All the statistics of late point to the obvious -- the church's influence in society is in steep decline. This Sunday, June 1st I will begin a new series of messages that will help us address this decline of influence and some suggestions on how we can impact our community with the Good News of Christ.
What is the solution? How can we as Christians make a difference in our culture? Are there some things that we do as Christians that are counter-productive to influencing our culture positively for Christ? The solutions are not going to be easy. They will require some honest self-examination. However, if we will have an open heart and a willingness to be honest, God will reveal our true condition and renew us so that we can truly live as God intended -- living to make a difference in our world.
The sermons in this series of messages is as follows:
June 1 -- Make a Difference! By Living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-26)
June 8 -- Make a Differnce! By Imitating Christ's Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)
June 15 -- Make a Difference! By Being a Real Man (Acts 6:8-12; 7:59-60)
June 22 -- Make a Difference! By Seeing People As God Does (Matthew 7:1-5)
June 29 -- Make a Differnce! By Living As Christian Citizens (Matthew 5:13-16)
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
"God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity!"
“God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity!”
Preached by Joe Alain at Hebron Baptist Church on May 18, 2008 (Trinity Sunday)
Scripture Reading: Psalm 8
Who is God? What is He like? How does He work? And How is He to be approached? These are important questions for us to ask. Christianity alone makes the claim that God is one and yet there are three distinct persons who are God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. On the surface this teaching might seem to be a contradiction.
How do we understand this aspect of God? The challenge for us as believers in understanding what we call the trinity is that the word “trinity” is not explicitly found in Scripture. You cannot go to your concordance in the back of your study Bible and look up the word “trinity.” It’s not there but that does not mean that it is not an important biblical teaching. How can that be? Let me explain.
There are two sources of information that help us understand a teaching: (1) Verbal, that is, it is stated in specific words as a teaching. and (2) Conceptual, that is, the concept is taught in Scripture. Take for instance the phrase “born again.” You might be surprised that this expression is only found only two times in the Bible (John 3:3, 7). Does that mean that it is not important? Certainly not! There is numerous “conceptual” support for the teaching of salvation, what “born again” refers to. So if you want to know about the new birth you need to look at other words and passages that describe salvation.
In approaching the basic questions about the nature and character of God, we have basically two options as a starting point in our quest for answers about God.
Option #1: Human Reason and Contemplation
The history of religion is the history of human beings trying to figure out who God is through human reason and contemplation. And what has mankind come up with through the centuries?
Human reason results in . . .
Atheism – No god
Polytheism – Many gods
Pantheism – Everything is god
Monotheism – One god
Option #2: Divine Revelation
Revelation has to do with the belief that God has spoken, He has revealed Himself. He has made Himself known to us so that we can know Him. How has He revealed Himself? In your hands you are holding a powerful record of God’s revelation. God’s mighty acts in history have been recorded for us (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). So if we want to know who God is we will not rely only upon human reason. We will want to know what God Himself has said as revealed in His word.
What has God said about who He is and what He is like? There are several types of biblical passages that deal with the character of God or who God is.
(1) There are passages that teach clearly The Unity of God, that God is one.
By unity we mean there is only one God whose nature is undivided and indivisible (i.e., cannot be divided). Deuteronomy 6:4 makes this statement about the unity of God. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Deuteronomy 4:35, 39 states, [35] “You [i.e., Israel] were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other. [39] Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”
What did Israel experience? What were they “shown” that no other people had seen? In the context of the Deuteronomy passage we see that God spoke to Israel (v.33). God revealed Himself to them. He delivered them with miraculous signs and wonders. He performed awesome deeds on their behalf (v.34). He did all of this not because they were special or deserved it. He did it because of His grace. He was raising up a people that He might work His world-wide plan of redemption through. The mighty acts of God were His revelation to them that He alone was God. These mighty acts of God were to bring the people to a place of faith and trust. God has done and continues to do mighty acts! He wants you to acknowledge Him, to trust Him, to live for Him.
Not long after God saved Israel from the Egyptians, Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Ex. 15:11). The answer of course is obvious. No one! For there is only one God.
(2) There are also an abundant number of passages that teach clearly The Plurality of God. Some of these passages are even in the OT where we usually think of the Bible as stressing the unity of God.
There are passages in the OT where the language intimates or allows for the plurality of God. These passages imply the trinity.
i. For example, plural pronouns (“us”) are used in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make man in our image.” 3:22, “The man has now become like one of us.” 11:7 “Come, let us go down.” The language certainly allows for plurality.
ii. Sometimes God is distinguished from God in Scripture. For instance, God has a Son (Ps. 2:7) and He has a Spirit
(Gen. 1:2).
iii. The word translated “one” stresses unity, yet allows for plurality. Genesis 2:24 tells us that “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” They are two distinct persons yet one. However, even when they are separated by a great distance, they are still one flesh.
iv. It’s also important to see that in the language of the Bible, “Unity” is not the same as “unit.”
One grape = unit Cluster of grapes = unity
The most obvious Scriptures that indicate the plurality of God are found in the NT.
For instance, at the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17) the activity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is clearly seen. The baptism formula in Matthew 28:19 reveals the plurality of God. “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” It’s interesting that the word “Name” is singular implying that there is unity in the three-in-oneness of God.
The benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14 makes mention of the trinity. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Remember who is writing this. Paul was an orthodox Jew who believed in the absolute unity of God.
So in the Scripture, both the OT and the NT, we see taught both the unity and plurality of God. You see this reality expressed in the statement of the teaching of the trinity.
A Statement of the Teaching of the Trinity“There is only one true God who exists in three distinct
persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Old and New Testaments complement one another rather than contradict one another. So what do you do with the biblical evidence? You can do two things. You can either dismiss it as a contradiction or you recognize that the teaching of the trinity is a biblical reality yet it may be beyond our human ability to fully comprehend.
Several Scriptures are helpful at this point. Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end.”
Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
The question is, “would God ever ask us to believe something that we do not fully understand?” And the answer is yes, He does so all the time. “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
This does not mean that faith is blind or some leap in the dark. Neither does it mean that we should not use our intellect and reasoning capabilities to grasp biblical truth. Some of the most intelligent people that I know are Christians. Christians need not check their brain at the door. But it does mean that there is some mystery to God and His workings that we will never fully grasp on this side of heaven. The trinity is incomprehensible. It is not understood through human reason alone but through divine revelation.
