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New Year Challenge 2

Acts 2

Acts chapter 2 is probably one of the most powerful chapters outside the Gospels.  The disciples had been obedient to Jesus’ last command and had waited together in a room.  The day of Pentecost (the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday – a Thursday) came as suddenly as Jesus’ birth had been.  This time there are no angels, no shepherds, no wise men (yet), and no manger!  This time belongs solely to God!  The Holy Spirit descended upon this group of weary and frightened disciples in a loud wind and tongues of flame.  They were instantly filled with the Holy Spirit and didn’t just start to speak with other languages, but they were filled with a new boldness and power.

At this time, there were lots of Jews from all over the “known” world – and these uncouth Galilean were suddenly the centre of attention, as they were speaking the languages known to each.  Although the accusations flew about that they were drunk – Peter stepped forward with a powerful speech about the source of their new-found wisdom.  This message, which links the Old Testament prophecy of Joel to Jesus’ ministry, miracles and resurrection.  Peter’s message of repentance and belief in Jesus as the Messiah still forms the basis of every sermon we should be making in today’s church!  Our message is that we should be repenting of our sins and seeking to follow God at all times.  This famous sermon, powered by the Holy Spirit, touched the hearts and minds of the crowds that day, and about three thousand would believed that very hour!

The chapter rounds out with a description of the life of the early believers – from meeting and eating together, sharing their possessions and goods, and praising God for the signs and wonders that they witnessed.  As they believed and lived faithfully, the Lord answered their loyalty and added souls to their numbers daily.

What a chapter!  What an amazing start to the church!

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