In The Last Days Series

Series: Action [#3]

IN THE LAST DAYS

Acts 2:14-21

Introduction:

This is definitely a time that I never thought I would see in the USA.

In just a matter of weeks…

^ School as we know it is over.

^ Our economy as we know it is over.

^ Our freedom as we know it is over.

^ Church as we know it is over.

^ Life as we know it is over.

It is time that we stop putting limitations on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:14-16

Our passage tells us about the things that will happen in the last days, so let me ask you a question this morning, “Are we in the last days?” Even if it is another 1000 years before Jesus comes again, we are living in the last days. The last days started on that day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers in Jesus Christ. Paul gave Timothy an example of what the last days would be like.

2 Timothy 3:1-9

Since we have concluded that we are in the last days, then we can now look at those things that can and should be going on.

Acts 2:17-18

Acts 2:21

In the last days…

1. God will pour out His Spirit.

Who is God going to pour His Spirit out on? He is going to pour His Spirit out on all people. That means that no longer would only certain people, such as a prophet or king be given the Holy Spirit; but all people who trust in the Lord as Savior. Just to be sure that the Jewish men didn’t think that they were the only ones being addressed, God referred to the Gentiles when He said, “Even on my servants”, and God also makes sure to not leave out the women. There is only 1 thing that we must do to receive the Holy Spirit- “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

You must also notice that God isn’t just spitting a little Spirit on us- He is pouring Him out. If you pour something out over me, it will consume me.

Acts 2:17

In the last days…

2. We will see the power of the Spirit.

Notice what should happen through the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

^ “Your sons and daughters will prophesy.”

What does that mean? The word “prophesy” literally means to foretell or to speak under inspiration. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God shows us what to do. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God will speak through us. The greatest thing here is that God isn’t just using preachers or deacons- He is using all His children. So why are we keeping our mouths shut, when God says we ought to be prophesying? I’ve got the power. Do you?

^ “Your young men will see visions.”

Young people, what is God showing you? If you say, “Nothing”; then you are not living in the power of the Holy Spirit. Church, we need the energy and vision of the young. Our spiritual vision sometimes becomes like our physical vision- It grows weaker the older we get. There is a reason I have to go to the optometrist every year- It is so that they can adjust the power of my contacts as my eyes grow weaker. God is showing us here, that for the sake of His Church; He is using the young to keep our vision strong.

^ “Your old men will dream dreams.”

Older people, what kind of dreams are you having? You say, “God doesn’t give me dreams because that doesn’t happen anymore”. Are you sure? This same passage says, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Did God stop saving whoever calls on His name? If not, then He hasn’t stopped giving you dreams. Church, we need the wisdom and stability of the dreams of the old. What great things has God put in your heart for His Church? Vision with wisdom is powerful. Without your wisdom, the young’s vision can become out of control.

Acts 2:19-20

In the last days…

3. Jesus will come back.

This is what most people think about when you say, “In the last days”. If you are waiting for more signs of Jesus’ return; stop looking. Before the 2nd coming of Jesus, the rapture will occur. This is when the Archangel will shout, the trumpet will sound, and all of the dead in Christ will rise 1st; and then those that remain will be brought into Heaven with Jesus.

These 2 verses are listing some of the things that will happen before the Tribulation, during the Tribulation, and after the Tribulation. Jesus will return to this earth and He will rule as King of kings and Lord of Lords on this earth for 1,000 years. During this time, Satan will be locked in Hell. He will then be loosed for a short time; and then the Battle of Armageddon will happen. Jesus will destroy His enemy with His Word.