How could the Psalmist in Psalm 8 look out and see the wonder of God and cry out “What is man that you are mindful of him? O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”? He came to these conclusions not through human reason but through divine revelation. God made Himself known! Because God is unlimited and we are limited in our capacity to know and understand Him, He will always exceed our knowledge and understanding. Those aspects of God which we will never fully comprehend should be regarded as mysteries that go beyond our reason rather than as paradoxes which conflict with reason.
Many illustrations have been proposed for describing the Trinitarian nature of God. For instance, an egg (shell, white, and yolk) or water (liquid, solid, vapor) or rope (three strands). These illustrations are one plus one plus one but they still equal three. We really have no earthly illustration that illustrates the trinity in a completely satisfying manner. Nevertheless, the diagram of the triangle (although not perfect) is helpful in understanding the trinity. Other illustrations of the trinity may be helpful but they fall short. With this diagram, you may focus on one aspect of God yet the other two are always in the background. The work of one includes all three. When it comes to understanding God, one plus one plus one does equal one. I am told by people who would know this that this equation is actually a mathematical possibility in the realm of Z, a real however we do not operate in. Of course, this just adds to the fact that God Himself operates in a different realm. He is as the older theologians wrote, “wholly other.”
Life Application
What does the teaching of the trinity have to do with our Christian lives. What is the value of this teaching for us today?
1. The Trinity Shows Us God’s Love
We see in the trinity the extent that God has gone to reveal Himself to us, to bring us His salvation. Why would God become a man? Endure suffering? And suffer the cruelty and pain of a Roman cross? God did it all for you! He became flesh so that He could taste (experience) death for every one of us (See Hebrews 2:9, 14-17). He became sin for us so that we could be brought back to God.
Why would God send Himself as the Holy Spirit (See John 14:23)? So that He could live with us forever! So that He could teach us His ways. So that He could encourage us in our daily lives. So that He could make us like Himself. The trinity fleshed-out over the pages of Scripture shows us God’s love.
2. The Trinity Shows Us God’s Power
In the trinity we see how awesome, how majestic God is. His ways are higher than our ways. His paths are beyond tracing out. We truly cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. His mighty acts are more marvelous than we can fully comprehend. Do you know what is so marvelous about our Great and powerful God? He has made Himself and His glory known to us. Jesus said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you.” No wonder the Psalmist in awe said, “What is man that you are mindful of him . . . that you care for him . . . O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Ps. 8:4, 9).
The trinity shows us God’s love, God’s power, and . . .
3. The Trinity Shows Us the Personal Nature of God
The trinity makes it possible for God to be near. The trinity makes a personal relationship with God possible. Had God not become man, there would be no salvation, no payment for sin, no forgiveness. We would not know the character of God. And yet because we have seen Jesus through the eyes of faith and through His revelation in the Bible, we too can say that we have seen the Father. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn. 14:9).
Summation
The trinity is significant for us as believers. The trinity shows God’s love – the extent that God has gone to reveal Himself to us. The trinity shows us God’s power – how awesome and majestic God is. And the trinity shows us the personal nature of God – the trinity makes a personal relationship with God possible.
If you are a believer today, I hope that you leave today with a greater appreciation for what God has done for you. As the hymn writer wrote, “God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity!” I hope that you have a greater love for our majestic and awesome God. And that this love and wonder for Him would cause you to give God the best of who you are. He is worthy of all our worship!
If you’re not a Christian today, I hope that you will see the extent that God has gone to bring you into a right relationship with God. I hope that you will see in Him what He has done to provide forgiveness. I hope that you will see that this awesome God, your creator, wants to be your Lord and Savior. He has made Himself known. Will you believe in Him? Will you trust Him?
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Preached by Joe Alain at Hebron Baptist Church on May 18, 2008 (Trinity Sunday)
Scripture Reading: Psalm 8
Who is God? What is He like? How does He work? And How is He to be approached? These are important questions for us to ask. Christianity alone makes the claim that God is one and yet there are three distinct persons who are God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. On the surface this teaching might seem to be a contradiction.
How do we understand this aspect of God? The challenge for us as believers in understanding what we call the trinity is that the word “trinity” is not explicitly found in Scripture. You cannot go to your concordance in the back of your study Bible and look up the word “trinity.” It’s not there but that does not mean that it is not an important biblical teaching. How can that be? Let me explain.
There are two sources of information that help us understand a teaching: (1) Verbal, that is, it is stated in specific words as a teaching. and (2) Conceptual, that is, the concept is taught in Scripture. Take for instance the phrase “born again.” You might be surprised that this expression is only found only two times in the Bible (John 3:3, 7). Does that mean that it is not important? Certainly not! There is numerous “conceptual” support for the teaching of salvation, what “born again” refers to. So if you want to know about the new birth you need to look at other words and passages that describe salvation.
In approaching the basic questions about the nature and character of God, we have basically two options as a starting point in our quest for answers about God.
Option #1: Human Reason and Contemplation
The history of religion is the history of human beings trying to figure out who God is through human reason and contemplation. And what has mankind come up with through the centuries?
Human reason results in . . .
Atheism – No god
Polytheism – Many gods
Pantheism – Everything is god
Monotheism – One god
Option #2: Divine Revelation
Revelation has to do with the belief that God has spoken, He has revealed Himself. He has made Himself known to us so that we can know Him. How has He revealed Himself? In your hands you are holding a powerful record of God’s revelation. God’s mighty acts in history have been recorded for us (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). So if we want to know who God is we will not rely only upon human reason. We will want to know what God Himself has said as revealed in His word.
What has God said about who He is and what He is like? There are several types of biblical passages that deal with the character of God or who God is.
(1) There are passages that teach clearly The Unity of God, that God is one.
By unity we mean there is only one God whose nature is undivided and indivisible (i.e., cannot be divided). Deuteronomy 6:4 makes this statement about the unity of God. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Deuteronomy 4:35, 39 states, [35] “You [i.e., Israel] were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other. [39] Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”
What did Israel experience? What were they “shown” that no other people had seen? In the context of the Deuteronomy passage we see that God spoke to Israel (v.33). God revealed Himself to them. He delivered them with miraculous signs and wonders. He performed awesome deeds on their behalf (v.34). He did all of this not because they were special or deserved it. He did it because of His grace. He was raising up a people that He might work His world-wide plan of redemption through. The mighty acts of God were His revelation to them that He alone was God. These mighty acts of God were to bring the people to a place of faith and trust. God has done and continues to do mighty acts! He wants you to acknowledge Him, to trust Him, to live for Him.
