Empowered by the Spirit: The Birth of the Church
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Acts 2, focusing on the transformative event of Pentecost. This pivotal moment in Christian history marks the birth of the Church through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We began by setting the scene: Jerusalem was bustling with people gathered for Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. This festival, 50 days after Passover, was a time of offering sacrifices and worship to God. It was during this significant time that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, transforming them from fearful individuals into bold preachers of the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit's arrival was marked by a sound like a rushing wind and tongues of fire resting on each person present. This divine encounter enabled them to speak in various languages, astonishing the diverse crowd in Jerusalem. Peter seized this moment to address the crowd, explaining that this was the fulfillment of the prophecy from Joel, where God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people. Peter's powerful sermon led to the conversion of about 3,000 people, marking the first great harvest of souls.
We explored the inclusivity of the early Church, emphasizing that it was composed of both men and women, all filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to preach and prophesy. This inclusivity challenges any notion that restricts women from speaking or leading within the Church. The early Church's structure was also highlighted, showing that it was not just about large gatherings in the temple courts but also about intimate fellowship in homes, breaking bread, and sharing life together.
The importance of waiting on God's timing was another key point. The apostles were instructed by Jesus to wait for the Holy Spirit before embarking on their mission. This waiting period was crucial for them to receive the power and authority needed to fulfill their mandate. The symbolism of fire throughout Scripture was also discussed, showing how God's fire signifies His presence and approval, from Moses' altar to the day of Pentecost.
Finally, we reflected on the boldness and courage that the Holy Spirit instilled in the apostles, enabling them to face persecution and resistance with unwavering faith. This same Holy Spirit is available to us today, empowering us to continue the mission of the early Church. We are called to be a relational Church, building deep connections with one another and with God, and to boldly proclaim the Gospel, regardless of the challenges we face.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Birth of the Church at Pentecost: Pentecost marks the birth of the Church through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This event transformed the apostles from fearful individuals into bold preachers of the Gospel, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people. The Holy Spirit's arrival was marked by a sound like a rushing wind and tongues of fire, symbolizing God's presence and empowerment. [12:19]
2. Inclusivity in the Early Church: The early Church was composed of both men and women, all filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to preach and prophesy. This inclusivity challenges any notion that restricts women from speaking or leading within the Church. The Holy Spirit's outpouring on all flesh signifies that God's message and mission include everyone, regardless of gender or social status. [21:56]
3. The Importance of Waiting on God's Timing: The apostles were instructed by Jesus to wait for the Holy Spirit before embarking on their mission. This waiting period was crucial for them to receive the power and authority needed to fulfill their mandate. Acting prematurely without God's guidance can lead to failure, but waiting on His timing ensures we are equipped for the task ahead. [26:25]
4. Symbolism of Fire in Scripture: Throughout Scripture, fire signifies God's presence and approval. From Moses' altar to Elijah's sacrifice and Solomon's temple, God's fire consumed the offerings, signifying His acceptance. On the day of Pentecost, the tongues of fire resting on the apostles symbolized God's approval and the beginning of a new era for the Church. [28:29]
5. Boldness and Courage from the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit instilled boldness and courage in the apostles, enabling them to face persecution and resistance with unwavering faith. This same Holy Spirit is available to us today, empowering us to continue the mission of the early Church. We are called to be bold in our faith, proclaiming the Gospel regardless of the challenges we face. [30:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:20] - Setting the Scene: Shavuot and Pentecost
[05:06] - The First Great Harvest
[12:19] - The Holy Spirit Descends
[14:17] - Peter's Sermon and Prophecy Fulfilled
[20:23] - Inclusivity in the Early Church
[26:25] - Waiting on God's Timing
[28:29] - Symbolism of Fire
[30:57] - Boldness from the Holy Spirit
[33:03] - Growth of the Early Church
[34:29] - Relational Church: Fellowship in Homes
[39:17] - The Church as a Battleship
[42:39] - Facing Persecution with Boldness
[44:58] - Continuous Filling of the Holy Spirit
[46:51] - Reflecting on Our Role in the Church
[49:19] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. 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."
