164 Sermon Illustrations on Holy Spirit

"Suppose we saw an army sitting down before a granite fort, and they

told us that they intended to batter it down, we might ask them,

`How?' They point to a cannon ball. Well, there is no power in that;

it is heavy, but not more than half-a-hundred or perhaps a

hundred-weight; if all the men in the army hurled it against the fort

they would make no impression. They say,`No, but look at the

cannon!' Well, there is no power in that. A child may ride upon it;

a bird may perch in its mouth. It is a machine, and nothing more.

`But look at the powder.' Well there is no power in that; a child may

spill it; a sparrow may peck it. Yet this powerless powder and

powerless ball are put into the powerless cannon; one spark of fire

enters it, and then, in the twinkling of an eye, that powder is a

flash of lightening, and that cannon ball is a thunderbolt which

smites as if it had been sent from heaven.

"So it is with our church or school machinery of this day; we have the

instruments necessary for pulling down strongholds, but, oh, for the

fire from heaven!" (Charles Spurgeon) ("Choice Illustrations" W.W.

Clay pg. 42)

Matthew Henry went to London, met a young lady of the nobility, who was also wealthy, and they fell in love. She went to ask her father if she could marry him and he said, "He's got no background, you don't know where he's come from." She said, "Yes, I know, but I know where he's going and I want to go with him."

The car you drive is probably powered by an internal-combustion

engine. In each cylinder of that engine, a spark plug ignites a

mixture of fuel and air to produce combustion. The resulting ignition

of gases moves a piston, which in turn moves a drive shaft which then

gives motion and power can be generated by the internal-combustion

engine.

The Holy Spirit sparks the internal spiritual combustion that

produces amazing powers in the lives of Christians.

In 1789 an uncertain George Washington is urged to seek the presidency by Governor Morris, a Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Morris writes Washington: "No constitution is the same on paper and in life. The exercise of authority depends upon personal character. Your cool steady temper is indispensably necessary to give a firm and manly tone to the new government."

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me!

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me!

Melt me, Mold me, fill me, use me!

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me!

*

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) — John 7:38-39

Jesus spoke about the Holy Ghost which was to be given. In Acts 2 we find three manifestations of the Holy Ghost — wind, person and fire. The first manifestation is a rushing mighty wind. Second, there are cloven tongues of fire. Think of the mighty wind and the cloven tongues of fire over everyone. Third, see the incoming and outflowing of the Holy Ghost.

Can we be filled with this river? How is it possible for us to flow a river? A river of water is always an emblem of the Word of God, the Water of life, and so when the Holy Ghost comes, He clothes and anoints the Christ who is already indwelling the believer.

You will never get to know God better by testimony. Testimony should always come through the Word. You will not get to know God better by prayer. Prayer has to come out of the Word. The Word is the only thing that reveals God and is going to be helpful in the world. When the breath and the presence of God comes, the Holy Spirit speaks expressively according to the mind of the Father and the Son.

So when you are filled with the Person of the Holy Ghost, then the breath, the power, the unction, the fire of the Spirit takes hold of the Word of Life, which is Christ. God wants to fill you with that divine power so that out of you will flow living waters.

Pray this closing prayer today: “Oh fire, wind and person of the Holy Spirit, out of me flow living waters that others might know Jesus through me”

There must be a correspondence between the receiver and the transmitter. When we listen to a radio broadcast, there are many sound waves all around us, but the only way for us to become aware of them is to have an appropriate receiver able to catch them and make them audible. We would never know that anyone was talking to us from a distance if we expected our watch to pick up the sound waves. There is only one way in which man can know God, and that is through man's own spirit. God is a Spirit and can be known only by a spirit. We must not expect to feel Him with our fingers, or see Him with our physical eyes. It cannot be done. Yet that which can be perceived only by the spirit of man is just as real as that which can be perceived by his physical senses.

I have a glove here in my hand. The glove cannot do anything by itself, but when my hand is in it, the glove can do many things. True, it is not the glove, but my hand in the glove that acts. The Christian is a glove. It is the Holy Spirit in us, the hand, who does the work.

We have to make room for the hand so that every finger in the glove is filled.

But wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. – Acts 1:4-5

The disciples tarried at Jerusalem till they were endued with power from on high. We know that the Holy Ghost came. It was right for them to tarry. It is wrong now to wait for the Holy Ghost to come. He has come!

Then why are we waiting? Why do we not all receive the Holy Ghost? Because our bodies are not ready for it. Our temples are not cleansed. When our temples are purified and our minds put in order, then the Holy Ghost can take full charge. The Holy Ghost is not a manifestation of carnality.

The Holy Ghost is most lovely. He is the great refiner. He is full of divine, not natural life. Don’t wait. I desire for you to lift your minds, elevate your thoughts, come out of the world into a place where you know that you have rest for your feet.

Cease from your own works so that God can work mightily in you to will and to do His good pleasure.

Desire the inrushing river of the Holy Ghost — a pure, holy and divine river of living water to flow through you. Not later. Now!

