Empowered by the Spirit: The Birth of the Church
Summary
### Summary
Grace and peace to you today from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we reflect on the significance of Pentecost, a pivotal moment in the history of the Christian church. Pentecost, also known as Shabbat or the Festival of Weeks, was one of three major Jewish festivals that required a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It was a time when Jews from all over the Mediterranean world gathered in Jerusalem, bringing the first fruits of their wheat harvest as an offering. This festival, occurring 50 days after Passover, was the day God chose to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles, marking the birth of the Christian church.
On that day, the apostles were gathered together when a sound like a mighty wind filled the place, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. This sound drew a crowd, much like the sound of a train heralds the approach of a tornado. People from various regions, speaking different languages, were amazed to hear the apostles speaking in their native tongues. Some skeptics accused the apostles of being drunk, but Peter stood up and clarified that it was only nine in the morning, far too early for such behavior. He then delivered a powerful sermon, quoting the prophet Joel and explaining that the events they were witnessing were the fulfillment of prophecy. In the last days, God declared, He would pour out His Spirit on all people, enabling them to prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams.
Peter continued, recounting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasized that Jesus was handed over to be crucified according to God's plan, but God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death. Peter called the crowd to repentance and baptism, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people that day, marking the formation of the first mega-church.
The Holy Spirit's arrival was not just a historical event but a transformative moment that continues to impact our lives today. The Spirit empowers us to live a life centered on faith, not by our own strength but by the work of the Holy Spirit. This faith calls us to remember our baptism daily, confessing our sins and embracing the forgiveness that wipes our slate clean. It also calls us to witness, to proclaim the Gospel verbally, and to pray for ourselves, our families, and others.
Moreover, we are to wear the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, to stand against the schemes of Satan. This includes the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. We must be invested in reading and studying the Bible, not just listening to it. Our faith should manifest in acts of service, loving others as Christ loved us, and forming relationships that grow the church.
In conclusion, the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives calls us to a Spirit-filled life, moving forward in faith, speaking in ways that others understand, and acting in love. We collectively invite the Holy Spirit to be with us today, guiding us in our journey of faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Pentecost: Pentecost, also known as Shabbat, was a major Jewish festival where Jews from all over the Mediterranean gathered in Jerusalem. It was on this day that God chose to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles, marking the birth of the Christian church. This event signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of a new era in God's plan for humanity. [00:55]
2. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The arrival of the Holy Spirit was marked by a sound like a mighty wind and tongues of fire, drawing a crowd and enabling the apostles to speak in various languages. This miraculous event demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit to transcend human limitations and communicate God's message to all people. It serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives, empowering us to share the Gospel. [04:16]
3. Peter's Sermon and Call to Repentance: Peter's sermon on Pentecost was a powerful proclamation of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He called the crowd to repentance and baptism, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people. This moment highlights the importance of repentance and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith. [07:26]
4. Living a Spirit-Filled Life: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life centered on faith, not by our own strength but by the work of the Holy Spirit. This faith calls us to remember our baptism daily, confessing our sins and embracing the forgiveness that wipes our slate clean. It also calls us to witness, to proclaim the Gospel verbally, and to pray for ourselves, our families, and others. [11:54]
5. The Armor of God: Ephesians 6 describes the armor of God, which includes the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Wearing this armor helps us stand against the schemes of Satan. We must be invested in reading and studying the Bible, not just listening to it. Our faith should manifest in acts of service, loving others as Christ loved us, and forming relationships that grow the church. [12:32]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - The Significance of Pentecost
[04:16] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[07:26] - Peter's Sermon and Call to Repentance
[11:54] - Living a Spirit-Filled Life
[12:32] - The Armor of God
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. 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."
3. Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
> "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event took place on the day of Pentecost according to Acts 2:1-4?
