Empowered by the Spirit: Living Out Pentecost
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Hope on the Beach Church. Today, we gather to celebrate Pentecost, a significant event in the Christian calendar. Pentecost is often associated with the New Testament, but its roots go back to the Old Testament. It marks the celebration of God's covenant given to Israel on Mount Sinai, 50 days after Passover. This event is a reminder of God's protection, provision, and faithfulness. The Israelites would bring their first fruits as an offering, celebrating God's deliverance and the start of the Old Testament church as a nation.
Fast forward to the New Testament, and we see the fulfillment of God's promise on the day of Pentecost. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, had ascended to heaven, and the disciples were waiting in the temple courts as instructed. Suddenly, a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, enabling them to share the gospel with people from every nation gathered in Jerusalem.
This event signifies the start of the New Testament church, transitioning from a local family to a global kingdom. The Holy Spirit is an unstoppable force, empowering believers to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Despite the imperfections and brokenness of the church, God's mission continues. He uses our weaknesses and failures to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that it is not by our strength but by His Spirit that the work is done.
The early church had no formal training, resources, or buildings, yet they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to go out and make disciples. This is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities. The church is not about perfect people but about a perfect God working through imperfect people.
Pentecost is a foretaste of the great harvest when all nations and people will be gathered together in Christ. It is a reminder that God is on a mission, and He has called and equipped us to be part of that mission. As a church, we are committed to helping each other grow as disciples who make disciples. The greatness of a church is not measured by what happens on Sunday but by how we live out our faith the other six days of the week.
We are offering a class called Missionary Pathway to help you become a more effective disciple. This class is available online, making it accessible to everyone. Additionally, we have a book called "The Difference Maker" that provides practical tools for making disciples.
On this day of Pentecost, let us be the church and go out as missionaries, making disciples as Jesus commanded. Let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that we may be stirred to lean into God's presence and be available to His leading. God has already set up divine appointments and placed people in our lives for us to reach. We just need to be attentive and obedient to His Spirit.
In conclusion, Pentecost is a powerful reminder of God's mission and our role in it. Despite our imperfections, God is at work, and He invites us to join Him. Let us rely on the Holy Spirit, love without boundaries, and be faithful in making disciples. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. Pentecost's Old Testament Roots: Pentecost is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, marking the celebration of God's covenant given to Israel on Mount Sinai, 50 days after Passover. This event is a reminder of God's protection, provision, and faithfulness. The Israelites would bring their first fruits as an offering, celebrating God's deliverance and the start of the Old Testament church as a nation. This historical context enriches our understanding of Pentecost and God's ongoing mission. [19:32]
2. The Fulfillment of God's Promise: In the New Testament, Pentecost signifies the fulfillment of God's promise. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, had ascended to heaven, and the disciples were waiting in the temple courts. Suddenly, a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, enabling them to share the gospel with people from every nation gathered in Jerusalem. This event marks the start of the New Testament church, transitioning from a local family to a global kingdom. [26:12]
3. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The early church had no formal training, resources, or buildings, yet they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to go out and make disciples. This is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities. The church is not about perfect people but about a perfect God working through imperfect people. Despite the imperfections and brokenness of the church, God's mission continues. He uses our weaknesses and failures to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that it is not by our strength but by His Spirit that the work is done. [38:52]
4. The Great Harvest: Pentecost is a foretaste of the great harvest when all nations and people will be gathered together in Christ. It is a reminder that God is on a mission, and He has called and equipped us to be part of that mission. As a church, we are committed to helping each other grow as disciples who make disciples. The greatness of a church is not measured by what happens on Sunday but by how we live out our faith the other six days of the week. [51:16]
5. Living Out Our Mission: On this day of Pentecost, let us be the church and go out as missionaries, making disciples as Jesus commanded. Let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that we may be stirred to lean into God's presence and be available to His leading. God has already set up divine appointments and placed people in our lives for us to reach. We just need to be attentive and obedient to His Spirit. Despite our imperfections, God is at work, and He invites us to join Him. Let us rely on the Holy Spirit, love without boundaries, and be faithful in making disciples. [54:37]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [03:43] - Opening Prayer
3. [13:43] - Introduction to Pentecost
4. [19:32] - Old Testament Roots of Pentecost
5. [26:12] - The Fulfillment of God's Promise
6. [30:23] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
7. [38:52] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
8. [40:40] - The Mission of the Church
9. [51:16] - The Great Harvest
10. [54:37] - Living Out Our Mission
11. [56:21] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
> 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.