Not long after God saved Israel from the Egyptians, Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Ex. 15:11). The answer of course is obvious. No one! For there is only one God.
(2) There are also an abundant number of passages that teach clearly The Plurality of God. Some of these passages are even in the OT where we usually think of the Bible as stressing the unity of God.
There are passages in the OT where the language intimates or allows for the plurality of God. These passages imply the trinity.
i. For example, plural pronouns (“us”) are used in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make man in our image.” 3:22, “The man has now become like one of us.” 11:7 “Come, let us go down.” The language certainly allows for plurality.
ii. Sometimes God is distinguished from God in Scripture. For instance, God has a Son (Ps. 2:7) and He has a Spirit
(Gen. 1:2).
iii. The word translated “one” stresses unity, yet allows for plurality. Genesis 2:24 tells us that “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” They are two distinct persons yet one. However, even when they are separated by a great distance, they are still one flesh.
iv. It’s also important to see that in the language of the Bible, “Unity” is not the same as “unit.”
One grape = unit Cluster of grapes = unity
The most obvious Scriptures that indicate the plurality of God are found in the NT.
For instance, at the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17) the activity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is clearly seen. The baptism formula in Matthew 28:19 reveals the plurality of God. “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” It’s interesting that the word “Name” is singular implying that there is unity in the three-in-oneness of God.
The benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14 makes mention of the trinity. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Remember who is writing this. Paul was an orthodox Jew who believed in the absolute unity of God.
So in the Scripture, both the OT and the NT, we see taught both the unity and plurality of God. You see this reality expressed in the statement of the teaching of the trinity.
A Statement of the Teaching of the Trinity“There is only one true God who exists in three distinct
persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Old and New Testaments complement one another rather than contradict one another. So what do you do with the biblical evidence? You can do two things. You can either dismiss it as a contradiction or you recognize that the teaching of the trinity is a biblical reality yet it may be beyond our human ability to fully comprehend.
Several Scriptures are helpful at this point. Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end.”
Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
The question is, “would God ever ask us to believe something that we do not fully understand?” And the answer is yes, He does so all the time. “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
This does not mean that faith is blind or some leap in the dark. Neither does it mean that we should not use our intellect and reasoning capabilities to grasp biblical truth. Some of the most intelligent people that I know are Christians. Christians need not check their brain at the door. But it does mean that there is some mystery to God and His workings that we will never fully grasp on this side of heaven. The trinity is incomprehensible. It is not understood through human reason alone but through divine revelation.
How could the Psalmist in Psalm 8 look out and see the wonder of God and cry out “What is man that you are mindful of him? O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”? He came to these conclusions not through human reason but through divine revelation. God made Himself known! Because God is unlimited and we are limited in our capacity to know and understand Him, He will always exceed our knowledge and understanding. Those aspects of God which we will never fully comprehend should be regarded as mysteries that go beyond our reason rather than as paradoxes which conflict with reason.
Many illustrations have been proposed for describing the Trinitarian nature of God. For instance, an egg (shell, white, and yolk) or water (liquid, solid, vapor) or rope (three strands). These illustrations are one plus one plus one but they still equal three. We really have no earthly illustration that illustrates the trinity in a completely satisfying manner. Nevertheless, the diagram of the triangle (although not perfect) is helpful in understanding the trinity. Other illustrations of the trinity may be helpful but they fall short. With this diagram, you may focus on one aspect of God yet the other two are always in the background. The work of one includes all three. When it comes to understanding God, one plus one plus one does equal one. I am told by people who would know this that this equation is actually a mathematical possibility in the realm of Z, a real however we do not operate in. Of course, this just adds to the fact that God Himself operates in a different realm. He is as the older theologians wrote, “wholly other.”
Life Application
What does the teaching of the trinity have to do with our Christian lives. What is the value of this teaching for us today?
1. The Trinity Shows Us God’s Love
We see in the trinity the extent that God has gone to reveal Himself to us, to bring us His salvation. Why would God become a man? Endure suffering? And suffer the cruelty and pain of a Roman cross? God did it all for you! He became flesh so that He could taste (experience) death for every one of us (See Hebrews 2:9, 14-17). He became sin for us so that we could be brought back to God.
Why would God send Himself as the Holy Spirit (See John 14:23)? So that He could live with us forever! So that He could teach us His ways. So that He could encourage us in our daily lives. So that He could make us like Himself. The trinity fleshed-out over the pages of Scripture shows us God’s love.
2. The Trinity Shows Us God’s Power
In the trinity we see how awesome, how majestic God is. His ways are higher than our ways. His paths are beyond tracing out. We truly cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. His mighty acts are more marvelous than we can fully comprehend. Do you know what is so marvelous about our Great and powerful God? He has made Himself and His glory known to us. Jesus said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you.” No wonder the Psalmist in awe said, “What is man that you are mindful of him . . . that you care for him . . . O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Ps. 8:4, 9).
The trinity shows us God’s love, God’s power, and . . .
3. The Trinity Shows Us the Personal Nature of God
The trinity makes it possible for God to be near. The trinity makes a personal relationship with God possible. Had God not become man, there would be no salvation, no payment for sin, no forgiveness. We would not know the character of God. And yet because we have seen Jesus through the eyes of faith and through His revelation in the Bible, we too can say that we have seen the Father. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn. 14:9).
Summation
The trinity is significant for us as believers. The trinity shows God’s love – the extent that God has gone to reveal Himself to us. The trinity shows us God’s power – how awesome and majestic God is. And the trinity shows us the personal nature of God – the trinity makes a personal relationship with God possible.
If you are a believer today, I hope that you leave today with a greater appreciation for what God has done for you. As the hymn writer wrote, “God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity!” I hope that you have a greater love for our majestic and awesome God. And that this love and wonder for Him would cause you to give God the best of who you are. He is worthy of all our worship!
If you’re not a Christian today, I hope that you will see the extent that God has gone to bring you into a right relationship with God. I hope that you will see in Him what He has done to provide forgiveness. I hope that you will see that this awesome God, your creator, wants to be your Lord and Savior. He has made Himself known. Will you believe in Him? Will you trust Him?