1. Lord, the light of Your love is shining

in the midst of the darkness shining;

Jesus Light of the world, shine upon us,

set us free by the truth You now bring us,

Shine on me, shine on me.

Chorus

Shine, Jesus, shine

fill this land with the Father’s glory;

Blaze, Spirit, blaze,

set our hearts on fire;

Flow, river flow,

flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth Your Word, Lord,

and let there be light.

2. Lord, I come to Your awesome presence,

From the shadows into Your radiance;

By the blood I may enter Your brightness,

Search me, try me, consume all my darkness

Shine on me, shine on me.

3. As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,

So our faces display Your likeness;

Ever changing from glory to glory,

Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story,

Shine on me, shine on me.

*

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. — John 14:26

A chief executive is one who has a right to declare everything on the board. The chief executive in the world is the Holy Ghost. He is here today as a communicant to our hearts, to our minds, to our thoughts, saying whatever God wants us to know. So this Holy Executive in us can speak wonderful words. The Spirit will teach you, bring all things to your remembrance. You need not have any man teach you, but the unction abideth and you need no teachers.

You need the Teacher, which is the Holy Spirit, to bring all things to your remembrance. This is the office of the Holy Spirit. This is the power of His communication. This is what Paul means when he says, “God is love.” Jesus, who is grace, is with you. But the Holy Ghost is the speaker. He speaks everything concerning Jesus.

Today I am looking at wind as a type of the Holy Spirit.

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. The wind is free from man’s control. It is everywhere in the world. In the same way, the Holy Spirit’s work is throughout the world, not limited to certain places or regions. — John 3:8

When suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. What an awesome event this must have been. I can picture being in that room seeking God and suddenly hearing this sound. — Acts 2:2

For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it (to do so) it never came by human impulse – but as men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit. — 2 Peter 1:21

The wind never stops. In the same way the Holy Spirit is always moving.

The wind goes toward the south, And turns around to the north; The wind whirls about continually, And comes again on its circuit. — Ecclesiastes 1:6

Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out, let my beloved come into His garden, and eat His pleasant fruits. — Song of Solomon 4:16

This is the cry of the bride. The south wind and the north wind represent different circumstances that the Holy Spirit uses to develop the fragrance of her garden. The south is warm and gentle, the north is cold and penetrating. Her faith shows that she will receive whatever the Spirit of God would choose. The blowing wind would release what was stored up within. The Lord had planted her to be His garden and given grace so she could bear fruit. We see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives for the pleasure of the Lord and for His glory.

In our times of worship we can cry as well for the Spirit to blow and lift the fragrance of our worship and devotion. We cry out for revival winds to blow on our lives as we see in Ezekiel 37:3-7, bringing new life to what we thought was long dead.

Let the Winds blow!

In Acts 8:26, we are told that the Holy Spirit sent Phillip to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Following the Spirit’s leading, Philip soon met an Ethiopian eunuch, a man in charge of the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.

At this point in the story, the really impressive fact is that the eunuch has a scroll of Isaiah the prophet. He had been to Jerusalem to worship, and someone seems to have given him the scroll. Religious writings were very precious at that time and almost never left the temple. We have to guess that only because the man was such a high official and in position to influence a nation was he given such an important document. Had he, even in far off Ethiopia, heard stories of a Messiah who was to come to the Jewish people? Had he heard the recent religious news about Jesus and come to investigate this “new” religious belief. We do not know for sure, but we do know he was not making much progress with the scroll he had been given until Philip came to assist him with understanding.

Starting with the passage in Isaiah about the sheep led to slaughter, Philip explains that the prophet was referring to Jesus. With Christian concern, Philip carefully explains the story of Jesus and the good news of salvation. Not one to waste time, the eunuch is baptized immediately when the two come to some water by the road. After the baptism, the Spirit takes Philip away, and the eunuch goes on his way rejoicing.

How many times do we feel that our job is finished if we hand out pamphlets or invite someone to church? Maybe what someone really needs from us is a little steady care — not only friendship but teaching. The Bible is a powerful tool — the best in the world, but a new convert may need some explanation with what he may feel is a new or different belief. Maybe even though the person has lived in the United States all his life, he could still use some guidelines or Scriptural passages as a place to begin his study. Maybe he really needs to know why you personally believe. Maybe he needs Scriptural guidance for a particular need or hurt. Do we listen to the gentle leading of the Spirit or to the unasked but necessary questions of our friends?

The Church at Prayer — Acts 4:31–35

A. Acts 4:31–35 (NAS)

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness. 32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.

