OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Play the video on “Holy Spirit.”
The word “Pentecost” designates the 50th day after Passover, which was a Feast Day. Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest. It was a time when Israel celebrated Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God.
It was on this day, in the Book of Acts, that the Holy Spirit was poured out on 120 Followers of Christ who were gathered in an Upper Room at Jerusalem. It was on this day that the Church was born in a “Blaze of Glory.”
It said that “The Average Christian And The Average Church are Somewhere Bogged Down Between Calvary and Pentecost. They have been to Calvary for Pardon, but they Have Not Been to Pentecost For Power. Bethlehem means God With Us. Calvary means God For Us. But Pentecost means God In Us. Those statements transformed my understanding of the person and the work of the Holy Spirit.” I believe that the average Christian is much like the Ephesians believers when the Apostle Paul came to them in Acts 19:2 and said to them, “Did You Receive The Holy Spirit When You Believed? They Replied that they didn’t even know that there was a Holy Spirit.” Many Christians do not understand the role of the Holy Spirit and they have not appropriated the power of the Holy Spirit in their own personal life.
INTRODUCTION: As we turn our hearts towards Acts 2, we are drawn into the captivating account of the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost. This momentous event marked a significant shift in the life of the early Church and continues to impact believers today. Let us delve into the remarkable unfolding of the Holy Spirit's coming and seek to understand the divine manner in which He was manifest among the disciples. The church became real.
We are invited to explore the factors that contributed to the conducive atmosphere in which the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost. Understanding these elements can enhance our own spiritual journey and create an environment for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in our lives. As we meditate on this narrative, we are drawn to the profound truth that the Holy Spirit's arrival is often ushered in by a specific atmosphere—a spiritual environment that is conducive and receptive to His presence and power. This is how the New Testament church was born!
WHAT CONDITIONS/FACTORS USHER-IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. UNITY AND FELLOWSHIP: ONE HEART AND MIND (v. 1)
(i) Unified Purpose: The disciples were gathered in one accord, with hearts united in prayer and expectation. A spirit of unity among believers fosters an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit's presence can flourish. They were committed to seeking God's presence through prayer, fostering an atmosphere of spiritual harmony and alignment.
(ii) Diverse Yet Unified: Though diverse in background and experiences, the disciples shared a common purpose and were committed to standing together as one body. The bond of fellowship and love strengthened their unity, creating a fertile ground for the Holy Spirit's arrival.
ILLUSTRATION: Move and impact of the Holy Spirit at the whole night worship. People came from diverse backgrounds, but all were united with one heart and one mind. God’s presence showed up.
2. EXPECTANT FAITH: HEARTS POSTURED FOR ENCOUNTER (vs. 2-5)
(i) Obedience to Jesus' Command: The disciples obeyed Jesus' command to wait for the Holy Spirit's coming in Jerusalem. Their obedience demonstrated their faith and trust in God's promises, showing a readiness and openness to receive His Spirit. A climate of expectant faith, rooted in the promises of God, prepares hearts to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
(ii) Anticipatory Waiting: The disciples’ patient and fervently expected the fulfillment of Jesus' promise, demonstrates a readiness to encounter God's presence. Their hearts were prepared and filled with expectancy, making room for the transformative work of the Spirit.
ILLUSTRATION: The Boston/New York/Philadelphia Revival in the 18th century with Whitefield and John Wesley impacted thousands of lives. We hear of the desperation in the hearts of all those who waited …
3. HUMILITY AND SURRENDER: EMPTY VESSELS FOR GOD’S FILLING (v. 6)
(i) Dependency on God: The disciples recognized their need for the Holy Spirit's empowerment and guidance. They humbly acknowledged their limitations and surrendered their own strength, allowing God to work through them.
(ii) Yielded Will and Surrendered Hearts: The disciples were receptive to the Holy Spirit's leading and were willing vessels for His work. Their surrendered hearts and open minds created a space for the Holy Spirit to move and manifest His power.
ILLUSTRATION: Encounter at THE ARK church, Monterey, Mexico. People were desperate for God.
4. BOLD WITNESS AND PROCLAMATION: ANNOINTED TESTIMONY (vs. 7-12)
(i) Proclaiming God's Word: The disciples were passionate about sharing the Gospel and witnessing to the truth of Jesus. Their purposeful proclamation exemplified a fervor for God's Kingdom and a desire to bring others into a saving relationship with Jesus.
(ii) Spirit-Empowered Testimony: The Holy Spirit's arrival equipped the disciples with boldness, enabling them to communicate God's truth effectively and impactfully. Their commitment to proclaiming the Gospel aligned with the Spirit's purpose, creating a favorable environment for His work.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
The account of Pentecost in Acts 2 reveals the remarkable moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, transforming them and shaping the course of Christian history. As we reflect on this powerful event, we are invited to consider the atmosphere and conditions that were necessary for the Holy Spirit to come in such a remarkable way.
May we be inspired to cultivate a spirit-ready atmosphere, inviting the Holy Spirit to work mightily in our midst and ushering in a revival of faith and fervent devotion to God.
Let us invite the Holy Spirit to fill us anew, empowering us to be vessels of God's love, grace, and truth. May we be transformed and equipped by the Holy Spirit, reflecting His love and spread His message of salvation to the world.
THE CHURCH BECAME REAL. ONLY WITH THE INTERVENTION OF THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS BORN. BUT WHERE IS THE CHURCH TODAY?