3. Acts 2:38-39: "Peter replied, '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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event marks the birth of the Church in Acts 2? ([12:19])
2. How did the Holy Spirit manifest itself when it descended upon the apostles? ([12:19])
3. According to Peter, whose prophecy was fulfilled by the events of Pentecost? ([14:17])
4. What was the immediate result of Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost? ([17:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the inclusivity of both men and women in the early Church significant, and how does it challenge traditional views on church leadership? ([21:56])
2. What does the waiting period before the Holy Spirit's arrival teach us about the importance of God's timing in our lives? ([26:25])
3. How does the symbolism of fire throughout Scripture enhance our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role at Pentecost? ([28:29])
4. In what ways did the Holy Spirit empower the apostles to face persecution and resistance? ([30:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt fearful or hesitant to share your faith. How can the example of the apostles at Pentecost inspire you to be bolder? ([12:19])
2. How can our church today embody the inclusivity seen in the early Church, ensuring that both men and women are empowered to lead and serve? ([21:56])
3. Are there areas in your life where you might be acting prematurely without waiting for God's guidance? How can you practice patience and trust in His timing? ([26:25])
4. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in various languages. How can you use your unique gifts and abilities to serve and reach out to others in your community? ([12:19])
5. The early Church met both in large gatherings and in homes. How can you create more opportunities for intimate fellowship and community in your own life? ([34:29])
6. Think of a situation where you need more boldness and courage. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you in that situation? ([30:57])
7. The apostles faced persecution with unwavering faith. How can you prepare yourself to stand firm in your faith when facing challenges or opposition? ([42:39])
Devotional
Day 1: The Birth of the Church at Pentecost
The event of Pentecost marks the birth of the Church through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This transformative moment turned the apostles from fearful individuals into bold preachers of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit's arrival was marked by a sound like a rushing wind and tongues of fire, symbolizing God's presence and empowerment. This divine encounter enabled the apostles to speak in various languages, astonishing the diverse crowd in Jerusalem. Peter seized this moment to address the crowd, explaining that this was the fulfillment of the prophecy from Joel, where God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people. Peter's powerful sermon led to the conversion of about 3,000 people, marking the first great harvest of souls. [12:19]
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 can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform your fears into boldness in your daily life?
Day 2: Inclusivity in the Early Church
The early Church was composed of both men and women, all filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to preach and prophesy. This inclusivity challenges any notion that restricts women from speaking or leading within the Church. The Holy Spirit's outpouring on all flesh signifies that God's message and mission include everyone, regardless of gender or social status. This inclusivity is a powerful reminder that the Church is meant to be a diverse and unified body, where every member is valued and empowered to contribute to the mission of spreading the Gospel. [21:56]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: In what ways can you promote inclusivity and unity within your church community?
Day 3: The Importance of Waiting on God's Timing
The apostles were instructed by Jesus to wait for the Holy Spirit before embarking on their mission. This waiting period was crucial for them to receive the power and authority needed to fulfill their mandate. Acting prematurely without God's guidance can lead to failure, but waiting on His timing ensures we are equipped for the task ahead. This teaches us the importance of patience and trust in God's perfect timing. By waiting on the Lord, we align ourselves with His will and receive the necessary empowerment to carry out His work effectively. [26:25]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to wait on God's timing? How can you practice patience and trust in His plan today?
Day 4: Symbolism of Fire in Scripture
Throughout Scripture, fire signifies God's presence and approval. From Moses' altar to Elijah's sacrifice and Solomon's temple, God's fire consumed the offerings, signifying His acceptance. On the day of Pentecost, the tongues of fire resting on the apostles symbolized God's approval and the beginning of a new era for the Church. This powerful imagery reminds us of God's purifying and empowering presence in our lives. As we seek to live out our faith, we can be assured of God's presence and approval when we align ourselves with His will. [28:29]
Leviticus 9:24 (ESV): "And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces."
Reflection: How can you invite God's purifying and empowering presence into your life today?
