The Powerful Outpouring of the Spirit
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh...Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know... (Acts 2:17,22)
Everything that took place on that first Pentecost after the Resurrection of Jesus was a display of God's power working in and through His people. The disciples were now NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST and they had received THE POWER that was promised to them to be His witnesses in every place. Peter took the lead and stood up to preach about the risen Christ with all the other eleven Apostles standing right beside him in perfect unity.
What a powerful moment this was as the disciples stood together when only weeks earlier they were too fearful to be seen or associated with Christ by any of the Jewish or Roman leaders. AFTER BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT, they went through a powerful transformation and had fully counted the cost and were now fully resolved to stand up and be counted with Christ and fully ready to risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
Does this describe the calling and direction of your life today? Would you be willing to stand up and speak when the opportunity calls for it?
When Peter began preaching his first sermon, all those who were speaking in tongues had stopped. Why? The same Spirit which fell upon the disciples so that they could speak in the languages of the Jews from various regions as a sign to them was now leading Peter to preach with boldness to testify of who Christ is and what He had done. This brings up a powerful point: The Holy Spirit NEVER interrupts Himself because His purpose is always to GLORIFY Christ and to EDIFY the Church.
Peter immediately began to expel their suspicions about them being drunk by reminding them on how early it was and by explaining to them that this supernatural experience that had just taken place was the fulfillment of what had been previously revealed in Scripture in Joel 2:28-32. The Holy Spirit was being powerfully poured out and the influence that was moving these disciples was entirely spiritual. The Spirit is given to lead those who lead others so that all that takes place is under His divine direction.
Peter established what was taking place by the Word of God and then proclaimed to the people what, or rather who all the Word points us to: Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. This powerful first sermon hit o all the key areas where these Jews needed to hear at that time in order to move them to believe and receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Peter preached the living and powerful word of God, which was like a two-edged sword, covering all of the following in his sermon: The SCRIPTURES...in order to Provide the Basis for Experience (v.16) The SPIRIT...who had now been Poured Out Over All the People (v.17-21) The SON...who was Purposed by God to Die in Our Place (v.22-24) The SINS...which declared the People Being Responsible (v.23, 36) The SIGN...which revealed the Resurrected Christ Foretold (v.25-28) The STEPS...needed on how Receive the Gift of the Spirit (v.37-39)
When it was all said and done, the people were "cut to the heart" and ready to respond.
They said, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37)
Peter responded by saying, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
These are essential things that need to be well understood and well explained by all believers to all those who will become believers:
The Right Response Toward the Gift of Salvation and the Risen Christ
Repent of your sins
Be Believing (Have faith in Christ)
Be Baptized in Water
Receive the Holy Spirit
"ACTS IN ACTION" CHALLENGE POINT:
- Be sure that you are sure of your salvation.
- Be sure you can give a clear gospel explanation.
- Be sure you are ready to witness without hesitation.