2. How did the crowd react to the apostles speaking in different languages, and what was Peter's response to their skepticism? ([05:43])
3. What prophecy from the book of Joel did Peter quote in his sermon, and how did it relate to the events of Pentecost? ([08:31])
4. According to Ephesians 6:10-18, what are the components of the "armor of God" and their purposes?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose the day of Pentecost, a major Jewish festival, to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles? ([03:29])
2. How does Peter's sermon in Acts 2 emphasize the fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection? ([07:26])
3. What does it mean to live a Spirit-filled life, and how does the Holy Spirit empower believers according to the sermon? ([11:54])
4. How does the "armor of God" described in Ephesians 6 help believers stand against the schemes of Satan, and why is it important to be invested in reading and studying the Bible? ([12:32])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel. How did that experience impact your faith and the faith of others? ([11:54])
2. Peter called the crowd to repentance and baptism, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people. How can you incorporate a call to repentance in your daily interactions with others? ([07:26])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering our baptism daily. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of your baptism and the forgiveness it signifies? ([09:56])
4. How can you actively wear the "armor of God" in your daily life to stand against the schemes of Satan? Identify specific actions you can take to strengthen each piece of the armor. ([12:32])
5. The Holy Spirit enables us to speak in ways that others understand. Think of a person in your life who needs to hear the Gospel. How can you communicate your faith to them in a way that resonates with their understanding? ([00:55])
6. The sermon calls us to form relationships that grow the church. What steps can you take to build meaningful relationships within your church community and beyond? ([13:13])
7. Reflect on the concept of living a Spirit-filled life. What changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure that you are living a life centered on faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit? ([11:54])
Devotional
Day 1: The Birth of the Church
The significance of Pentecost lies in its marking the birth of the Christian church. Pentecost, also known as Shabbat or the Festival of Weeks, was a major Jewish festival that required a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It was on this day, 50 days after Passover, that God chose to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles. This event signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of a new era in God's plan for humanity. The apostles were gathered together when a sound like a mighty wind filled the place, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. This miraculous event drew a crowd, and people from various regions, speaking different languages, were amazed to hear the apostles speaking in their native tongues. This moment marked the birth of the Christian church and the beginning of its mission to spread the Gospel to all nations. [00:55]
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."
Reflection: How can you recognize and celebrate the birth of the church in your daily life? What steps can you take to honor this pivotal moment in Christian history?
Day 2: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The arrival of the Holy Spirit was marked by a sound like a mighty wind and tongues of fire, drawing a crowd and enabling the apostles to speak in various languages. This miraculous event demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit to transcend human limitations and communicate God's message to all people. The Holy Spirit's power is not confined to the past but continues to work in our lives today, empowering us to share the Gospel and live out our faith. The Spirit enables us to overcome our weaknesses and limitations, allowing us to be effective witnesses for Christ. This event serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is always present, guiding and empowering us in our journey of faith. [04:16]
Acts 2:6-8 (ESV): "And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, 'Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?'"
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance and empowerment?
Day 3: Peter's Call to Repentance
Peter's sermon on Pentecost was a powerful proclamation of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He called the crowd to repentance and baptism, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people. This moment highlights the importance of repentance and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith. Peter emphasized that Jesus was handed over to be crucified according to God's plan, but God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death. This call to repentance is a reminder that we are all in need of God's grace and forgiveness, and that through repentance and baptism, we can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [07:26]
Acts 2:37-38 (ESV): "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? How can you take a step towards repentance and experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit today?
Day 4: Living a Spirit-Filled Life
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life centered on faith, not by our own strength but by the work of the Holy Spirit. This faith calls us to remember our baptism daily, confessing our sins and embracing the forgiveness that wipes our slate clean. It also calls us to witness, to proclaim the Gospel verbally, and to pray for ourselves, our families, and others. Living a Spirit-filled life means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions, thoughts, and words. It means being open to the Spirit's leading and being willing to step out in faith, even when it is challenging. This life of faith is not about our own efforts but about relying on the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us. [11:54]
Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."
Reflection: How can you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions, thoughts, and words today? What steps can you take to live a more Spirit-filled life?
