Creating Space For The Holy Spirit

Creating Space for the Holy Spirt

Act 3:1-10 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. (2) And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; (3) who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. (4) And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." (5) So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. (6) Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (7) And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (8) So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God. (9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God. (10) Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

First miracles of the New Testament Church.

Happened in their routine.

Introduction

In Acts 1 we are introduced to a church in wait. After the resurrection of Jesus, He shows up and meets them as they were meeting together. They were actually hiding. Half scared and half afraid. Jesus shows up and spends the next 40 days with them. Then we read in Acts 1:8 He told them to wait. There was more to be done. There was an empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus ascended.

Act 1:9-11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

They chose Matthias as the next Apostle, remember Judas had betrayed Jesus.

Then they waited. For 10 days they were in the upper room, praying and waiting. It must have seemed like and eternity.

Then what happened next is incredible.

Act 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord* in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

What this must have looked and sounded like was truly amazing.

This got then attention of the Jews who were there to celebrate Pentecost.

Peter, never short for words, volunteered to preach. This is Peter who only 50 days earlier had betrayed Christ.

The result

Act 2:42-47 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (43) Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. (44) Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, (45) and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (46) So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church [13] daily those who were being saved.

Chapter 3: Practical

(Act 3:1) Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

What is prayer

Lord, teach us to pray

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13)

Elements of Prayer

ACTS

P – Praise

R – Repent

A – Ask

Y – Yield

Pray with out ceasing.