B. Connexion

1. Last week we looked at the preceding verses, 23 to 30, and specifically examined the manner in which the church prayed

a. with unanimity

b. with worship

c. with specific facts and needs in mind (boldness vs opposition)

d. with God’s glory sought

2. In these verses, let’s look at the effect of this prayer on the church

a. filled with Holy Spirit

b. boldness

c. unity

d. spiritual power

(A) for the leaders

(B) for the congregation

C. Filled with Holy Spirit

1. in one verse, Ephesians 5:18; (NAS): And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, we are taught three things about God’s Holy Spirit: all believers

a. should be filled

b. are not filled

c. have a part in being filled

2. all believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit

a. the fact that this command is given shows us that it is God’s intention that His Holy Spirit fill believers

b. and if the command is not enough, then consider that we are told in 1 Corinthians 6:19; (NAS): that … do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

(A) a the purpose of the temple was that it be filled with the presence of God

(B) so the purpose for our body, our life is to be filled with the presence of God, the Holy Spirit

3. all believers are not filled with the Holy Spirit

a. again, the fact of this command shows that not all believers are filled with the Holy Spirit

b. and the context suggests that this was because they were seeking their stimulation, their satisfaction in things other than their relationship with God

4. all believers have a part in being filled with the Holy Spirit

a. and one more time, that this command is given is evidence that the believer has a responsibility in being filled with the Holy Spirit

b. the context suggest very strongly that one key ingredient of being filled with the Holy Spirit is prayer: both individual and corporate

c. and the context of that passage in 1 Corinthians that we ready gives another factor: how do we live? Are we keeping ourselves pure? Do we respect the fact that He, the Holy Spirit is residing within us?

d. and two more verses on our responsibility in this matter

(A) Ephesians 4:30; (NAS): And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. — if you read the context you will find that we grieve the Holy Spirit — and obstruct His filling us — by un-Christian words and un-Christian dees

(B) 1 Thessalonians 5:19; (NAS): Do not quench the Spirit; — the context showing that we quench the Spirit — and obstruct His filling us — by failing to do the revealed will of God, and particularly by lack of gratitude

5. Next week, Lord willing, we will look at some other effects that the Church experienced from their prayer

a. boldness as they had prayed

b. unity of heart and spirit

c. spiritual power

(A) for the leaders in witness

(B) for the congregation in mutual support

D. Tonight, as we pray, let us seek in particular to be thankful to God, asking for power to do His will, and to be Christian in word and deed.

1. Joys are flowing like a river

Since the Comforter has come;

He abides with us forever,

Makes the trusting heart His home.

Chorus:

Blessed quietness, holy quietness —

What assurance in my soul!

On the stormy sea He speaks peace to me —

How the billows cease to roll!

2. Bringing life and health and gladness

All around, this heav’nly Guest

Banished unbelief and sadness,

Changed our weariness to rest.

3. Like the rain that falls from heaven,

Like the sunlight from the sky,

So the Holy Ghost is given,

Coming on us from on high.

4. See, a fruitful field is growing,

Blessed fruit of righteousness;

And the streams of life are flowing

In the lonely wilderness.

5. What a wonderful salvation,

Where we always see His face!

What a perfect habitation,

What a quiet resting place!

*

1. The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost,

He came in mighty fullness then;

His witness through believers won the lost,

And multitudes were born again.

The early Christians scattered o’er the world,

They preached the gospel fearlessly;

Though some were martyred and to lions hurled,

They marched along in victory!

Chorus:

Come, Holy Spirit, Dark is the hour;

We need You filling,

Your love and Your mighty pow’r!

Move now among us, Stir us, we pray;

Come, Holy Spirit, Revive the church today!

2. Then in an age when darkenss gripped the earth,

“The just shall live by faith” was learned;

The Holy Spirit gave the Church new birth

As reformation fires burned.

In later years the great revivals came,

When saints would seek the Lord and pray;

O once again we need that holy flame

To meet the challenge of today!

Was it the Holy Spirit? Was it emotions run wild? An incident that took place on this day, April 9, 1906, swelled the stream of Pentecostalism and helped it become the fastest-growing Christian movement of the world. At its center stood a thirty-six year old black man, missing an eye.

William Seymour, one of the most influential black men of the twentieth century was born in 1870, the son of ex-slaves. They raised him Baptist. Seymour, however, was deeply influenced by the holiness movement which taught that in addition to salvation, there was a second work of grace -- sanctification. Certain holiness groups insisted that there would be a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit before the rapture (when the church is caught up into heaven).

One of those who was convinced that the Spirit was about to be poured out was Charles F. Parham. He founded a Bible school in Topeka where on the first day of the twentieth century, January 1st, 1901, Agnes Ozman spoke in an unknown tongue (some said it was Chinese). Parham moved on to Houston, Texas, and set up another school. Seymour's pastor arranged for him to attend Parham's classes. Because of the state's segregationist laws, however, Seymour had to listen and take notes from the hallway. Parham taught that in every instance of Holy Spirit filling, God would give the believer the ability to speak in a foreign languages for the purpose of evangelism.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, members of the Second Baptist Church prayed earnestly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. One of their members traveled to Houston in 1906, heard Seymour speak, and invited him to fill an empty pulpit in Los Angeles. Seymour came, described tongues as the evidence of filling with the Holy Spirit -- and found himself locked out of the church. The Holiness Church Association of Southern California condemned his message. Seymour preached from the home of a sympathetic church member. On this day, April 9, 1906, Seymour and some of his listeners spoke in tongues. Such crowds gathered after that that the porch of the house collapsed.