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
DOERS OF HIS WORKS (John 14:12-14)
DOERS OF HIS WORKS
Joe Alain, Pastor
Date Preached: April 20, 2008 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Scripture Passage: John 14:1-14 (Focal verses 12-14)
It was James, the half brother of Jesus who said that followers of Jesus are to be doers of the word. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (Jas. 1:22, NIV). A person’s faith is to be evident in practical good works. A faith that does not do so is no faith at all – for faith without works is dead (Jas. 2:17). Jesus Himself said that His followers would be “Doers of the Works” that He did. “Most assuredly, I say to you, He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father” (Jn. 14:12).
The larger Scripture passage (Jn. 14:1-14) resonates with us who have professed faith in Jesus Christ. We readily affirm God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. We affirm that Jesus is God incarnate (God in the flesh) and that He is the only way to a personal relationship with the Father. We also rejoice in the fact that Jesus is now preparing for us a place in the Father’s house. Our sins have been forgiven and our future is secure. But in the interim between salvation and consummation, what are we to do? How are we to live? John 14:12-14 answers the question, “What are Jesus’ followers to do in the interim between salvation and consummation?”
Jesus’ Followers Will . . .
1. Do the Works that Jesus Did while He Was on the Earth.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also” (14:12a)
What works did Jesus do? He healed people. He touched people. He included people who were on the outside. He loved all people, even those who were despised – Samaritans and tax collectors. He demonstrated compassion and mercy. He taught people the truth about God. He fed people. He prayed for people. He encouraged people. He challenged people to live as God’s citizens.
Sometimes He even rebuked hypocrisy. He spoke out against the exploitation of the poor, the fatherless, the widows and the distressed. He did all of these works and more and He did so as one of us. He became like us. He fully incarnated Himself, He fully took upon Himself the clothing of humanity.
An Important Question: As His followers (Jesus people), are we doing the works that Jesus did? Are we living out the life of Christ in our daily lives? Are we being the church? Are we as Rev. Barbara K. Lundblad writes (elaborating on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Costly Discipleship), “taking up space on the earth”?
What keeps us from being Christ’s body on earth? The problem is, we want to go to heaven! Maybe not literally quite yet, but as Lundbland comments, we want “to be somewhere other than where we are now.” We want to “enter the pure life of the spirit to be with Jesus.” We want to be caught up from the earth, far out of sight, far from pain, far from the hum of the ordinary and the drudgery of today. And yet Jesus has us here, right now, earthbound to take up space on the earth, to do the works that He did.
What changes could occur if we took Jesus’ words seriously?
How many sick and bedraggled people could find comfort?
. . . stomachs could be filled?
. . . troubled minds could find peace?
. . . poor could be clothed?
. . . prisoners of all kinds (emotional, those in sin’s bondage) could be set free?
. . . hopeless could find hope?
. . . cast aways could know that somebody cares for them?
If we, the church, seriously set ourselves to the task? It’s non-negotiable – Jesus’ followers will do the works that He did while He was on the earth.
But followers of Jesus will also . . .
2. Do Even Greater Works than Jesus Did.“Greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (14:12b). Greater works? How could this be? First, Jesus did not mean that His followers would do “greater works” in the sense of quality. Only God can do what God can do. Nevertheless, Jesus while on earth was self-limited and His works were confined to a very small geographical area of the world. Jesus was looking forward to the day when He would be with the Father, “because I go to my Father.” At that time the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God, would indwell the disciples. Then, they would go out across the world doing the works of Jesus. In that sense, Jesus’ followers do “greater works” in quantity than He did.
Think about it. Right now, the Holy Spirit is empowering believers to carry out His works around the world! Today, across the world believers, Jesus people, are doing the works of Jesus, they are living out the presence of Christ in our world.
. . . From Denham Springs to Denmark
. . . From Walker to Western Sahara
. . . From Livingston to Lithuania
. . . From Albany to Azerbaijan
. . . From Colyell to Cuba
. . . From Springfield to Spain
. . . From Live Oak to Lebanon
. . . From Killian to Kosovo
. . . From Baton Rouge to the Bahamas believers are doing the works of Jesus!
Followers of Jesus will do the works that He did while on the earth and they will do even “greater works” than Jesus. So where do we start? Where does the motivation come from? What works is God leading us to do? And where do we do them?
Jesus’ followers will . . .
3. Pray and Receive Direction and power for doing the works
of Jesus.
Why does Jesus mention prayer in this setting (Jn. 14:13-14)? Through prayer we gain the mind of Christ. Through prayer God opens up our hearts to the possibilities before us. Through prayer God awakens us to the seriousness of our task. Through prayer we find the motivation to do what He has called us to do.
Notice Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do.” It seems as if this is an unqualified promise that we can ask God for anything and we will receive it from God. Name it and claim it. Is that what God is saying?
(1) First, our asking is to be done in His name“And whatever you ask in My name” (14:13). “If you ask anything in My name” (14:14). The test of whether our prayers are right is this, “Am I asking this prayer in Jesus’ name?” Obviously there are conditions to our asking. We simply cannot ask for anything selfishly and expect God to give it to us as if God existed to serve us from heaven’s divine goodie machine. Instead of selfish praying, prayers prayed in the name of Jesus are prayers for God’s kingdom purposes to be fulfilled in us and in His world.
(2) Second, God is pleased to answer our prayers that glorify Him“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (14:13). We can have confidence in our praying when we are asking God to empower us to do the works of Jesus. God is always pleased to answer prayers that involve us doing the works of Jesus because “the father is glorified in the Son.”
Prayer unlocks the potential of doing greater works for God Do you need to be awakened to the possibilities for doing the works of Jesus? Ask God! Do you need direction as to what to do? Ask Him! Are you loving outside the lines, going beyond the comfort zone of your life? If not, ask God and He will empower you to do so.
Life Application
Let me make a few practical suggestions that you can do in response to this message.
1. Pray for an openness and a sensitivity to doing God’s works.
God is often at work in the ordinary events of life. God is not just interested in you doing “church work.” There is a great need for people to lead worship, teach the Bible, and a hundred other things that happen at church. These are vital; however, don’t limit God’s working to the life of the church. God is at work in your neighbor’s life, the person you carpool with, the families you sit with at the ballfield, your co-workers, etc. (even though they may not sense this). God’s Holy Spirit operates without limits. He’s speaking to people. Our job as Christians is to be there and help guide them in their search. Spirituality is hard-wired into human beings by God Himself (see Ecclesiastes 3:11). Ask God to show you what He is doing in our world. You may be surprised at what He’s up to.
