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Do We Need The Gift Of Pentecost?
Contributed by Larry Jones on Feb 27, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: The Holy Spirit is essential for service to Christ.
Acts 1:8 "Do We Need The Gift of Pentecost?"
Today there is a trend among Christians to rely on experience, reason, and self.
However, there was a gift given to those on Pentecost that overwhelmed their self control. And through this gift those Christians experienced the harvest. This scripture shows us a picture of the renewed early church. Just as with any renewal, They were unsure of what to do next. They needed something further. Let’s look at what transpired.
1. The Promise. "You shall receive power"
a. The promise of this "power" suggests
authority
b. These believer’s waited patiently-
Luke 24:49 "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high" NASB
They didn’t jump without The Holy Spirit’s lead!
C. We too can experience this type of leadership.-
John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." NASB
2. The Purpose. "Ye shall be witnesses"
POWER
a. It provided courage. - Acts 4:21
b. It provided victory. - Rom. 6:14
c. It provided blessedness – Rom. 5:5
d. It provided effective prayer – Acts 12:5-19
e. It caused a giving spirit
to the poor, lost, etc.
3. The Place. "both in Jerusalem. And in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost"
a. The world is the field (Matt 13:38)
b. We are to go unto the world. Matt 27:19-20
c. Because this world is wicked.
1 John 5:19 "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." NASB
Yes, we do need the Holy Spirit to empower the church for doing His will!!!