2. Exodus 19:16-19 (ESV)
> On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.
3. Joel 2:28-29 (ESV)
> And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event does Pentecost commemorate in the Old Testament, and how is it celebrated? ([19:32])
2. Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost in the New Testament as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.
3. How did the Holy Spirit manifest among the disciples during Pentecost, and what was the immediate effect on them? ([26:12])
4. What was the reaction of the people in Jerusalem when they heard the disciples speaking in different languages? ([26:34])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Old Testament celebration of Pentecost as a covenant reminder relate to the New Testament event of Pentecost? ([19:32])
2. In what ways does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost demonstrate God's ability to use anyone for His mission, regardless of their background or abilities? ([38:52])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the early church and its mission? ([40:02])
4. How does the concept of Pentecost as a "foretaste of the great harvest" shape our understanding of God's mission and our role in it? ([51:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. Can you think of a time when you felt inadequate but saw God work through you? How did that experience shape your faith? ([38:52])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living out our faith the other six days of the week. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your faith in your daily life? ([51:57])
3. The early church was empowered by the Holy Spirit to make disciples without formal training or resources. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your efforts to share the gospel? ([40:02])
4. The sermon mentions that God has already set up divine appointments and placed people in our lives for us to reach. Who is someone in your life that you feel called to reach out to, and what steps can you take to be attentive and obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading? ([54:10])
5. Discuss the importance of praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine? ([54:37])
6. The sermon talks about loving without boundaries. Identify a specific group or individual you find challenging to love. What practical steps can you take to show them Christ-like love? ([47:38])
7. How can you participate in the church's mission to make disciples who make disciples? Consider joining a class like Missionary Pathway or reading a book like "The Difference Maker." What steps will you take to grow in this area? ([52:19])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Covenant and Faithfulness
The celebration of Pentecost has deep roots in the Old Testament, marking the giving of God's covenant to Israel on Mount Sinai, 50 days after Passover. This event is a powerful reminder of God's protection, provision, and faithfulness. The Israelites would bring their first fruits as an offering, celebrating God's deliverance and the establishment of the Old Testament church as a nation. This historical context enriches our understanding of Pentecost and God's ongoing mission. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not just a thing of the past but continues to be a reality in our lives today. As we reflect on this, we are called to remember and celebrate God's unwavering commitment to His people.
[19:32]
Leviticus 23:15-17 (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. You shall bring from your dwelling places two loaves of bread to be waved, made of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour, and they shall be baked with leaven, as first fruits to the Lord."
Reflection: How can you celebrate God's faithfulness in your life today? What "first fruits" can you offer to Him as a sign of your gratitude and trust?
Day 2: The Fulfillment of God's Promise
In the New Testament, Pentecost signifies the fulfillment of God's promise. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, had ascended to heaven, and the disciples were waiting in the temple courts. Suddenly, a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, enabling them to share the gospel with people from every nation gathered in Jerusalem. This event marks the start of the New Testament church, transitioning from a local family to a global kingdom. It shows that God's promises are true and that He equips His people to fulfill His mission.
[26:12]
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: What promises of God are you waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you prepare yourself to be ready when God moves?
Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The early church had no formal training, resources, or buildings, yet they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to go out and make disciples. This is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities. The church is not about perfect people but about a perfect God working through imperfect people. Despite the imperfections and brokenness of the church, God's mission continues. He uses our weaknesses and failures to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that it is not by our strength but by His Spirit that the work is done.
[38:52]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate or weak? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work through those areas for God's glory?
Day 4: The Great Harvest
Pentecost is a foretaste of the great harvest when all nations and people will be gathered together in Christ. It is a reminder that God is on a mission, and He has called and equipped us to be part of that mission. As a church, we are committed to helping each other grow as disciples who make disciples. The greatness of a church is not measured by what happens on Sunday but by how we live out our faith the other six days of the week. This perspective shifts our focus from merely attending church to being the church in our daily lives.