Eventually, Seymour and his followers found an unused sanctuary at 312 Azusa Street. For pews they used planks atop barrels. Crowds gathered. The press jeered. But Seymour held three services a day, seven days a week for three years. White and black alike, men and women of many doctrinal backgrounds, confessed their sins, testified of God's power and spoke in tongues. Some who listened marveled to hear uneducated blacks speak major world languages. Others reported babble. But the Azusa Street Revival, as it came to be called, had an impact that is felt to this day, wherever its participants went.

Parham came and denounced Seymour's work as “spiritual power prostituted.” But Seymour told his audiences, “Don't go out of here talking about tongues; talk about Jesus.”

________

copyright © 2004 by Christian History Institute

In A.D. 172 an enthusiastic young Christian named Montanus gained a reputation as a prophet. He lived in Phrygia (what is now Turkey) and before he was converted he had been a pagan priest. The pagans in that area were famous for their prophecies and ecstasy, or out-of-body spiritual experience. As a Christian, he brought this interest with him.

Two prophetesses, Prisca and Maximilla, left their husbands and joined him. They claimed to be mouthpieces of the Paraclete, the Apostle John's term for the Holy Spirit. God spoke through them in the first person, just like some prophets in the Old Testament. They didn't announce, “God says to you...”, they said, “I say to you....”

Montanus and his friends formed Spirit-led communities. Their prophecies told Christians to relish martyrdom. The group was also very ascetic - they abandoned marriage in favor of celibacy. They emphasized fasting, ate their food dry, and spoke in tongues. Maximilla predicted: “After me there will be no prophecy, but the End.”

The first known synod of bishops excommunicated them. But they were fanatics rather than heretics. Their visions, speaking in tongues and intense religious excitement attracted suspicion. Their prophecies seemed to question the emerging canon. Maximilla's predictions were not fulfilled, and after a few centuries the movement died out.

Acts 1:12–26 — Awaiting the Promise — (outline by F. F. Bruce, NICNT) « Leader information shown in this fashion »

Some parallels that Luke draws between Peter and Paul in the book of Acts

Peter

First sermon 2

Sorceror: Simon Magus 8

Power of His shadow 5

Lame man healed 3

Tabitha raised 9

He is worshipped 10

Laying on of hands 8

Paul

First sermon 13

Sorceror: Elymas 13

Power of His handkerchiefs 19

Lame man healed 14

Eutychus raised 20

He is worshipped 14

Laying on of hands 19

Three themes found in the book of the Acts

1. The prominence of the Divine element in the Christian church

2. The universal application of the gospel

3. The hostility of Judaism

[A]. The Birth of the Church (1:1–5:42)

[1]. The Forty Days and After (1:1–26)

A. Prologue

B. The Apostles’ Commission

C. The Ascension

D. In the Upper Room — Acts 1:12–14 (NKJV): 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

1. 1:12: this continues the history immediately following … « the giving of the great commission and the ascension of Jesus Christ; they now return to the upper room where they were staying which may be the same as where they observed the Passover and/or where He appeared to them on resurrection Sunday (Luke 24:33, 36; John 20:19, 26) »

2. how does this differ from the list of apostles as found in

a. Matthew 10:2–4? « — Lebbaeus Thaddaeus and Simon the Cananaean are named instead of Judas Jame’s son and Simon the Zealot; the order differs »

b. Mark 3:16–18? « — Thaddaeus and Simon the Cananaean are named instead of Judas Jame’s son and Simon the Zealot; the order differs »

c. Luke 6:13–16? « — the names are the same, the order differs »

d. John does not give a complete list, but he does name Peter, Andrew and Nathaniel, among others in his gospel; only Peter, James and John are mentioned further in Acts which belies the common title of Acts of the Apostles

e. how do you explain these differences? « They are different names for the same person, either given to them by others or taken by themselves; eg., Bartholomew just transliterates the Aramaic “son of Talmai” who was probably Nathaniel; also, Cananaean is Hebrew or Aramaic (hanq) for “zealot” »

f. did you notice what is the same in all four lists « — they all begin with the name of Simon or Peter (also, Philip #5 and James son of Alphaeus #9) »

3. what distinctive features do you find in this prayer meeting?

a. prayer was « not an incidental but a continuing exercise »

b. prayer was « communal — in a group rather than simply as private individuals and with agreement by those praying »

c. prominent involvement of « the apostles and of the women; this was the same as during Jesus’ years of ministry »

d. presence of « the brothers of Jesus who had been disbelievers (John 7:5), named James, Joseph, Judas, Simon (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:35); see too 12:17, 15:13–21, 21:18, 1 Corinthians 15:7 (the probably reason for this change), Galatians 1:19 »

e. note that this is the last reference to Mary in New Testament history or in any seriously historical document: what is she doing? « — she is in worship along with Jesus disciples »

E. A Replacement for Judas Iscariot — Acts 1:15–26

1. Peter Begins, Acts 1:15–17 (NKJV): 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

a. in one sense, the name and the person so named are one and the same; this is particularly the case with God Who is represented and revealed by the Names He has taken. « May there here be an intimation of a roll (cf. Rev. 3:4)? »

b. what impelled Peter’s getting up to make this proposal?

