Sermon Central
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Ye Shall Receive Power Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Nov 20, 2018 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish Jesus’ promise to the apostles that “ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you,” this promise was fulfilled on the first Pentecost, after Christ's resurrection and ascension into the heavens. This truth is impossible for the true believer to deny.
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INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Joel’s Prophecy: “I will pour out of my Spirit.”
2. John’s Prediction: “Ye shall be baptized.”
3. Jesus’ Promise: “Ye shall receive power.”
Introductory Remarks.
1. Today's lesson will discuss the theme: “Ye shall receive power.” This lesson will address the “who” it was that Jesus made this promise. After 2000 years have passed, many today still claim that they have “received power” due to the “Holy Ghost” baptism. We will look into the prophecy of this baptism, consider John the Baptist’s prediction, and finally explore the promise Jesus made: “That ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you.”
2. First, we will consider Joel’s prophecy regarding the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh.” He wrote: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also, upon the servants and the handmaids in those days will I pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy,” Joel 2:28-29. Joel and others prophesied of this event, and the “pouring out” of the Holy Spirit, upon all flesh. We will answer the questions set forth by those claiming this prophecy is yet being fulfilled.
3. Second, we will shed light on John the Baptist's prediction regarding this great event. Matthew wrote of John’s preaching: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” Matthew 3:11. John does not identify the recipients of these baptisms. He mentions there will be two baptisms: one of the “Holy Ghost;” and the other of “fire.” Most of you in this audience completely understand his declaration. This lesson is not for you but for those who may still believe the Holy Ghost baptism is possible or even necessary today. For these loving people, we now labor to inform them regarding these baptisms correctly.
4. Lastly, we will investigate the promise of Jesus unto the apostles regarding John’s baptism of water and their baptism with the Holy Ghost, Acts 1:4-5. He informs them that: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:8. This promise was fulfilled on the first Pentecost, after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, Acts 1:10-11. On that day, the Holy Ghost empowered these men to do the work He sent them to complete. We will establish that only the 12 apostles had received this “power” and the “baptism of the Holy Ghost” on that day. Neither the 120 disciples, the multitude, nor anyone else on that day were the recipients of the “Holy Ghost” baptism. We will allow the scriptures to speak to the errors of those claiming otherwise. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I JOEL’S PROPHECY: “I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT”
A. I will begin by thanking you for this opportunity to speak today regarding this vital subject. Most of you do not need an explanation of this topic. But, for those who might be visiting or your friends or relatives who could have questions about this subject, I ask for your indulgence and patience this morning. Please turn with me to Joel 2:28-29. Read along with me as we introduce the text of emphasis for this lesson. Are all your eyes there?
B. Joel wrote: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also, upon the servants and the handmaids in those days will I pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy,” Joel 2:28-29. Notice:
1. First, he establishes a time frame for this “pouring out of the Spirit upon all flesh.” It would be “afterward.” Other translations say, " It shall be in the last days.” Peter affirms that this prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.
2. Peter declares after confronting the multitude's accusations of drunkenness: “For these are not drunk, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this was spoken by the prophet Joel; it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh,” Acts 2:14-18.
3. Peter said: "Therefore being by the right hand of God (speaking of Jesus) exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore, let all the houses of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ... receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:33-38. [Text shortened for brevity].
