The Promise Of The Holy Spirit
Book of Acts Chapter 2:1-47
Focus: 2:1-6, 22-24, 36-42, 46, 47
It must be very clear to us all, The Holy Spirit is a member of the Triune God. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This is the One God of the Bible!
In Genesis 1:26 it says "Let Us" and these words mean, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!
A Personality can best be described as as possessing an intellect, having emotions, and having will. As we go through the Book of Acts we will see that the Holy Spirit possesses all these traits and much, much, more.
1.) Intellect: The Holy Spirit searches for the answers from God.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: [for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God].
2.) Knowledge: The Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God.
1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? [even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God].
3.) Mind: The Holy Spirit knows how God thinks.
Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, [may give unto you the "spirit of wisdom" and revelation in the knowledge of "him"]:
4.) Emotions: The Holy Spirit has feelings, and is aware of our feelings and has the ability to respond to our needs.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
5.) Will: The Holy Spirit has will.
Jas 1:18 Of "his own will" begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
An example:
Act 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and [were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia],
Each of us have similar traits and in these ways we are made in the image of God but we lack the one main thing and that is "Power".
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; "but of power", and of love, and of a sound mind.
This why the Holy Spirit comes to live with us after we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior!
This is why it is the individual believer that is the Church and not some building or some man-made structure!
SO, What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
This is defined as the work whereby the Holy Spirit places every believer into union with Christ Jesus and into a union with every other believer as the "Body of Christ".
1Co 12:13 For by "one Spirit" are we all baptized into "one body", whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made "to drink into one Spirit".
So let's begin our lesson:
*****Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
This day at Pentecost will give us an example of the Power Of the Holy Spirit.
The "ministry" of the Holy Spirit is to "Glorify Christ Jesus" in the life and the witness of every believer!
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: "for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you".
Pentecost means 50Th and it was held 50 days after the "Feast of the firstfruits".
The Passover is a picture or a "type" of the "death" of the Lamb of God.
The Feast of the Firstfruits is a picture or a "type" of the "resurrection" of the Lamb of God.
The Feast of Pentecost is a picture or a "type" of the formation of the early Church.
There was no "Power" to form the Church without the "power" of the Holy Spirit!
Another thing we should realize is, that because of all the things that had happened:
1.) The day of this feast.
2.) The death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
3.) The raising of Lazarus.
There were probably more people in Jerusalem than at any other time up until that day!
Those first believers were in "one accord" and believed all these things!
They now realized the plan of God!
Notice that Pentecost was always observed on the day "after the Sabbath" or Sunday, the 50th day not the 49th day.
The Church had it's beginnings on "The Lord's Day".
The Resurrection was on the 1st day of the week, "The Lord's Day"!
The tithes and offerings were gathered on The Lord's Day!
This day was a once in a life time event and it will never happen again!
There can only be one day that the Church Age began because there was only one Calvary!
*****Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
We can be sure that the Holy Spirit has not made Himself visible in this passage!
These 120 disciples of the Lord heard "a sound".
"A sound" more like a tornado than just a normal windy day.
*****Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them "cloven tongues" like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Cloven means divided into two parts, much like the hoofs of an animal. Most of these type of animals were considered clean to the Jew.
These were not hooves but resembled a flickering flame.
Tongues means "languages" in every place it is mentioned in the Bible that is not talking of "that piece of meat in our mouths".
These are the only two uses of the word "tongues" in the Bible!
These tongues looked as fire, BUT "they were not fire"!
They flickered as a fire does!
When the Holy Spirit came into this upper room, there was an appeal to the eye and to the ear!
Any "baptism of fire" is for all those who reject Jesus Christ as their Savior and is a sign of "Judgment"!
BUT, For God to reveal Himself by resembling fire was not unusual and these Jews had seen this in the Word of God, such as Moses and the burning bush that would not burn up.
On this day of Pentecost this "sign" showed "these 120 Jews" that God was present in the room with them!
This "sign" also indicated that God was approving the beginning of the Church Age!
Fire is also a "sign" of Judgment and all those that refused the message of Peter that day would be judged for their unbelief which is the only sin that will send you to Hell!
