Acts 2:1-17 What does Pentecost matter to my life? May 28, 2023

Acts 2:1-17

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams. 

70% of teens are at least OPEN to the Bible,
which represents a significant oppportunity for us as the Church.

Even among Christians Bible engagement is rare:

-          16% Engaged – High view of the Bible and read several times a week

-          57% Open – High or neutral view of the Bible, but read less than weekly.

-          27% Disengaged – Skeptics or never read the Bible

Thank you God for your Word. It points me to your life, death, resurrection, and mission. It teaches me. It strengthens me. I am a missionary joining you on your mission. Holy Spirit, you change lives. Open my heart to believe your Word and live it. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life? 

Which is better?  Having Jesus right beside you...or the Holy Spirit inside of you?

John 16:7
 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away, the Advocate (“Holy Spirit”) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 

Creation – Rebellion – Promise – Redemption – Church – Restoration     

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” 

Why is it better?
Because the Spirit is power 

But (insert your name) will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on (insert name) and (your name) will be my witness. 

Episode 1 - Acts 2 -  “3000 baptized!” 
Episode 2 - Acts 4 - “Prayer meeting shakes the ground!” 
Episode 3 - Acts 5 - “Death by Lying.”
Episode 4 - Acts 8 - “Stephen’s Shout and Stoning.”
Episode 5 - Acts 10 - “The Second Pentecost.”

You can’t control the Spirit…You are invited to daily walk by the Spirit.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life?

-          Pentecost reminds me that Point of Grace walks as a community in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control all around us. 

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk as gifted people

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk surrounded by comfort from the Holy Spirit.  

What would the title of your Netflix Holy Spirit episode be?