The Arkansas Traveler

THE CHURCH EMPOWERED

Acts 2:1-11

INTRO: In Acts 1, Jesus told the apostles to wait for the promise of the Father and they would receive power to be witnesses to the whole world. In chapter 2, we see that happening. Let’s consider:

THE ANTICIPATION/PREPARATION

    They were together.

    They were in prayer.

     They were waiting in obedience.

    They were waiting in expectancy.

THE COMING OF THE SPIRIT MANIFESTED

     Sound like a mighty wind.  Wind represents POWER.

     Tongues like as fire. Fire could mean power or cleansing.

     They were filled with the Spirit and spoke in other languages. These were unlearned languages.

THE RESULT

     They were able to speak to the world.

     They were speaking “declaring the wonders of God.”

     They were empowered to stand against opposition.

            Peter is one example.

SOME EXPLANATIONS

   The crowd was amazed and perplexed,

                                    And asked about the meaning. (vs. 12)

     Some said they were drunk.

    Peter boldly stood and explained that it was God at work.

            He quoted several OT passages.

                        The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in us today to empower us to do the work He assigns us as individual believers and as a church.               

-------------------

Sermon for April, 30, 2006