The Church is A Spirit-Empowered People
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
· The guttural sounds of Galileans (vs. 8)…and the power that changed the world
· The answer? The holy spirit empowering the church to do what it could never do on its own.
LET’S LOOK AT HOW THE SPIRIT EMPOWER THE CHURCH FOR MINISTRY, OBEDIENCE, AND MISSION.
I) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Ministry
I) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Ministry
A. The Shadows & the Promises:
A. The Shadows & the Promises:
i. The Holy Spirit was selective in the Old Testament
1. The Holy Spirit is NOT a NT actor, but present in the OT
2. BUT: the HS anointed a few people for a specific task
ii. The Holy Spirit was Promised by Jesus (Jn. 14:15-21)
1. Jesus promised he wouldn’t leave us as orphans, but would send the Spirit
2. So: Not a force, power, feeling… but a personal presence
B. The Substance and the Fulfillment! (vv. 2-3)
B. The Substance and the Fulfillment! (vv. 2-3)
i. Jesus Keeps the Promise to Send the Spirit!
1. Wind & fire depict God’s presence descending among His people
2. Now, the fire “divides” and settles on each person! (vs. 3b-4a)
ii. Therefore, all believers are empowered for service!
1. Therefore, all must be active in ministry in the church!
2. Therefore, all can be confident in the bability God has given for ministry
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD DWELLING IN US, TO EMPOWER US FOR MINISTRY. LET’S LOOK AT THE SECOND PART OF THIS.
II) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Obedience
II) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Obedience
A. Pentecost and God’s Covenant
A. Pentecost and God’s Covenant
i. The Meaning of Pentecost: the Giving of the Law (vs. 1)
1. Pentecost wasn’t a new event, but recalled God’s gift of Torah to Moses
2. In fact, tradition taught that the Law was given in 70 languages
ii. The Problem with the Law
1. One Major theme of the OT: you can’t keep God’s Law!
2. EXAMPLE: The hairstylist who had honest insight into human condition
3. We can manage sin – but peel back the layers of the onion…
B. Pentecost 2.0: God’s Covenant renewal!
B. Pentecost 2.0: God’s Covenant renewal!
i. The Holy Spirit changes the Hearts of Believers
1. The “wind” of Ezekiel 37 portrayed the giving of new life!
2. When we become a Christian, God breathes new life into us! (vs. 2)
ii. The Holy Spirit Empowers us to Do What we cannot do on our own
1. Is obedience hopeless for the teen… marriage… 92 YO lady…
2. NO! Jesus is working through His Spirit to change, renew, transform us!
SO, THE HS. EMPOWERS US FOR MINISTRY, THE HS EMPOWERS US FOR HOLY LIVING; FINALLY, THE HS. EMPOWERS US FOR MISSION.
III) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Global Mission
III) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Global Mission
A. Babel Reversed: The Gospel for the Nations:
A. Babel Reversed: The Gospel for the Nations:
i. Once upon a time nations were gathered and the languages were confused…
1. Pentecost also celebrated harvest àa new harvest! (vv. 5, 8-11)
2. Babel had all nations together in one place – but language scattered them.
ii. Now, nations are gathered, languages confused but people understand! (vs. 8)
1. At Pentecost, all nations are “together in one place”
2. God begins to unwind the “curse” of Babel so His mission will unfold!
B. Pentecost and the Good News for All nations
B. Pentecost and the Good News for All nations
i. The Shape-shifting gospel: A message for the nations
1. Vs. 8: the essence of Mission, that we owe thanks to God!!!
2. EXAMPLE: Shape-shifters and the Christian message
ii. A Global mission in our own backyard
1. A changing culture: the nations are no longer “out there” – they are here!
2. An exciting opportunity: SFR, settling the world in our own backyard!
Transition:
Conclusion
Hearing the wonders of God in a new language...