These in that upper room were to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit and not with fire!
Jesus said:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, "because they believe not on me";
All other sin can be forgiven except the "Sin Of Unbelief"!
*****Act 2:4 And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, "and began to speak with other tongues", as the Spirit gave them utterance.
You see the Church has "no power" until the believer is filled with the Holy Ghost and Only God can baptize us with His Holy Spirit!
This filling for salvation can only happen "One Time"!
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, "by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost";
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
And is given at the very moment of salvation:
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: "in whom also after that ye believed", ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
BUT, we need to pray for a constant filling to do our work for God!
Act 4:31 "And when they had prayed", the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
A study of this Book of Acts will reveal that biblical tongues were always languages.
It will also reveal that the tongues of Acts and Corinthians are the same.
It will also reveal that tongues are a gift of the Holy Spirit and actually a lesser gift than the gift of preaching, teaching, and witnessing.
And it will also reveal that tongues will one day cease when their usefulness was complete and this gift ceased to be given by the Holy Spirit when the Apostles had all died.
Tongues were a "sign gift" belonging only to the early Church and used only for the Jews and not the Gentiles:
1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: "but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
What is the truth of tongues?
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues "are for a sign", not to them that believe, [but to them that believe not]: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
We should be clear in this matter!
What we need to realize is that on this day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit also began His work of holding back "that Wicked" so the Church would have time to do the work of Our Lord:
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
We use this verse a lot to show us that this work of the Holy Spirit will cease at the "Rapture" of the Church!
*****Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
As we said earlier many people had come from everywhere for not only for the Feast but to see the Resurrected Christ and the Raised Lazarus.
But there were also many devout Jews that had made their homeward journey back to Jerusalem after their ancestors had been scattered out for so long.
It can be said that this proof that there are no lost tribes of Israel!
*****Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, [because that every man heard them speak in his own language].
That word "noised" is the Greek word "phone" which means they used their voices to broadcast this message!
No one spoke in some angelic language and no one heard some angelic language!
People heard the Word of God spoken in their own language and even in their own dialect!
There was no one that did not understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was being spoken that first day of the early Church!
What can be said is that this day of Pentecost was a reversal of that day at the Tower of Babel!
At the Tower of Babel and at God's presence and at His "Judgment" people were scattered by the different languages because they could not understand each other "but at this Pentecost" believers were united by languages because they understood the Word of God and that it was for all people and all nations!
What was that message they heard?
*****Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Act 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Our lesson did not cover verse 21 but it needs to be mentioned also. The Apostle Peter was referring to the prophecy of the Book of Joel 2:32.
Joe 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
This prophecy has not been fulfilled even up to the time of our day. This will take place near the end of the Great Tribulation when the Lord will call out His remnant of the Jews.
Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
This same verse is mentioned by Peter and also by Paul:
Rom 10:13 For "whosoever" shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
This verse shows us that from this day of Pentecost, that "whosoever" (no matter where they come from) calls on the name of the Lord, "Shall Be Saved up until the Day of Judgment"!
The Church Age did not begin until the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit.
It is this day that believers were introduced to the Body of Christ!
Vs 22)
We have already said that the main reason that Jerusalem had its greatest crowd this day was because they had heard of all the things of Jesus Christ.
1.) They had heard of Jesus of Nazareth, a fulfillment of prophecy.
2.) They had heard that Jesus was the Messiah, a fulfillment of prophecy.
3.) They had heard of all the miracles and wonders, a fulfillment of prophecy.
4.) Many that were at this gathering had been "eye witnesses" to most all of these things, including those 120 that had been in the upper room.
5.) Peter was preaching the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
6.) And it is the truth that "makes" not "sets", us free!
If you are only set free you may be caught again But when you are MADE FREE, you are indeed free forever!
*****Act 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel [and foreknowledge of God], ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
We must believe that none of these things that had happened were outside the "Will of God".
This had been God's plan all along! This is the same plan that Satan had tried, to no avail, to stop ever since his attack on Adam and Eve!
Isa 53:10 Yet "it pleased the LORD" to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
*****Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: [because it was not possible that he should be holden of it].