2. Explore avenues of ministry where you can express God’s works in practical ways.
Having emphasized the fact that God’s work is not limited to the church, let me also say that your local church does need your involvement. What builds fellowship in a church is not food and (although that’s not all that bad). Biblical fellowship (koinonia) occurs when believers partner together in the cause of Christ. Your local church is a great place to serve because they have a vision to reach your community and world with the good news of Christ. Aside from that, God wants you to be an active participant in a local church body where you can fulfill His purpose for your life. Check out what your church offers in the way of ministries and activities. Explore avenues of service. God has a place of service for you. How do I know where I fit in? Use the following questions to get you started. “What do I enjoy doing?” “Has God gifted me in a particular area?” “What am I passionate about” “What needs does my church have?” “What has God placed on my heart that I could do through my church?”
Let’s ask God to show us what He wants us to do. He will not only show us but He will empower us with the resources to fulfill His mission. Then, let’s be “Doers of His Works” for His glory!
Pastor Joe
Joe Alain, Pastor
Date Preached: April 20, 2008 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Scripture Passage: John 14:1-14 (Focal verses 12-14)
It was James, the half brother of Jesus who said that followers of Jesus are to be doers of the word. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (Jas. 1:22, NIV). A person’s faith is to be evident in practical good works. A faith that does not do so is no faith at all – for faith without works is dead (Jas. 2:17). Jesus Himself said that His followers would be “Doers of the Works” that He did. “Most assuredly, I say to you, He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father” (Jn. 14:12).
The larger Scripture passage (Jn. 14:1-14) resonates with us who have professed faith in Jesus Christ. We readily affirm God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. We affirm that Jesus is God incarnate (God in the flesh) and that He is the only way to a personal relationship with the Father. We also rejoice in the fact that Jesus is now preparing for us a place in the Father’s house. Our sins have been forgiven and our future is secure. But in the interim between salvation and consummation, what are we to do? How are we to live? John 14:12-14 answers the question, “What are Jesus’ followers to do in the interim between salvation and consummation?”
Jesus’ Followers Will . . .
1. Do the Works that Jesus Did while He Was on the Earth.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also” (14:12a)
What works did Jesus do? He healed people. He touched people. He included people who were on the outside. He loved all people, even those who were despised – Samaritans and tax collectors. He demonstrated compassion and mercy. He taught people the truth about God. He fed people. He prayed for people. He encouraged people. He challenged people to live as God’s citizens.
Sometimes He even rebuked hypocrisy. He spoke out against the exploitation of the poor, the fatherless, the widows and the distressed. He did all of these works and more and He did so as one of us. He became like us. He fully incarnated Himself, He fully took upon Himself the clothing of humanity.
An Important Question: As His followers (Jesus people), are we doing the works that Jesus did? Are we living out the life of Christ in our daily lives? Are we being the church? Are we as Rev. Barbara K. Lundblad writes (elaborating on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Costly Discipleship), “taking up space on the earth”?
What keeps us from being Christ’s body on earth? The problem is, we want to go to heaven! Maybe not literally quite yet, but as Lundbland comments, we want “to be somewhere other than where we are now.” We want to “enter the pure life of the spirit to be with Jesus.” We want to be caught up from the earth, far out of sight, far from pain, far from the hum of the ordinary and the drudgery of today. And yet Jesus has us here, right now, earthbound to take up space on the earth, to do the works that He did.
What changes could occur if we took Jesus’ words seriously?
How many sick and bedraggled people could find comfort?
. . . stomachs could be filled?
. . . troubled minds could find peace?
. . . poor could be clothed?
. . . prisoners of all kinds (emotional, those in sin’s bondage) could be set free?
. . . hopeless could find hope?
. . . cast aways could know that somebody cares for them?
If we, the church, seriously set ourselves to the task? It’s non-negotiable – Jesus’ followers will do the works that He did while He was on the earth.
But followers of Jesus will also . . .
2. Do Even Greater Works than Jesus Did.“Greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (14:12b). Greater works? How could this be? First, Jesus did not mean that His followers would do “greater works” in the sense of quality. Only God can do what God can do. Nevertheless, Jesus while on earth was self-limited and His works were confined to a very small geographical area of the world. Jesus was looking forward to the day when He would be with the Father, “because I go to my Father.” At that time the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God, would indwell the disciples. Then, they would go out across the world doing the works of Jesus. In that sense, Jesus’ followers do “greater works” in quantity than He did.
Think about it. Right now, the Holy Spirit is empowering believers to carry out His works around the world! Today, across the world believers, Jesus people, are doing the works of Jesus, they are living out the presence of Christ in our world.
. . . From Denham Springs to Denmark
. . . From Walker to Western Sahara
. . . From Livingston to Lithuania
. . . From Albany to Azerbaijan
. . . From Colyell to Cuba
. . . From Springfield to Spain
. . . From Live Oak to Lebanon
. . . From Killian to Kosovo
. . . From Baton Rouge to the Bahamas believers are doing the works of Jesus!
Followers of Jesus will do the works that He did while on the earth and they will do even “greater works” than Jesus. So where do we start? Where does the motivation come from? What works is God leading us to do? And where do we do them?
Jesus’ followers will . . .
3. Pray and Receive Direction and power for doing the works
of Jesus.
Why does Jesus mention prayer in this setting (Jn. 14:13-14)? Through prayer we gain the mind of Christ. Through prayer God opens up our hearts to the possibilities before us. Through prayer God awakens us to the seriousness of our task. Through prayer we find the motivation to do what He has called us to do.
Notice Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do.” It seems as if this is an unqualified promise that we can ask God for anything and we will receive it from God. Name it and claim it. Is that what God is saying?
(1) First, our asking is to be done in His name“And whatever you ask in My name” (14:13). “If you ask anything in My name” (14:14). The test of whether our prayers are right is this, “Am I asking this prayer in Jesus’ name?” Obviously there are conditions to our asking. We simply cannot ask for anything selfishly and expect God to give it to us as if God existed to serve us from heaven’s divine goodie machine. Instead of selfish praying, prayers prayed in the name of Jesus are prayers for God’s kingdom purposes to be fulfilled in us and in His world.
(2) Second, God is pleased to answer our prayers that glorify Him“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (14:13). We can have confidence in our praying when we are asking God to empower us to do the works of Jesus. God is always pleased to answer prayers that involve us doing the works of Jesus because “the father is glorified in the Son.”