[51:16]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: How can you be a laborer in God's harvest today? What specific actions can you take to live out your faith in your community?
Day 5: Living Out Our Mission
On this day of Pentecost, let us be the church and go out as missionaries, making disciples as Jesus commanded. Let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that we may be stirred to lean into God's presence and be available to His leading. God has already set up divine appointments and placed people in our lives for us to reach. We just need to be attentive and obedient to His Spirit. Despite our imperfections, God is at work, and He invites us to join Him. Let us rely on the Holy Spirit, love without boundaries, and be faithful in making disciples.
[54:37]
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: Who in your life might God be calling you to reach out to today? How can you be more attentive and obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily interactions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Good morning. There it is. Hey, we're delighted you're here with us. Hope on the beach. Thanks for choosing to come here. I mean, you could do a lot with your Sunday. You could go a lot of different places and we appreciate that you chose here and we really believe that God led you here and we really believe that you're a gift from God and we just want to say welcome. We're delighted you're here. This is a no judgment zone. It's a place. It's a grace place, a place where it's okay not to be okay and you're going to be loved. You've done conditionally." [0:00]
2. "Little faith gives little results. Medium faith gives medium results. Great faith gives great results. So therefore, keep your mind free from negativity and worry. I mean we need to have less worldly concerns and be more on the kingdom. More listening to the Holy Spirit. And the world and the speakers on TV, the people that are talking, we are being the same discipled by our TV and our news and the things we listen to. And so we are not listening to the Holy Spirit. We are not being disciples by him. Keep your heart free from hate." [46:07]
3. "What if the church just loved? I mean if we could just do one thing and really just love people and then we could like lead with empathy. Like say I just want to understand before I want you to be understood. I just want to understand you and love you." [48:59]
4. "They were a minority, a small minority against a majority of unbelievers. But they had the Holy Spirit. Folks, that's all you need. To rely on the Holy Spirit. And by that, they transformed from minority to majority. And how they do that? They discipled. They shared. They witnessed. They discipled. They discipled a person who then went and discipled another person who discipled another. And they just multiplied by discipling each other." [40:02]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Despite our brokenness, despite broken leadership, despite the mission, despite the mess, the church can be... Despite the churches can turn into clubs or be a fortress or be unloving or terrible ministry or divided. Despite being the imperfect church, God is perfect and God still is at work on his mission despite us. And he's empowered to invite us into it with all our imperfection and mess because God's a redeemer and he uses it. It's our testimony." [41:15]
2. "The Holy Spirit is calling everyone everywhere all the time, calling the faith in Jesus by awakening our hearts to him in the waters of baptism by the Holy Spirit, by the words of promise in Jesus Christ to give us faith that awakens the heart with the faith in eternal life. And so what do you have? Number four, the start of the New Testament church. And you might want to say it's a local family now going to a global kingdom because the Holy Spirit is an unstoppable force." [38:03]
3. "The Holy Spirit awakens the hearts to salvation in Jesus. Peter proclaims it out. He says, let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart. They heard that this truly was the Son of God who died for them, the Lamb of God. And it cut to the heart. They had conviction of their sin. They felt guilt. They felt shame. They felt horrible. They had what we would call contrition. Their heart was aligned to the will of God in that moment. Their heart broke for what breaks God's heart." [34:28]
4. "Pentecost is a foretaste of the great harvest that comes when all nations, all people, all the world from all eternity, from all times will be gathered together when he comes. And so God says, church, this is what I've been doing. This is what I'm always going to be doing. And this is what the future is. And so Pentecost is a reminder that God is on mission, that God is a God of love and that God has called us, he's equipped us, he's empowered us to go be part of his work." [51:16]
5. "The early church had no formal training, resources, or buildings, yet they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to go out and make disciples. This is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities. The church is not about perfect people but about a perfect God working through imperfect people. Despite the imperfections and brokenness of the church, God's mission continues. He uses our weaknesses and failures to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that it is not by our strength but by His Spirit that the work is done." [38:52]
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