It was an incredible thing that Jesus, The Son of Man, should be defeated by death!
To some this was a terrible crime!
BUT in reality it was God's victory!
The Greek word "odin" translated "pains" means "birth pains"!
In other words that "tomb" where they laid our Lord Jesus was more a "womb" out of which Jesus was "born" into Resurrected Glory!
Act 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, [Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee].
And what was the importance of all this to the Jew and to the Church?
*****Act 2:36 [Therefore] let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
"Jesus" was His human name and as Savior, He was ordained of God Himself!
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
"Christ" which means "Messiah" the "Anointed One", is the title representing His threefold office as "Prophet", "Priest", And "King"!
First to Israel and "then to all nations on this Earth"!
"LORD" to "whosoever" will call on His name for salvation!
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth "the Lord Jesus", and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Thus His full name "The Lord Jesus Christ"!
*****Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men "and brethren", what shall we do?
The "convicting" work of the Holy Spirit is shown in this verse:
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, "it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe".
Holy Ghost conviction is at work here:
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, 'and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart'.
So what can we do?
*****Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, "Repent", and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Repenting is not just saying "I'm Sorry"!
Repenting is a Complete Change Of Mind:
Php 1:27 "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ": that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Php 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Both Repentance and Baptism must be done in the name of Jesus Christ!
Repenting is the "coming" to Christ, and Baptism is the "evidence" of repentance!
Act 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; [what doth hinder me to be baptized]?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, [If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest]. And he answered and said, [I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God].
If we do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, The Messiah sent from Heaven, then we are not believers and therefore cannot be saved!
We can take as many dunks in the water as we want but we are only washing the skin and "not cleansing the soul".
*****Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
The "Gospel Message" is for all nations and "not just for the Jews"!
I am so glad I was one of those that was included in those that were "afar off"!
This verse is also an encouragement to parents. It shows the gradual progress of the Holy Spirits work, beginning with each individual, extending to the family, and then to the uttermost parts of the world.
The call of the Gospel is not confined to one nation, nor to one age, while we are still in the Church Age!
Psa 85:9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Psa 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psa 85:11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Psa 85:12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
Psa 85:13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
The message then and the message today is verse 40!
*****Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
There can be no doubt the intent of this verse. We are to get away from all false religion and all unbelievers and cling to the Lord Jesus Christ!
"Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded"
We must focus on the Lord and make the right choice!
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
We must completely separate ourselves from the world we live in!
Not to be a hermit but to be mentally separated by the Word of God.
Pro 9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
We must quit being foolish and trust in the truth of the Word of God.
*****Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
What is the first thing we notice here?
When those 3000 were saved they did not just step back into the world but they stayed in the church under the preacher and were taught the truth of the Word of God.
They knew there was real a need to know the Word of God!
That word "fellowship" did not just mean associating with the Apostles and the other disciples.
To the early Christian it included having all things in common!
Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
To be a Christian in this day of the early church would mean excommunication from the Jewish religion and also the Jewish way of life and there was a great need to share in order to survive.
"Fellowship" today is to be understood by every believer as to break down the barriers that exist between all peoples.
It is a truth that the word "race" came from the teachings of Evolution.
God never uses any such thing in His Word!
There are only Jews and Gentiles!
Red and yellow, black and white, they are "all" so very precious in His Sight!
In God's sight there is "no human" that is "Common"!
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
So what are the signs of the true church:
1.) A true church will continue stedfastly in the "Apostles Doctrine"!
Not some new man-made interpretation but the correct doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Heb 1:2 "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son", whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
2.) There must be true "Fellowship"! A sharing of all the things in Jesus Christ!
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
3.) There will be a breaking of bread.
This more than just going through the ritual of The Lord's Supper.
This means a true relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ!
1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
4.) The true Church will always be a house of prayer!
Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations "the house of prayer"? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
*****Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
To these of the early church it was not enough for them to meet only once a week.
They met daily!
They cared daily!
They witnessed daily and souls were added daily!
Their Christian faith was a day-by-day reality not a once-a-week routine!