Prayer unlocks the potential of doing greater works for God Do you need to be awakened to the possibilities for doing the works of Jesus? Ask God! Do you need direction as to what to do? Ask Him! Are you loving outside the lines, going beyond the comfort zone of your life? If not, ask God and He will empower you to do so.
Life Application
Let me make a few practical suggestions that you can do in response to this message.
1. Pray for an openness and a sensitivity to doing God’s works.
God is often at work in the ordinary events of life. God is not just interested in you doing “church work.” There is a great need for people to lead worship, teach the Bible, and a hundred other things that happen at church. These are vital; however, don’t limit God’s working to the life of the church. God is at work in your neighbor’s life, the person you carpool with, the families you sit with at the ballfield, your co-workers, etc. (even though they may not sense this). God’s Holy Spirit operates without limits. He’s speaking to people. Our job as Christians is to be there and help guide them in their search. Spirituality is hard-wired into human beings by God Himself (see Ecclesiastes 3:11). Ask God to show you what He is doing in our world. You may be surprised at what He’s up to.
2. Explore avenues of ministry where you can express God’s works in practical ways.
Having emphasized the fact that God’s work is not limited to the church, let me also say that your local church does need your involvement. What builds fellowship in a church is not food and (although that’s not all that bad). Biblical fellowship (koinonia) occurs when believers partner together in the cause of Christ. Your local church is a great place to serve because they have a vision to reach your community and world with the good news of Christ. Aside from that, God wants you to be an active participant in a local church body where you can fulfill His purpose for your life. Check out what your church offers in the way of ministries and activities. Explore avenues of service. God has a place of service for you. How do I know where I fit in? Use the following questions to get you started. “What do I enjoy doing?” “Has God gifted me in a particular area?” “What am I passionate about” “What needs does my church have?” “What has God placed on my heart that I could do through my church?”
Let’s ask God to show us what He wants us to do. He will not only show us but He will empower us with the resources to fulfill His mission. Then, let’s be “Doers of His Works” for His glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, May 12, 2008
"Pentecost in the Home" Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008
PENTECOST IN THE HOME
Scripture Passage: Acts 2:1-6, 14-21
Related Scriptures: Leviticus 23:9-14; Joel 2:28-32
Preached On Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Hebron Baptist Church in Denham Springs, LA
Today, on our calendars we celebrate two special days. One has become a significant cultural event, we call it Mother’s Day, celebrated the second Sunday in May. The other event though not as well publicized or known (but which is vitally significant to every Christian) is called Pentecost Sunday, which is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Jesus’ resurrection (Easter Sunday). Pentecost Sunday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in Acts chapter two.
In the OT, the Feast of Pentecost was a celebration that marked the beginning of the harvest season (see Leviticus 23:9-14). The priest would take a sheaf (or cluster) of the first fruits of the crop and wave it before the Lord and the people. It was on the Day of Pentecost, the feast that celebrates the beginning of the harvest, that the Holy Spirit descended upon the church and 3,000 plus persons were born again into the kingdom of God (Acts 2:41). That’s why we sometimes refer to this event as the birthday of the Church!
We see this extraordinary event recorded for us in Acts chapter two. On the day of Pentecost the disciples were together just as Jesus had instructed (v.1). The events that happened on the day of Pentecost were quite spectacular. There was “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind” that came from heaven (v.2). This sound filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues [or languages] as the Spirit enabled them” (2:3-4).
What is important here is not so much the amazing events of the day, but the fact that in Jerusalem there were [5] “God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. [6] When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.” The tongues (although unknown to those who were speaking) were not unknown languages, they were known and understood by the Jews who were there from all parts of the world (see vv.9-11). So on the day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, you have the Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering the disciples, the church, to speak about God’s wonderful works, namely His plan of salvation in Jesus Christ (v.11).
The entire scene was unprecedented. Nothing like this had ever taken place and some were confused as to what it all meant. “Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (v.12). Some in the crowd even thought that the disciples were crazy from “too much wine” (v.13).
In verses 14-21, Peter addressed the now ready congregation. He tells them that what is happening is the fulfillment of the prophet Joel in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-32). Joel looked forward to the day when the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God would be poured out on all who would call on the name of the Lord. In that day, no one would be excluded from God’s kingdom. Peter reminded his hearers of what God said through Joel when he quoted Joel in verses 17-ff. [17] “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. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
What’s Taking Place in Acts Chapter Two?
At least two significant things were happening in fulfilment of God’s Word spoken in the Old Testament.
1. The Holy Spirit is being given to all who are calling upon the name of the Lord. All barriers are being broken (Gal. 3:26-28).
No distinction is made. Men and women, young and old, servants and free. All are being included! What makes the Gospel of Jesus so radical is that the Gospel breaks down all man-made barriers. In Christ the gender barrier is broken. In Christ the race barriers are broken. In Christ the economic barriers are broken. In Christ the culture barriers are broken. Pentecost is a powerful reminder that God is no respecter of persons. He wants to pour out Himself on every human being.
2. Believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit are sharing the Gospel of Jesus (2:11, 18). To “Prophesy” is to proclaim or share the Word of God concerning Jesus. They (“all”) are “declaring the wonderful works of God” (v.11). They are sharing the fact that God is in Jesus Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
Because of what occurred on the Day of Pentecost every believer today is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Men, women, young and old, all who have called upon the name of the Lord (Acts 2:39).
How do these truths about God’s character and His Holy Spirit intersect with our families today. How does our emphasis upon Family and Mother’s Day relate to the Day of Pentecost?
Pentecost and Mother’s Day Point of Contact: God wants to indwell and be Lord of every member of your family. God wants us to experience “Pentecost in Our Homes.”
But what does that mean today? First, we need to grasp this truth – The indwelling Holy Spirit is the equivalent or another way of saying salvation. To have the Holy Spirit is to experience salvation. What was taking place on the day of Pentecost was a once-for-all momentous movement of God. After the spectacular events occurred Peter preached Jesus! His hearers responded with cries of “What shall we do?” (2:37). The people were convicted of their sin and need and they wanted to know how to be reconciled with God. Peter told them to “Repent!” (2:38). As an expression of their repentance, they were to follow Christ in baptism. By repenting of their sins they would receive “the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
We should not expect to see the spectacular events of the Day of Pentecost. However, because of what took place on the Day of Pentecost we can expect to receive the indwelling Holy Sprit when we turn from our sins and trust in Jesus. Paul had this in mind when he wrote Ephesians 1:13-14. Here we see Paul fleshing out theologically God’s pattern of salvation.
