Where It All Began Series

WE’VE GOT THE POWER – 1

“WHERE IT ALL BEGAN”

Introduction: Over the next few weeks I’m going to be preaching a series of messages on the Power of the Holy Spirit in Believer’s lives. How do we get that power? How do we walk in it? What benefit is it to us individually and collectively? Are tongues for today - - - are they really real? When did it all start – which is my first message in this series today: “Where It All Began”. The title of this series is: “We’ve Got The Power”. Remember Robin Williams in that hilarious movie, "Mom Forever?"

What? Don’t remember that one? Well, that’s what they call it in Italy, anyway. We know it better as Mrs. Doubtfire.

Some American-made movies and TV shows end up with very different names by the time they reach foreign turf. Often, something gets lost in the translation.

For instance, Baywatch is known as "The Lifeguards of Malibu" in Germany. Meanwhile, Growing Pains is "Our Loud Home" in Germany and "Parents Wear Blue Jeans" in Italy. (Hip, huh?)

It’s funny how different words mean different things in other languages isn’t it? (tell story about Canfield in Peru) Have you ever met someone who spoke a different language and you tried to carry on a conversation with them? It’s impossible (expound) What do you suppose would happen if today each of us came into church today and each of us spoke different languages, and we tried to carry on a conversation with each other. It would be impossible wouldn’t it? In I Corinthians 14:6-8 it gives us an idea of what might take place. I like how the Living Bible says it. It says, “Dear friends, even if I myself should come to you talking in some language you don’t understand, how would that help you? But if I speak plainly what God has revealed to me, and tell you the things I know, and what is going to happen, and the great truths of God’s Word-- that is what you need; that is what will help you. Even musical instruments-- the flute, for instance, or the harp-- are examples of the need for speaking in plain, simple English rather than in unknown languages. For no one will recognize the tune the flute is playing unless each note is sounded clearly. And if the army bugler doesn’t play the right notes, how will the soldiers know that they are being called to battle?” (TLB) (expound – about mass confusion in the church back then)

But I’m jumping ahead here of what I want to talk about today. Where did all of this start? How did it all begin? Well, it all began with the beginning of the New Testament Church. Does it surprise anyone here today that various denominations have different opinions of when the New Testament Church began? (expound). The reason they struggle with this is because of the Baptism of/in the Holy Spirit – through the evidence of speaking in other tongues. So, today, I want to try to clear this up. I think it is extremely important for us to know exactly when the New Testament Church began. Why?

Well, that is my message today - - - “Where It All Began” (pray)

I. Many denominations teach today that the New Testament Church began on the day of Pentecost. Is this true of false? So, when did the New Testament Church begin? (keep an open mind here).

A. Let’s look to the Bible for this truth. Mark 8:31, “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Matt 26:61, “And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” (KJV) Mark 14:58

“We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.” (KJV)

B. I believe that these Scriptures (and many more) clearly define exactly when the New Testament Church began. On the day of His resurrection and 1st ascension! (expound). John 20:17, “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (KJV) (after this ascension he appeared to the disciples and Thomas, etc.).

1. This is clearly when the New Testament Church began! Still not convinced?

C. Then look at: Ephesians 4:8-16. “Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." (Now this, "He ascended"-- what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) John 5:25-28, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. "For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, "and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice” (Expound)