It was by the Resurrection Power of God and the filling of the Holy Spirit and Faith in the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that formed the early church and it is only by these things "and MUCH Prayer" that the Church can do a work in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
Book of Acts Chapter 2:1-47
Focus: 2:1-6, 22-24, 36-42, 46, 47
It must be very clear to us all, The Holy Spirit is a member of the Triune God. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This is the One God of the Bible!
In Genesis 1:26 it says "Let Us" and these words mean, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!
A Personality can best be described as as possessing an intellect, having emotions, and having will. As we go through the Book of Acts we will see that the Holy Spirit possesses all these traits and much, much, more.
1.) Intellect: The Holy Spirit searches for the answers from God.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: [for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God].
2.) Knowledge: The Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God.
1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? [even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God].
3.) Mind: The Holy Spirit knows how God thinks.
Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, [may give unto you the "spirit of wisdom" and revelation in the knowledge of "him"]:
4.) Emotions: The Holy Spirit has feelings, and is aware of our feelings and has the ability to respond to our needs.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
5.) Will: The Holy Spirit has will.
Jas 1:18 Of "his own will" begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
An example:
Act 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and [were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia],
Each of us have similar traits and in these ways we are made in the image of God but we lack the one main thing and that is "Power".
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; "but of power", and of love, and of a sound mind.
This why the Holy Spirit comes to live with us after we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior!
This is why it is the individual believer that is the Church and not some building or some man-made structure!
SO, What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
This is defined as the work whereby the Holy Spirit places every believer into union with Christ Jesus and into a union with every other believer as the "Body of Christ".
1Co 12:13 For by "one Spirit" are we all baptized into "one body", whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made "to drink into one Spirit".
So let's begin our lesson:
*****Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
This day at Pentecost will give us an example of the Power Of the Holy Spirit.
The "ministry" of the Holy Spirit is to "Glorify Christ Jesus" in the life and the witness of every believer!
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: "for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you".
Pentecost means 50Th and it was held 50 days after the "Feast of the firstfruits".
The Passover is a picture or a "type" of the "death" of the Lamb of God.
The Feast of the Firstfruits is a picture or a "type" of the "resurrection" of the Lamb of God.
The Feast of Pentecost is a picture or a "type" of the formation of the early Church.
There was no "Power" to form the Church without the "power" of the Holy Spirit!
Another thing we should realize is, that because of all the things that had happened:
1.) The day of this feast.
2.) The death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
3.) The raising of Lazarus.
There were probably more people in Jerusalem than at any other time up until that day!
Those first believers were in "one accord" and believed all these things!
They now realized the plan of God!
Notice that Pentecost was always observed on the day "after the Sabbath" or Sunday, the 50th day not the 49th day.
The Church had it's beginnings on "The Lord's Day".
The Resurrection was on the 1st day of the week, "The Lord's Day"!
The tithes and offerings were gathered on The Lord's Day!
This day was a once in a life time event and it will never happen again!
There can only be one day that the Church Age began because there was only one Calvary!
*****Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
We can be sure that the Holy Spirit has not made Himself visible in this passage!
These 120 disciples of the Lord heard "a sound".
"A sound" more like a tornado than just a normal windy day.
*****Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them "cloven tongues" like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Cloven means divided into two parts, much like the hoofs of an animal. Most of these type of animals were considered clean to the Jew.
These were not hooves but resembled a flickering flame.
Tongues means "languages" in every place it is mentioned in the Bible that is not talking of "that piece of meat in our mouths".
These are the only two uses of the word "tongues" in the Bible!
These tongues looked as fire, BUT "they were not fire"!
They flickered as a fire does!
When the Holy Spirit came into this upper room, there was an appeal to the eye and to the ear!
Any "baptism of fire" is for all those who reject Jesus Christ as their Savior and is a sign of "Judgment"!
BUT, For God to reveal Himself by resembling fire was not unusual and these Jews had seen this in the Word of God, such as Moses and the burning bush that would not burn up.
On this day of Pentecost this "sign" showed "these 120 Jews" that God was present in the room with them!
This "sign" also indicated that God was approving the beginning of the Church Age!
Fire is also a "sign" of Judgment and all those that refused the message of Peter that day would be judged for their unbelief which is the only sin that will send you to Hell!
These in that upper room were to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit and not with fire!