(A) though discredited by his denial of Christ « — his being restored by the sea returned him to leadership position »

(B) they had been « — in constant prayer to God, which would have covered Jesus’ words of the last 40 days »

(C) Scripture must be « fulfilled and hence obeyed; note that as Messiah was of David’s line, many of his experiences were understood prophetically as applying to Jesus »

(D) Judas had had « a real place in the years of Christ’s public ministry; even of apparent prominence (”treasurer!”) »

2. Judas’ End, Acts 1:18–19 (NKJV): 18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

a. note that this is not part of Peter’s speech, but included by Luke to explain about Judas’ end to his reader, Theophilus

b. this is not pleasant reading! Compare it to Matthew 27:3–10 — how are the differences to be explained?

(A) respecting the purchase « — Luke ignores the rulers’ part and assigns the act to Judas, for it was his deed that provided the money that paid the price of the field »

(B) respecting Judas’ death « — Luke bypasses the immediate cause of Judas’ death, his suicide by hanging, to depict his ultimate, ghastly end: the results of his being hanged »

3. The Prophecy, Acts 1:20 (NKJV): 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’ (Psalm 69:25); and, ‘Let another take his office.’ (Psalm 109:8)

a. the word “office” is episkopein, “office of oversight” « (which is a direct LXX quotation; the Hebrew means the same but also “his number” as one of a muster or cohort) »

b. Psalm 69:25

(A) original application was « — David’s enemies to be taken away from their possessions »

(B) prophetical « — only dead corpses in this field he bought »

c. Psalm 109:8

(A) original application was « — each of David’s enemies to be deprived of life, position and substance »

(B) prophetical « — another to have Judas’ apostolic office »

4. The Selection, Acts 1:21–26 (NKJV): 21 Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

a. what were to be the qualifications of Judas’ replacement?

(A) must be « — among the first disciples and followed Jesus throughout His ministry »

(B) must have « — witnessed His resurrection »

b. note that Peter does not pronounce the judgment upon Judas, but leaves this with the indeterminate words, “that he might go to his own place.” We do well to emulate this.

c. what place had the lot in the …

(A) … Old Testament (Numbers 26:55, Ezra 2:63, Prov 16:33) « used in the division of the land; Urim & Thummim also considered such; prayed God to overrule the lot »

(B) … New Testament « — never after descent of Holy Spirit »

d. What do you think of this selection? « — Paul should be considered as a totally different kind of apostleship »

Acts 2:1–13 — Reaction to the Promise — (outline by F. F. Bruce, NICNT) — « Leader information shown in this fashion »

[A]. The Birth of the Church (1:1–5:42)

[1]. The Forty Days and After (1:1–26)

[2]. The Day of Pentecost (2:1–47)

A. The Descent of the Spirit — Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV): 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

1. Pentecost (a Greek word meaning “fiftieth”)

a. See Leviticus 23:9–14; what was done on the day after the Sabbath following the Passover « (looking at verses 4–8 you see that this is the Sabbath which constituted the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in which no servile work was to be done) » — what was to be done on this day? « — a wave offering of the first fruits of the harvest was to be made »

b. See Leviticus 23:15–22; what was to be done on the day after the Sabbath falling seven weeks after the above Sabbath? What is the New Testament name of this day? « — a wave loaf offering and other offerings of first fruits were to be made to the Lord. Pentecost is New Testament name. »

c. In the year of our Lord’s death, what happened on the first of the “Sundays” described above? « — God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, that resurrection being the first fruits of those who are God’s people who are dead (1 Corinthians 15:20) »

d. Who gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6, John 6:63, Romans 8:10)? « — the Holy Spirit; if you are unsure as to what “spirit” refers in the first reference, see verses 3, 8, 17–18 of that chapter) »

e. So, in this the second of these two related feasts — related because both involve “first fruits;” both are symbolical of two kinds of first fruit; the first of resurrection from the dead …

2. What were the manifestations of the coming of the Holy Spiri?

a. Aural? « — a sound from heaven as a mighty wind »

(A) how did Jesus describe the Spirit in John 3:5–8 « — He used the metaphor of wind … cf., Isaiah 40:7, Ezekiel 37:9-14

(B) note that the word for Spirit in the Hebrew, ruach (xwr) and in the Greek, pneum. (pneuma) both have as their primary meaning,”breath” and “wind;” cf Genesis 8:1 in the Hebrew and LXX »

b. Visible? « — In the form of tongues as of fire; here we have a visible representation of an invisible essence, the Holy Spirit, just as we likewise find Him in Luke 3:22 “as of a dove” … the TR uses the same word, and other texts the similar wv »

c. Oral? « — they spoke in foreign languages; some have tried to make out that these differed from 1 Corinthians 12–14, as 12:30, but the words “speak” and “tongues” are the same »

d. There is then a tri-fold manifestation of the arrival of the Holy Spirit — what purposes did this fulfil (Mark 16:20, Acts 1:8)?