Day 5: The Armor of God
Ephesians 6 describes the armor of God, which includes the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Wearing this armor helps us stand against the schemes of Satan. We must be invested in reading and studying the Bible, not just listening to it. Our faith should manifest in acts of service, loving others as Christ loved us, and forming relationships that grow the church. The armor of God is essential for our spiritual protection and growth. It equips us to face the challenges and temptations of life, enabling us to stand firm in our faith. By putting on the armor of God, we are prepared to live out our faith boldly and effectively. [12:32]
Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Reflection: Are you wearing the full armor of God in your daily life? How can you be more intentional about equipping yourself with the armor of God to stand firm in your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "My message for you today is about sort of carrying the torch forward and learning to speak all over again just as the apostles did when they were given the gift of the Holy Spirit. Communicating in a way that people understood. When I was in health care, one of the assignments I had in my last consulting stint was to work with physicians. And oddly enough, guess what the number one problem they had was on surveys? Communicating in a way people understood. It's like, oh! And their scores were reflected actually in health care reimbursement, both for them in their offices and in the hospital. So it's interesting how tough it can be sometimes for us to communicate in a way that people understood." [00:55]
2. "Faith is what centers us, but then the life in the Spirit, walking by the fruit of the Spirit, is what Christ actually engages us to do. So we are to speak in a way that others understand, and we are to act, we are to form relationships, we are to seek out others to grow that church. And we say collectively, come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit, be with us today. In the name of Christ, Amen." [13:51]
3. "And Peter was among them leading the troops. And the Holy Spirit came in the sound as of the wind. So it was a sound. It wasn't necessarily a blowing force that they felt. It was a sound as of the wind. And that sound was so dominant that people thronged to what they thought was the source of the sound." [04:16]
4. "And for us, it's a remembrance of our baptism, where we know that our sins have been erased. And on that day, three thousand came to join. But before he even gave this long sermon, he quoted the prophet Joel. And he looked into the Scriptures to say, this was foretold that this day would come. In the last days, it shall be, on the prophet Joel, that I will, God declares, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions. And your old men shall dream dreams." [08:31]
5. "So we are to speak in a way that others understand, and we are to act, we are to form relationships, we are to seek out others to grow that church. And we say collectively, come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit, be with us today. In the name of Christ. Grace and peace to you today from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen." [00:55]
### Quotes for Members
1. "During my ministry on earth, that proceeded from the Father, and now proceeds from the Son, and is now with you and with the church forever. And with that, you will be given, in the very center of your lives, faith. Faith given to you not by your own reason or strength, as Luther would say in the small catechism, but by the work of the Holy Spirit. And then there is life, and that life has requirements with it. At the very top is a remembrance daily, as I mentioned, of your baptism. That we daily go to God confessing our sins, reminding ourselves also that our sins are wiped out, our slate is clean. No matter what we do with repetitive sins, God has given you forgiveness." [11:54]
2. "But then next comes a core requirement, which started with the Apostles, and that we are to go out and witness. We are to proclaim. Proclaim means we are to share verbally the Gospel. Proclaim the great gifts that you have been given. Then second, pray for yourself, your family, and for others. I think we all do that, but it's a requirement that we should be vested in. And next, wear the armor of God. And for that I want to go to Ephesians, because Satan is here to break up the church." [12:32]
3. "And Peter, of course, pipes up and says, you know what? It's nine in the morning. Thank you very much. We're not drinking. That hasn't happened. And for Jews, actually, should they take wine during the day? They really had it in their evening meal. So it would have been a bit absurd. But this was a real reversal. Of what God had instituted in the Tower of Babel. When everybody was speaking in one language, he said, you guys are too unified. And you're self-focused on yourself, not on God, trying to build a tower up into the heavens. And so after the flood, as you may recall, when everybody got together and says, let's build a tower all the way to the heavens. God gave us languages and all the people dispersed across the various parts of the world. Here, God does the opposite. He allows the disciples to speak. He allows the people to speak in languages to bring everybody back together in unity for the church." [06:25]
4. "And Peter continued, recounting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasized that Jesus was handed over to be crucified according to God's plan, but God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death. Peter called the crowd to repentance and baptism, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people that day, marking the formation of the first mega-church." [07:26]
5. "And it's why we always want all of us to be invested in reading the Word of God, not just listening to it, which is key, but being invested in Bible study. I'm sorry, the next one is that we serve, and that we serve others in love just as Christ served us. And that's the focus. Faith is what centers us, but then the life in the Spirit, walking by the fruit of the Spirit, is what Christ actually engages us to do." [13:13]
6. "So as the Spirit comes into our lives today, I wanted to reference a little bit from what has happened on this great day. That if you look at the known world, all the way from Spain on the left, all the way to Italy, to Greece, to Rome, the center of the kingdom of the empire there, and all the way over into Egypt, everyone from that area, again, had converged upon Jerusalem. Everyone was required to. And as Christ received the Holy Spirit when He actually was baptized in the Jordan River, so we too, on this day, remember our baptism, and the Spirit-filled life that God now requires of us. He wants us to move forward, and now speak in a way that others will understand when you share your Christian faith." [10:40]
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