Jesus said:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, "because they believe not on me";
All other sin can be forgiven except the "Sin Of Unbelief"!
*****Act 2:4 And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, "and began to speak with other tongues", as the Spirit gave them utterance.
You see the Church has "no power" until the believer is filled with the Holy Ghost and Only God can baptize us with His Holy Spirit!
This filling for salvation can only happen "One Time"!
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, "by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost";
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
And is given at the very moment of salvation:
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: "in whom also after that ye believed", ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
BUT, we need to pray for a constant filling to do our work for God!
Act 4:31 "And when they had prayed", the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
A study of this Book of Acts will reveal that biblical tongues were always languages.
It will also reveal that the tongues of Acts and Corinthians are the same.
It will also reveal that tongues are a gift of the Holy Spirit and actually a lesser gift than the gift of preaching, teaching, and witnessing.
And it will also reveal that tongues will one day cease when their usefulness was complete and this gift ceased to be given by the Holy Spirit when the Apostles had all died.
Tongues were a "sign gift" belonging only to the early Church and used only for the Jews and not the Gentiles:
1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: "but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
What is the truth of tongues?
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues "are for a sign", not to them that believe, [but to them that believe not]: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
We should be clear in this matter!
What we need to realize is that on this day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit also began His work of holding back "that Wicked" so the Church would have time to do the work of Our Lord:
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
We use this verse a lot to show us that this work of the Holy Spirit will cease at the "Rapture" of the Church!
*****Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
As we said earlier many people had come from everywhere for not only for the Feast but to see the Resurrected Christ and the Raised Lazarus.
But there were also many devout Jews that had made their homeward journey back to Jerusalem after their ancestors had been scattered out for so long.
It can be said that this proof that there are no lost tribes of Israel!
*****Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, [because that every man heard them speak in his own language].
That word "noised" is the Greek word "phone" which means they used their voices to broadcast this message!
No one spoke in some angelic language and no one heard some angelic language!
People heard the Word of God spoken in their own language and even in their own dialect!
There was no one that did not understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was being spoken that first day of the early Church!
What can be said is that this day of Pentecost was a reversal of that day at the Tower of Babel!
At the Tower of Babel and at God's presence and at His "Judgment" people were scattered by the different languages because they could not understand each other "but at this Pentecost" believers were united by languages because they understood the Word of God and that it was for all people and all nations!
What was that message they heard?
*****Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Act 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Our lesson did not cover verse 21 but it needs to be mentioned also. The Apostle Peter was referring to the prophecy of the Book of Joel 2:32.
Joe 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
This prophecy has not been fulfilled even up to the time of our day. This will take place near the end of the Great Tribulation when the Lord will call out His remnant of the Jews.
Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
This same verse is mentioned by Peter and also by Paul:
Rom 10:13 For "whosoever" shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
This verse shows us that from this day of Pentecost, that "whosoever" (no matter where they come from) calls on the name of the Lord, "Shall Be Saved up until the Day of Judgment"!
The Church Age did not begin until the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit.
It is this day that believers were introduced to the Body of Christ!
Vs 22)
We have already said that the main reason that Jerusalem had its greatest crowd this day was because they had heard of all the things of Jesus Christ.
1.) They had heard of Jesus of Nazareth, a fulfillment of prophecy.
2.) They had heard that Jesus was the Messiah, a fulfillment of prophecy.
3.) They had heard of all the miracles and wonders, a fulfillment of prophecy.
4.) Many that were at this gathering had been "eye witnesses" to most all of these things, including those 120 that had been in the upper room.
5.) Peter was preaching the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
6.) And it is the truth that "makes" not "sets", us free!
If you are only set free you may be caught again But when you are MADE FREE, you are indeed free forever!
*****Act 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel [and foreknowledge of God], ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
We must believe that none of these things that had happened were outside the "Will of God".
This had been God's plan all along! This is the same plan that Satan had tried, to no avail, to stop ever since his attack on Adam and Eve!
Isa 53:10 Yet "it pleased the LORD" to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
*****Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: [because it was not possible that he should be holden of it].
It was an incredible thing that Jesus, The Son of Man, should be defeated by death!