(A) to « demonstrate the reality of the event to onlookers »

(B) to « confirm the fulfilment of the Promise to the disciples »

3. How do these events tie in with the following verses?

a. Luke 3:16–17 (|| Matthew 3:11)? « — this is Jesus baptizing His own with the Holy Spirit and the symbol of fire & wind »

b. John 14:17? « — the Holy Spirit from this point forward indwells, as well as accompanies, the believer »

c. Acts 1:5? « — this is the baptism of the Holy Spirit »

4. Who orchestrated what was happening (1 Corinthians 12:11)? « — it is the Spirit who gave utterance; He chose who, how, what »

5. What is the baptism absolutely required before someone can be part of the church, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)? « — baptism by the Holy Spirit; not this manifestation nor also Acts 10:46, 19:6, each of which mark distinct revelation of God’s plans »

6. How does the Holy Spirit gives evidence (marks) of His baptism? «

a. He gives visible, audible and testimonial signs in one’s life »

B. The Crowd’s Amazement — Acts 2:5–13 (NKJV): 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound {of languages, verse 4) occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marvelled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

1. What three feasts was every Israelite man to attend each year (Exodus 23:14–17; compare Deuteronomy 16:16 later)

a. The Feast of « Unleavened bread (which included Passover) »

b. The Feast of « Harvest (Weeks, first fruits again, or Pentecost) »

c. The Feast of « Ingathering (or Tabernacles) at year end »

2. Who was at this Feast of Pentecost?

a. those who were « born as Jews »

b. those who were (Exodus 12:48) « proselytes »

c. their character was « devout (literally, “handling well,” and so cautious, circumspect, pious, God-fearing »

d. their reaction was « marvelling; being amazed, confounded »

3. Whence did they come — some instances?

a. Jeremiah 42:14, 43:7 « — Egypt (some to die, some to go into captivity; but Jews continued to resort there in hard times) »

b. 2 Kings 17:6 « — Medes (some of the 10 tribes were resettled there by Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria »

c. Ezra and Nehemiah « — Mesopotamia; my understanding is that only a minority of Jews returned to Palestine »

d. many parts of the Roman world from the border of India all the way to Rome itself

4. How does the reaction of some of those present tie in with Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 14:23? « — without explanation, which Peter is about to give, it would have been detrimental »

5. Was it necessary that the 120 speak in foreign tongues for these visitors (and people who lived in Palestine) to understand them? « — it would not appear so, since they had some language (either Greek or Aramaic or both) whereby they could converse with each other and find out what was happening »

a. so, what did it accomplish

(A) « it got attention »

(B) « it had evidential value »

6. What was the message that was proclaimed (John 16:13–14)? « — the works of God, carried out through Jesus Messiah, including His death and His resurrection … the gospel »

a. what was the source their grace and strength in witnessing?

b. was that a once-for-all or a continuing phenomenon in evangelism (1 Thessalonians 1:5)?

7. Note: that the “though” or “if” that introduces 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NAS): “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” is the “subjunctive if” which is used to provide a condition that is false, improbable or impossible — so one must not conclude that the tongues spoken in Corinth were “heavenly or angelic tongues” — nor can speaking in ecstatic utterances alone be used as a way of identifying Christians: both Paul (1 Corinthians 12:3) and John (1 John 4:2) gave tests that had to be applied.

8. Further discuss how the Holy Spirit marks out Christians today.

Acts 10:23b–48 — “Conversion of the Gentiles” — (outline by F. F. Bruce, NICNT) « Leader information shown in this fashion »

{A.} The Birth of the Church (1:1–5:42)

{B.} Persecution and Expansion (6:1–9:31)

{1.} Stephen (6:1–8:1a)

{2.} Philip (8:1b–40)

{3.} Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (9:1–31)

{C.} The Acts of Peter and Beginnings of Gentile Christianity, 9:32-12:25

{1.} Peter in West Judaea (9:32-43)

A. Peter at Lydda: the Healing of Aeneas (9:32–35)

B. Peter at Joppa: the Raising of Dorcas (9:36–43)

{2.} The Story of Cornelius (10:1–48)

A. Cornelius the Centurion Sees a Vision (10:1–8)

B. Peter, the Apostle, Sees a Vision (10:9–16)

C. The Two Visions are Connected (10:17–23a)

1. Peter’s Perplexity (10:17a)

2. The Messengers from Cornelius Arrive at Joppa (10:17b–21)

3. The Beginning of the Explanation (10:22–23a)

D. Peter Enters the House of Cornelius 10:23b–33

1. Peter and Cornelius Meet; 10;23b–27 (NKJV):

a. 23 {Then he invited them in and lodged them.} On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.