“Pentecost in Your Home” is experienced when individuals allow Christ to indwell them. “Pentecost in the Home” also has to do with us being constantly filled or controlled by God’s Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). We call this process “Sanctification” or more simply “Lordship.”
Biblically speaking, to be filled with God’s Spirit is to be controlled by God. It is for God to have your heart, your will, your life. It means He is Lord. And because He’s Lord, you order your life under His direction, you follow His guidance and will for your life. When the early disciples were controlled by God’s Holy Spirit, they spoke and acted as Jesus would. When God is in control of your life, you think, speak, and act in a way that is consistent with the Spirit of Christ.
What can we expect when Jesus’ Spirit indwells us, and when Jesus is Lord of our lives?
“Pentecost in Your Home” results in . . .
1. New Ways of Speaking
The disciples spoke with “other [or new] tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (2:4). The Christian’s speech is to be different. It is to be seasoned with grace (Col. 4:6) and love and mercy. Spirit-enabled speech means that we will use our tongue to build up and not tear down (Eph. 4:29). Proverbs 16:24 tells us that “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” With Christ indwelling and controlling our lives, our speech takes on a healing tone. Critical, negative, and fault-finding speech only pours salt in a wound. Sometimes this new way of speaking means we will hold our tongue (Prov. 10:19) realizing that often in the multitude of words sin is not lacking. Our homes need a Pentecost of new speech!
2. Clear Communication
All the disciples were speaking in what was to them unknown languages. However, God was empowering them to speak to different people in different languages and they were all speaking the same thing, they were telling about the wonderful works of God. When moms and dads and children are allowing God to fill them and lead them, they are on the same page. Their is mutual agreement and understanding. There is clear communication.
3. Unity that Brings Harmony
Where God’s Spirit reigns there is unity that brings harmony. On the day of Pentecost you had a diverse crowd of people, yet the day of Pentecost was marked by incredible harmony. What can we attribute that mood to? It was God’s Spirit that brought them together.
Men and women are created different, yet the differences are complementary not in competition. Unity (common ground, shared values) is achieved when family members are controlled by God’s Spirit. Being a believer does not guarantee harmony in your home. We must work at preserving harmony. This is most easily done by exposing and eradicating the matters that are bringing division in your home.
What is causing the chaos in your home? Is it selfishness, always looking to get your needs met? Is it mistreatment of one another or taking family members for granted? When Jesus is Lord of our lives, it is amazing how the conflicts begin to subside. Having the mind of Christ will do wonders for your home! What is the mind of Christ? Philippians 2:3-4 describes this attitude. [3] “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
4. A Radical Reorientation of Life Towards God
Three thousand plus persons were birthed into the kingdom of God on the day of Pentecost! (2:41) Each person experienced a radical conversion. I say that because every person who turns away from (repents) their sins makes a radical change of direction in their life. They are now reoriented toward God.
Don’t miss what happened to the believers that day who were filled with God’s Spirit. They did not return home the same way that they came. They experienced a radical reorientation of life towards God. They continued in the “Apostle’s teaching” (vv.42-ff.). They worshiped together, they praised God together, they prayed together, they developed deep relationships with other believers, they ministered unselfishly together. We could say that because of God’s Holy Spirit, they radically reordered their lives under the principles of God’s Word. When moms and dads and children are filled with God’s Spirit, there will be a radical reorientation of life towards God. The family will be going God’s way.
Close
Do you desire direction in your home? Do you need wisdom for raising children? Do you long for harmony to be restored in your home? The journey begins by being indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God and by allowing Jesus to be the Lord of your life.
Today, some may need to turn to God for the very first time in your life. You’ve tried doing life on your terms but it is not working. And now you’re ready to go God’s way.
Others may need to turn away from some attitude or action that is hindering your life and bringing confusion and chaos in your home. There may be some hindrances that need to be removed. Like debris that blocks up a river and keeps it from flowing, there may be some debris in your marriage and in your home that needs to be removed so that your marriage and your home can flow and flourish.
The good news is that God specializes in removing the debris of your life (1 Jn. 1:9). Will you allow Jesus by His Holy Spirit to indwell and fill you? “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1).
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Scripture Passage: Acts 2:1-6, 14-21
Related Scriptures: Leviticus 23:9-14; Joel 2:28-32
Preached On Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Hebron Baptist Church in Denham Springs, LA
Today, on our calendars we celebrate two special days. One has become a significant cultural event, we call it Mother’s Day, celebrated the second Sunday in May. The other event though not as well publicized or known (but which is vitally significant to every Christian) is called Pentecost Sunday, which is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Jesus’ resurrection (Easter Sunday). Pentecost Sunday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in Acts chapter two.
In the OT, the Feast of Pentecost was a celebration that marked the beginning of the harvest season (see Leviticus 23:9-14). The priest would take a sheaf (or cluster) of the first fruits of the crop and wave it before the Lord and the people. It was on the Day of Pentecost, the feast that celebrates the beginning of the harvest, that the Holy Spirit descended upon the church and 3,000 plus persons were born again into the kingdom of God (Acts 2:41). That’s why we sometimes refer to this event as the birthday of the Church!
We see this extraordinary event recorded for us in Acts chapter two. On the day of Pentecost the disciples were together just as Jesus had instructed (v.1). The events that happened on the day of Pentecost were quite spectacular. There was “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind” that came from heaven (v.2). This sound filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues [or languages] as the Spirit enabled them” (2:3-4).
What is important here is not so much the amazing events of the day, but the fact that in Jerusalem there were [5] “God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. [6] When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.” The tongues (although unknown to those who were speaking) were not unknown languages, they were known and understood by the Jews who were there from all parts of the world (see vv.9-11). So on the day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, you have the Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering the disciples, the church, to speak about God’s wonderful works, namely His plan of salvation in Jesus Christ (v.11).
The entire scene was unprecedented. Nothing like this had ever taken place and some were confused as to what it all meant. “Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (v.12). Some in the crowd even thought that the disciples were crazy from “too much wine” (v.13).
In verses 14-21, Peter addressed the now ready congregation. He tells them that what is happening is the fulfillment of the prophet Joel in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-32). Joel looked forward to the day when the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God would be poured out on all who would call on the name of the Lord. In that day, no one would be excluded from God’s kingdom. Peter reminded his hearers of what God said through Joel when he quoted Joel in verses 17-ff. [17] “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. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
What’s Taking Place in Acts Chapter Two?
