Pentecost Sunday - Being Filled

Title: Celebrating Pentecost

Theme: To show the importance and power of Pentecost

Text: Acts 2

Introduction

I wanted to share with you the message of Pentecost from Acts 2 as we commemorate Pentecost Sunday. I believe this a important event for the New Testament church. This is key to the growth of the church. It is also key to the growth of the church today.

So as we look through this passage for two reasons to see the genesis of this Pentecostal movement. Secondly we will look at the steps they took to get there.

So let us begin.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Act 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully (fulfilled) come, they were all with one accord (unity, together in mind and heart) in one place. (the church, ekklesia)

Act 2:2 And suddenly (quickly) there came a sound (noise) from heaven (the sound first), as (like a, not the wind but like the wind) of a rushing mighty wind (a symbol of the Holy Spirit, John 3, Genesis 1, Ezekiel 37:9-14, John 3:8, John 20:22 (Jesus breathed on the disciples and told them to “receive the Holy Spirit”)) and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (this was a filling)

Act 2:3 Then (as a result of) there appeared to them divided (separate, each one had their own) tongues (3 kinds of tongues in the Bible, Acts shows us, 1 Corinthians ), as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

Act 2:4 And they were all filled (filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized in the Holy Spirit Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16,John 1:33) and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (the key from where these “tongues” come from)

Act 2:5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

Act 2:6 And when this sound occurred, (they heard the sound, they heard the rumbling of the wind) the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. (this is one of the purposes of tongues, 1 Cor 12 & 14 gives us more instructions)

Act 2:7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

Act 2:8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

Act 2:9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

Act 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

Act 2:11 Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."

Act 2:12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"

Act 2:13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."

From Joel 2:28 - 32

Act 2:16-21 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (17) 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. (18) And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (19) I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. (20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. (21) And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.'

How to be filled?

Act 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (38) Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1. Repent – Salvation (Galatians 5 contrast of flesh and spirit)

This is different that remorse. Remorse means we feel sorry, but repentance means a change.

There is an evident change.

“God love you enough to meet you where you are and not leave you there.”

2. Be baptized – outward symbol of an inward change

For the remission of sin – salvation and repentance shown in our public commitment.

3. Be filled

This is a promise from the Lord. As we expect salvation after repentance we should also expect to be filled with the Spirit. Yes we must pray, yes we sometimes tarry but we should expect.

When you are filled there is also an evidence of change.

This is promise

For you

For your children

For all who are afar off.