b. How long, roughly, was the trip up the coast from Joppa to Caesarea? « — roughly 40 miles, 65km; about a day and half; so the three messengers would take 3–4 days, both ways »

c. While he waited, in what kind act did Cornelius engage? … why was this kind? « — he started “pre-witnessing” bringing in friends and relatives; his kindness was his eagerness to share his being blessed with others »

d. What do we learn about worship here? « — no man is worthy of worship, even Peter; the worship of saints, even that one to whom was given the keys of the kingdom, is wrong »

2. Peter’s Explanation and Question; 10:28–29 (NKJV):

a. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

b. Why was it necessary for Peter to make this explanation? « — to tell Cornelius, who would know about Jewish practice, that in entering a Gentile’s house, Peter was not committing an impious act, but obeying God; hence Cornelius as a devout man could listen to what Peter had to say with confidence »

c. From the messengers, Peter knew Cornelius’ character, and that an angel had told him to summon Peter so he could hear what Peter had to say; so why Peter’s question? « — (1) for confirmation of the messengers’ report; (2) just where Cornelius stood in his understanding; (3) was the purpose of Cornelius’ summoning physical or spiritual need? »

3. Cornelius’ Explanation and Invitation; 10:30–33 (NKJV):

a. 30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

b. What does Peter confirm or learn from Cornelius’ words?

(A) Cornelius was « — a worshipper of the one true God »

(B) the angel’s coming « — was answering Cornelius prayer and signified God’s acceptance of it »

(C) that the summoning of Peter « — was of divine rather than human instigation, by the specific facts that had been told to Cornelius concerning Peter »

(D) Cornelius shared a trait with Peter « — doing it now! »

c. What marks of courtesy did Cornelius show to Peter?

(A) « his gratitude for Peter’s coming »

(B) « his invitation to Peter to speak »

d. What shows Cornelius (and those with him) are ready for the gospel message? « — recognizing that they stood before God and that Peter’s message was commanded by God »

E. Gentiles Hear the Good News 10:34–43

1. Peter Connects His Message to His Audience; 10:34–37a (NKJV):

a. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ — He is Lord of all — 37 that word you know, …

b. What lesson has Peter learned? « — the gospel message is intended for all nations, for all who will be disposed to listen to it and to receive it; that God’s election of Israel was not solely for their benefit »

c. How was this same truth taught

(A) by God’s dealing with Abraham « — that in Abraham, the promise was that all nations should be blessed »

(B) by Jesus’ words « — in the great commission »

d. See Acts 26:26; what would Cornelius have known? « — the facts of Jesus’ life, works and death; Cornelius’ piety implies his having spent some years in touch with Jewish people »

2. Jesus of Nazareth, His Ministry; 10:37b–39a (NKJV):

a. … which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, …

b. Identify the points Peter makes about Jesus’ ministry

(A) « His ministry was foreshadowed by that of John Baptis » t

(B) « Jesus’ ministry widespread, over Galilee and Judaea »

(C) « Jesus’ ministry ordained by God with the Holy Spirit »

(D) « Jesus’ ministry attended by the miraculous »

(E) « Jesus’s ministry had credible witnesses, including Peter »

3. Christ Jesus, His Redeeming Work; 10:39b–43 (NKJV):

a. … whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

b. What key truths of the Gospel are found in Peter’s words?

(A) Jesus Christ « died a judicial and cursed death »

(B) God « accepted that death as proved by resurrection »

(C) this was a « bodily resurrection »

(D) message is « to be proclaimed to mankind »

(E) Jesus appointed to be « the King-Judge of everyone »

(F) salvation is by « faith in His name and brings forgiveness »

F. Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit 10:44-48 (NKJV)

1. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

2. What did the gift of the Holy Spirit confirm? « — (1) that Cornelius and those with him had saving faith (2) that they were part of the church, even though Gentiles »

3. Why was water baptism performed? « — (1) obedience to Christ’s command; (2) as a public confession of the reality just received »

I remember when I was a little boy living in Arkansas, there was a small rock church on the other side of town. I heard adults whispering about all the things that went on in that church -- people rolling in the aisles, shouting and hollering, speaking in strange languages, and even some rumors that they handled snakes.

Nobody wanted anything to do with that church or the people that attended. As a result, it seems that some people built up a resistance to the Holy Spirit.

Christians have almost been afraid of the Holy Spirit for quite some time and have even forgotten that He is still a vital part of the Trinity. We certainly talk about God the Father and God the Son, but we don’t want anyone to think that we’re out on a limb somewhere by going overboard in our beliefs or thoughts about the Holy Spirit. Because we don’t want to be out on that limb, most of us have never even climbed up the tree. We’re so afraid of going overboard that we haven’t even gotten in the boat.

For generations, Christians have missed the blessing of walking completely in the Spirit. As someone once said, “We don’t have to fry in fanaticism or freeze in formalism,” but we can certainly walk in the Spirit. And that’s not at all excessive.

Jesus Christ was the most Spirit-filled individual who ever walked the face of this earth -- yet He was gentle in His nature. He was not out of control, but rather under control. The Spirit-filled life will put you under control and make you more like Jesus Christ.