At least two significant things were happening in fulfilment of God’s Word spoken in the Old Testament.
1. The Holy Spirit is being given to all who are calling upon the name of the Lord. All barriers are being broken (Gal. 3:26-28).
No distinction is made. Men and women, young and old, servants and free. All are being included! What makes the Gospel of Jesus so radical is that the Gospel breaks down all man-made barriers. In Christ the gender barrier is broken. In Christ the race barriers are broken. In Christ the economic barriers are broken. In Christ the culture barriers are broken. Pentecost is a powerful reminder that God is no respecter of persons. He wants to pour out Himself on every human being.
2. Believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit are sharing the Gospel of Jesus (2:11, 18). To “Prophesy” is to proclaim or share the Word of God concerning Jesus. They (“all”) are “declaring the wonderful works of God” (v.11). They are sharing the fact that God is in Jesus Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
Because of what occurred on the Day of Pentecost every believer today is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Men, women, young and old, all who have called upon the name of the Lord (Acts 2:39).
How do these truths about God’s character and His Holy Spirit intersect with our families today. How does our emphasis upon Family and Mother’s Day relate to the Day of Pentecost?
Pentecost and Mother’s Day Point of Contact: God wants to indwell and be Lord of every member of your family. God wants us to experience “Pentecost in Our Homes.”
But what does that mean today? First, we need to grasp this truth – The indwelling Holy Spirit is the equivalent or another way of saying salvation. To have the Holy Spirit is to experience salvation. What was taking place on the day of Pentecost was a once-for-all momentous movement of God. After the spectacular events occurred Peter preached Jesus! His hearers responded with cries of “What shall we do?” (2:37). The people were convicted of their sin and need and they wanted to know how to be reconciled with God. Peter told them to “Repent!” (2:38). As an expression of their repentance, they were to follow Christ in baptism. By repenting of their sins they would receive “the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
We should not expect to see the spectacular events of the Day of Pentecost. However, because of what took place on the Day of Pentecost we can expect to receive the indwelling Holy Sprit when we turn from our sins and trust in Jesus. Paul had this in mind when he wrote Ephesians 1:13-14. Here we see Paul fleshing out theologically God’s pattern of salvation.
“Pentecost in Your Home” is experienced when individuals allow Christ to indwell them. “Pentecost in the Home” also has to do with us being constantly filled or controlled by God’s Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). We call this process “Sanctification” or more simply “Lordship.”
Biblically speaking, to be filled with God’s Spirit is to be controlled by God. It is for God to have your heart, your will, your life. It means He is Lord. And because He’s Lord, you order your life under His direction, you follow His guidance and will for your life. When the early disciples were controlled by God’s Holy Spirit, they spoke and acted as Jesus would. When God is in control of your life, you think, speak, and act in a way that is consistent with the Spirit of Christ.
What can we expect when Jesus’ Spirit indwells us, and when Jesus is Lord of our lives?
“Pentecost in Your Home” results in . . .
1. New Ways of Speaking
The disciples spoke with “other [or new] tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (2:4). The Christian’s speech is to be different. It is to be seasoned with grace (Col. 4:6) and love and mercy. Spirit-enabled speech means that we will use our tongue to build up and not tear down (Eph. 4:29). Proverbs 16:24 tells us that “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” With Christ indwelling and controlling our lives, our speech takes on a healing tone. Critical, negative, and fault-finding speech only pours salt in a wound. Sometimes this new way of speaking means we will hold our tongue (Prov. 10:19) realizing that often in the multitude of words sin is not lacking. Our homes need a Pentecost of new speech!
2. Clear Communication
All the disciples were speaking in what was to them unknown languages. However, God was empowering them to speak to different people in different languages and they were all speaking the same thing, they were telling about the wonderful works of God. When moms and dads and children are allowing God to fill them and lead them, they are on the same page. Their is mutual agreement and understanding. There is clear communication.
3. Unity that Brings Harmony
Where God’s Spirit reigns there is unity that brings harmony. On the day of Pentecost you had a diverse crowd of people, yet the day of Pentecost was marked by incredible harmony. What can we attribute that mood to? It was God’s Spirit that brought them together.
Men and women are created different, yet the differences are complementary not in competition. Unity (common ground, shared values) is achieved when family members are controlled by God’s Spirit. Being a believer does not guarantee harmony in your home. We must work at preserving harmony. This is most easily done by exposing and eradicating the matters that are bringing division in your home.
What is causing the chaos in your home? Is it selfishness, always looking to get your needs met? Is it mistreatment of one another or taking family members for granted? When Jesus is Lord of our lives, it is amazing how the conflicts begin to subside. Having the mind of Christ will do wonders for your home! What is the mind of Christ? Philippians 2:3-4 describes this attitude. [3] “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
4. A Radical Reorientation of Life Towards God
Three thousand plus persons were birthed into the kingdom of God on the day of Pentecost! (2:41) Each person experienced a radical conversion. I say that because every person who turns away from (repents) their sins makes a radical change of direction in their life. They are now reoriented toward God.
Don’t miss what happened to the believers that day who were filled with God’s Spirit. They did not return home the same way that they came. They experienced a radical reorientation of life towards God. They continued in the “Apostle’s teaching” (vv.42-ff.). They worshiped together, they praised God together, they prayed together, they developed deep relationships with other believers, they ministered unselfishly together. We could say that because of God’s Holy Spirit, they radically reordered their lives under the principles of God’s Word. When moms and dads and children are filled with God’s Spirit, there will be a radical reorientation of life towards God. The family will be going God’s way.
Close
Do you desire direction in your home? Do you need wisdom for raising children? Do you long for harmony to be restored in your home? The journey begins by being indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God and by allowing Jesus to be the Lord of your life.
Today, some may need to turn to God for the very first time in your life. You’ve tried doing life on your terms but it is not working. And now you’re ready to go God’s way.
Others may need to turn away from some attitude or action that is hindering your life and bringing confusion and chaos in your home. There may be some hindrances that need to be removed. Like debris that blocks up a river and keeps it from flowing, there may be some debris in your marriage and in your home that needs to be removed so that your marriage and your home can flow and flourish.
The good news is that God specializes in removing the debris of your life (1 Jn. 1:9). Will you allow Jesus by His Holy Spirit to indwell and fill you? “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1).
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
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