how you'll know if the Holy Spirit's active in your life. You'll start walking more and more holy every day. Not because of you, but because of him in you. Spirit refined us. And I believe with everything in me, if it had not been for the fire, they'd have never been filled. Because here's what fire does. It gets rid of the junk." [01:13:37]
5. "The promise of receiving God's power is straightforward. This won't take long. Go to Acts 1 and 8. And here's where you'll find that one. In Acts 1 and chapter 1 verse 8, here's what he promised: 'But you will receive power.' Look at that. Look at your neighbor and say, 'That's for you right there.' So I want you to know that today, this is not just a generic word over some unique people, but this is for every born again believer in the house today. This promise is for you. This gift is for you." [46:14]
6. "The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They were a learning, caring, worshiping, and evangelizing church. Their unity and devotion resulted in awe and wonder among the people, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." [01:23:22]
7. "The Hebrew word for spirit, which is ruach, the wind had been an emblem of the Spirit to the Hebrew people throughout generations. And the wind of God was present at creation. It was the wind of God that Ezekiel saw in Ezekiel 37 over a group of dry, dejected bones and defeated people, that the wind of God blew over those dry bones. And he said, 'Lord, can these dry bones live?' And the wind of God blew over them, and bone came back to bone, and sinew to sinew. And all of a sudden, an army raised up out of a dry and barren land. That's what the wind of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost will do in this house." [01:09:55]
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