Certainly we want to be careful about any movement that has the Holy Spirit as the figurehead, because the purpose of the Holy Spirit is not to call attention to Himself. Instead, He always points people toward Jesus and makes them more like Him.

Instruction on living the Spirit-filled life is found all throughout Scripture. Ephesians 5:17-18 says, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit....”

God has promised a wonderful, abundant and victorious life for every Christian. The answer for this kind of life is not education, activity, emotionalism, legalism or ritualism. Instead, it is walking in the Spirit of God. Understand it. This isn’t just for the preachers, missionaries or full-time Christian workers. It is your right and privilege as a child of God.

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? It means to possess the Spirit personally. The Holy Spirit is not an “it.” I’ve even heard people refer to the Spirit as some kind of influence or power. The Holy Spirit is a person. Don’t forget that.

Jesus said in John 14:16, “I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide in you forever.”

We are to yield to the Holy Spirit completely by submitting ourselves to His work within us. We don’t need more of the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit needs more of us. We need to give our lives and abandon ourselves to Him so that the Spirit of God can take priority in our lives.

Finally, we are to walk in the Spirit daily. This means the Spirit of God will control us continually. Get up every day and say, “Lord, I yield myself to You this day. Think through me. Live through me. Minister through me. Make me like You, Lord.”

The problem with us is that we often “leak” because of our disobedience and departure from God’s will, so we must seek to be filled with the Spirit every day. You can be filled with the Spirit if you desire Him, yield yourself to Him, and believe and receive Him by faith.

The Scripture says that “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And we know that if He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we’ve asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

Is it God’s will that we be Spirit-filled? Absolutely! When we pray, we are assured that He will hear us and will grant our petitions. The Spirit-filled life will empower us to be the kind of parent, neighbor, friend and witness for Jesus that we want to be. Isn’t it about time we stopped trying to live the Christian life on our own and started trusting and walking in the flow of the Spirit of God?

*

The president of the Pennsylvania Railway, was making a quiet tour over one of the branches of the system, and wandered into an out-of-the-way switch-yard, where something one of the yard men was doing did not meet with his approbation. He made some suggestions to the man, who asked: "Who are you that's trying to teach me my business?" "I am an officer of the road," replied the president. "Let's see your switch-key, then," said the man, suspiciously. Mr. Cassatt pulled from his hip-pocket his key-ring, to which was attached the switch-key, which no railroad man in service is ever without. It was sufficient proof for the switchman, who then did as he was told. This story suggests a great spiritual lesson. If you are going to have any real leadership in dealing with the souls of men, they must see in your conversation, in the tone of your character, in the spirit of your life, that you possess the "switch-key" of the Holy Spirit.

When Nansen started on his Arctic Expedition he took with him a carrier pigeon, strong and fleet of wing; and after two years-two years in the desolation of the Arctic regions-he one day wrote a tiny little message and tied it under the pigeon's wing, and let it loose to travel two thousand miles to Norway; and oh! what miles! What desolation-not a living creature! Ice, ice, ice, snow, and death. But he took the trembling little bird and flung her up from the ship, up into the icy cold. Three circles she made, and then, straight as an arrow she shot south; one thousand miles over ice, one thousand miles over the frozen wastes of ocean, and at last dropped into the lap of the explorer's wife. She knew, by the arrival of the bird, that it was all right in the dark night of the North. So with the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Heavenly Dove, the disciples knew that Christ was alive, for his coming and his manifest working were proofs of it.

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3)

A famous and beloved university professor, in referring to an experiment in electromagnetism which he performed every year for his class, said that he never repeated the experiment without the increasing sense of the mysterious powers about and above him.

The experiment was this: On an oak table was placed a pile of horseshoe nails. In one corner of the room was a powerful dynamo. When the electric current was turned on and the poles of the battery were brought up under the table, although they did not touch the nails themselves, immediately there was constituted around them a field of magnetic force. So long as this field of force was maintained the loose horseshoe nails could be built up in various forms, such as a cube, a sphere, or an arch. So long as the current was on, the nails would stay in exactly the form placed, as if they had been soldered together. But the second the current was cut off, the nails would fall into a shapeless mass.

What that field of magnetic force was to those nails, the Holy Spirit is to all believers. By His power we are held together in a bond of love, a bond that is broken when we grieve and quench the Holy Spirit by our self-willed actions. Let us endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Romans 8:13).

The absolute necessity of the indwelling Spirit of God is demonstrated by the forester. Whitewashing and spraying never reaches some parasites attacking the tree, so the forester bores into the very heart of the tree, and introduces chemical solutions which mingle with the sap and circulate through every branch and leaf. Thus is the old tree rendered absolutely safe from its foes.

Is this not exactly the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers-to so indwell them as to render them safe from their foes? His ministry is very much like that of the antiseptic. To be effective the antiseptic must come in direct contact with the putrefaction in the flesh. Just so the Holy Spirit must be permitted direct access to the innermost secret sins of the believer if there is to be real spiritual blessing.