To some this was a terrible crime!
BUT in reality it was God's victory!
The Greek word "odin" translated "pains" means "birth pains"!
In other words that "tomb" where they laid our Lord Jesus was more a "womb" out of which Jesus was "born" into Resurrected Glory!
Act 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, [Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee].
And what was the importance of all this to the Jew and to the Church?
*****Act 2:36 [Therefore] let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
"Jesus" was His human name and as Savior, He was ordained of God Himself!
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
"Christ" which means "Messiah" the "Anointed One", is the title representing His threefold office as "Prophet", "Priest", And "King"!
First to Israel and "then to all nations on this Earth"!
"LORD" to "whosoever" will call on His name for salvation!
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth "the Lord Jesus", and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Thus His full name "The Lord Jesus Christ"!
*****Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men "and brethren", what shall we do?
The "convicting" work of the Holy Spirit is shown in this verse:
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, "it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe".
Holy Ghost conviction is at work here:
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, 'and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart'.
So what can we do?
*****Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, "Repent", and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Repenting is not just saying "I'm Sorry"!
Repenting is a Complete Change Of Mind:
Php 1:27 "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ": that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Php 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Both Repentance and Baptism must be done in the name of Jesus Christ!
Repenting is the "coming" to Christ, and Baptism is the "evidence" of repentance!
Act 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; [what doth hinder me to be baptized]?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, [If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest]. And he answered and said, [I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God].
If we do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, The Messiah sent from Heaven, then we are not believers and therefore cannot be saved!
We can take as many dunks in the water as we want but we are only washing the skin and "not cleansing the soul".
*****Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
The "Gospel Message" is for all nations and "not just for the Jews"!
I am so glad I was one of those that was included in those that were "afar off"!
This verse is also an encouragement to parents. It shows the gradual progress of the Holy Spirits work, beginning with each individual, extending to the family, and then to the uttermost parts of the world.
The call of the Gospel is not confined to one nation, nor to one age, while we are still in the Church Age!
Psa 85:9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Psa 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psa 85:11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Psa 85:12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
Psa 85:13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
The message then and the message today is verse 40!
*****Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
There can be no doubt the intent of this verse. We are to get away from all false religion and all unbelievers and cling to the Lord Jesus Christ!
"Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded"
We must focus on the Lord and make the right choice!
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
We must completely separate ourselves from the world we live in!
Not to be a hermit but to be mentally separated by the Word of God.
Pro 9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
We must quit being foolish and trust in the truth of the Word of God.
*****Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
What is the first thing we notice here?
When those 3000 were saved they did not just step back into the world but they stayed in the church under the preacher and were taught the truth of the Word of God.
They knew there was real a need to know the Word of God!
That word "fellowship" did not just mean associating with the Apostles and the other disciples.
To the early Christian it included having all things in common!
Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
To be a Christian in this day of the early church would mean excommunication from the Jewish religion and also the Jewish way of life and there was a great need to share in order to survive.
"Fellowship" today is to be understood by every believer as to break down the barriers that exist between all peoples.
It is a truth that the word "race" came from the teachings of Evolution.
God never uses any such thing in His Word!
There are only Jews and Gentiles!
Red and yellow, black and white, they are "all" so very precious in His Sight!
In God's sight there is "no human" that is "Common"!
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
So what are the signs of the true church:
1.) A true church will continue stedfastly in the "Apostles Doctrine"!
Not some new man-made interpretation but the correct doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Heb 1:2 "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son", whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
2.) There must be true "Fellowship"! A sharing of all the things in Jesus Christ!
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
3.) There will be a breaking of bread.
This more than just going through the ritual of The Lord's Supper.
This means a true relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ!
1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
4.) The true Church will always be a house of prayer!
Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations "the house of prayer"? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
*****Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
To these of the early church it was not enough for them to meet only once a week.
They met daily!
They cared daily!
They witnessed daily and souls were added daily!
Their Christian faith was a day-by-day reality not a once-a-week routine!
It was by the Resurrection Power of God and the filling of the Holy Spirit and Faith in the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that formed the early church and it is only by these things "and MUCH Prayer" that the Church can do a work in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
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