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Sunday May 16, 2021
INTRODUCTION: Next Sunday is Pentecost. The day the promise Jesus gave His disciples was fulfilled. The day God poured out His Holy Spirit on the earth!
Acts 1:4- “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.”
Acts 2:4- “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
On this particular day thousands of people are in Jerusalem because they are celebrating the feast of Pentecost.
They hear the disciples and some others speaking in the other languages and they are astounded. Some even think they’re drunk.
So Peter stands and begins to communicate to the multitude of people what is taking place.
Acts 2:14-16- “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;”
You see Peter and the others had a “THIS” to talk about!
In that room that day they were invaded by the presence of God and had an experience with God they’d never had!
From that day forward their lives were radically changed and they lived their lives filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
They began to bring transformation to the world around them carrying out the mission Jesus Christ had given them!
They began to live their lives for someone other than themselves!
THEY HAD A “THIS” EXPERIENCE!
Specifically Peter! Here was a man that just under two months before this was denying that he even knew Jesus Christ!
BUT NOW! On one of the most important days in the history of the church Peter has stepped out of his old self and put the new man filled with Holy Spirit and power and explaining to the multitude of people what was taking place.
AND, Peter preaches the first Gospel Message after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ and thousands are born again!
What had happened in Peter’s life? “THIS’ had happened!
In the next chapter of the Book of Acts Peter and John are on their way to prayer at the temple when they encounter a lame man begging at the gate.
Acts 3:4-8- “Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.”
Peter said “But I’ll give you what I have.” What did Peter have? “THIS”
I HAVE TO ASK! When was the last time you had a “THIS” experience?
I’m talking about an encounter with God that radically transforms your life and moves you from being timid and fearful and infuses you with boldness and courage enabling you to speak on behalf of our risen King Jesus!
When was the last time you had something to offer people beside yourself!
In Acts 4 the disciples and others had another “THIS” experience and the Bible says they went out and preached the Word of God with boldness. This after being arrested and threatened not you speak on behalf of Jesus Christ and His resurrection!
In Acts 9 a man named Saul, who was persecuting the newly formed church had a “THIS” encounter with Jesus Christ!
So much so that his life was radically transformed, he was baptized in the Holy Spirit and went about that region preaching the message of grace and planting churches.
All because of a “THIS” experience!
Again in Acts 10 Peter has another “THIS” encounter with God when after seeing the same vision from God three times he went to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile, a place Jews were not supposed to enter, and he shared the good news of Jesus Christ and all of Cornelius household is saved, baptized in the Holy Spirit and baptized in water!
When was the last time you had a “THIS” experience?
When was the last time you had something to offer people beside yourself!
HOW CAN I HAVE A “THIS” EXPERIENCE?
- Stay Close to a Resurrected Jesus
We read earlier in Acts 1:4 that the disciples were eating with Jesus after his resurrection!
This is what a resurrected Jesus sounds like when he talks to us.
Matthew 28:18-20- “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
2. Listen for His Voice
HE IS TALKING TO YOU! AND HE SPEAKS CLEARLY, JUST IN A WHISPER AT TIMES.
WHY? HE WANTS YOU TO BE CLOSE!
John 10:27- “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
3. Be where He tells you to be
Luke 24:49- “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
4. Be in Unity with the Family He’s called you to be connected with
Acts 1:14- “All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer,”
CONCLUSION: What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message! Are you ready for a “THIS” experience! It begins with Salvation!