Day 5: Boldness and Courage from the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit instilled boldness and courage in the apostles, enabling them to face persecution and resistance with unwavering faith. This same Holy Spirit is available to us today, empowering us to continue the mission of the early Church. We are called to be bold in our faith, proclaiming the Gospel regardless of the challenges we face. This boldness is not of our own making but is a result of the Holy Spirit's work within us, giving us the strength and courage to stand firm in our faith and witness to others. [30:57]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to ask the Holy Spirit for boldness and courage? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Every major event within our Christian world has happened within these special festivals. We saw Jesus crucified as the Passover lamb. We see him being resurrected during the feast of first fruits. Just like it says in 1 Corinthians that he was the first fruit. The fruit of that new life, of that resurrection. And now the day that the Holy Spirit comes and dwells within his people. Where he births the church. Again, it is on a special day in the Jewish calendar. Pentecost. During the feast of weeks." [05:06] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first thing that I want to point out to people is that they were all together in one place who is the all together well we can see that in Acts 1 4 no it's not Acts 1 4 it's Acts 1 14 to 17 we can see that in Acts 1 14 to 17 that the all together included the disciples Mary and the women in all they reckon there was 120 people that came together and it's quite quite accepted that the all together in Acts 1 is the same as the all together in Acts 2 and so when they were all together in one place there was a lot of them men and women brothers and sisters." [20:23] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You see this is quite clearly a pointer from God that his church is about everyone his church includes everyone male, female slave, free Jew, Gentile and God's message God's gospel will be spoken out will be prophesied the word prophesy simply means to speak God's word our sons and our daughters shall prophesy and that's what God did in that moment he set his church alight he set them ablaze he started it off on his foundations." [24:27] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church is a body and each member of the body Jew, Gentile, male, female young, young, young old, pretty, ugly whatever we're all needed there are people I will connect with that you won't there are people that Andy will connect with that I won't there are people that Barbara will connect with that I won't each one of us has been given a position and a function within the body of Christ within this church that was born on the day of Pentecost that was filled with the Holy Spirit that he's given the mandate to go make disciples of the nations each one of us has a role a function and a job to play." [39:17] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are a part of the church of Jesus Christ we're a part of something that was birthed over 2,000 years ago we are a part of that Pentecost church we have access to the same Holy Spirit that filled that place like we did in the beginning like a rushing violent wind and then filled the people like fire we have access to that to that person of the Holy of the Trinity to Holy Spirit we have the same mandate as that church had to go make disciples of the nations baptising them in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit teaching them to obey all the God we will face the same resistance that that church faced but our response can be the same as the apostles response more Lord more of you let's do it again but let's do it bigger and better." [48:00] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "One of the other things I want to point out is God's timing is amazing because it was God that told the disciples to wait before they did something how many of us can be accused of jumping into things doing things straight away on the cuff and then getting so far down it thinking I think I made a mistake the disciples could have done that they could have jumped into it in Acts 1 verse 4 this time they could have started off and got going with the mission but they would have missed the power the authority and everything that they actually knew needed to be able to achieve that mission you see Jesus said now go back into Jerusalem and wait and that's what they had to do see when Jesus says something it's for a reason when Jesus does something it's for a reason." [25:33] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Something else that struck me was this idea and this vision this symbol of the flaming tongues coming and resting upon the disciples we look at we look back through scripture and what do we see we see when there's an offering God will send his fire when there's a sacrifice God will send his fire when there's a sacrifice Moses the very first fire set on Moses' altar came from heaven itself and it was the fire that was to never go out Elijah when he built the altar in front of the prophets of Baal and Asherah it was God that sent the fire from heaven to burn up the sacrifice when Solomon created built the temple and consecrated it to God that first fire that was set in the altar came from heaven itself God sent fire from heaven and to consume the sacrifice and now on this day of Pentecost when they're all together in one place in one accord praying worshipping lifting up God's name sacrifices of praise going out God comes and sends fire from on high to consume the sacrifice to set a flame ablaze that should never go out." [27:44] (98 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The other thing that I see from this passage is that Jesus is okay with mega churches 3,000 people in one day came to know God the church went from 120 people in the upper room to 3,120 people Jesus is okay with big so let's not be embarrassed about big he's not focused on it he's not embarrassed by it not only that but it goes on to say that the church that devoted themselves to the apostles teaching that broke bread in their homes together every day people came to know Jesus the church grew exponentially because of an explosion of Holy Spirit right in their midst." [33:03] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus' project of church was a relational one it was about building relationships it was about building family it was about opening our homes up to the world to people to break bread with them to praise God together to worship him to be in relationship with each other and God together you see if they only came if those new converts only came to the temple courts they would have missed 75% of what the church is really about and that's the same for us if we think this is church then we've got to get it wrong this is only a part of church where we come together corporately in a big number to worship God to praise his name to break bread together but actually there are some other important things throughout the week where we can get together in smaller groups ones and twos threes and fours where we can share our homes and open them up with somebody where we can go to a coffee shop we can break bread and eat together and have a drink together and talk about God share what God's been speaking to us about." [34:29] (113 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some of you might be looking at your own lives right now and thinking well I don't do all those things I don't say all those things I don't have that boldness and I don't have that confidence you're in good company because neither did Peter neither did James neither did John not until Holy Spirit filled them and you might even be saying well I was filled with the Holy Spirit I was baptised in the Holy Spirit at this date 74,000 years ago and I don't feel it anymore don't worry the disciples were filled again not only were they filled in chapter 2 they were filled in chapter 5 two very separate instances and all they had to do was say Lord more of you I need you." [46:07] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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