A one-off sermon reflecting the significant date in the Christian calendar, the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-18 – The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
In all they had had 40 extra days with Jesus after his resurrection, and then He had ascended to heaven. So the disciples were waiting in
Jerusalem as commanded,10 days after Jesus’ ascension, when suddenly the Holy Spirit arrived and came top rest on each of them,
the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What does our text this morning have to teach us?
Autonomous
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly…
The Spirit came to them of His own accord, not at their command. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the God-head, equally God with The
Father and The Son. He is not some disembodied force that Christians get access to and can control.
Anointing
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them…14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd…
They received spiritual gifts as God saw fit. But these gifts weren’t given to make them feel good, or as a badge of office; they were to be used for the glory of God. The disciples were empowered by God. Peter went from being a coward to the boldest of preachers!
Accusers
Some, however, made fun of them and said,
“They have had too much wine.”
There will always be some who make fun and are scornful. This has no bearing on what God is doing, or whether what is happening is of him, and only reflects their own hearts.
All flesh
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
Peter quoted the prophet Joel. When the Bible says ‘all flesh’ it means available to all people, not just a select few. All can be saved and know the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The gifts are not a sign of salvation (Acts 19:2 people saved without even knowing about the Holy Spirit). God is not under our control and the gifts are given at His discretion. The gifts are not a sign of repentance, and should not be taken as proof of a person’s character.
Awesome
Acts 2:40-41 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day.
God decided what was going to happen and it was at his hands that 3000 people were saved that day. All the disciples had to do was hold on for the ride!
Are we willing to hold on and see where the Spirit will take us?
Service Details
Theme: The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Readings: Acts 2:1-18
Preacher: Robin Brenchley
Led by: Richard Sills
