ACTS 2
7 Outlines
Acts 2 etc.
THE WAY WE WERE
Do you ever wish that we
could "turn back the clock" and live "the way we were" or
the way we used to be? Perhaps we could
go back to the days of hard work, decency, and integrity. Perhaps we could go
back to the days when more marriages lasted a life time and when families often
lived close by and took care of their own.
It would be nice if the
Christian Church could turn back the clock and return to the way we were at the
beginning of Christianity. Perhaps we
can't turn back the clock for Christianity in general, but individual churches
can practice being more like the church found in the Book of Acts.
WE WERE STEADFAST - Acts
To be steadfast is to be
stubborn in a good way. To be steadfast is to
consistent and not to quit, not to let down and not to stop. The early church
was steadfast in doctrine (teaching), fellowship, breaking of bread, and
prayers.
WE WERE STIRRED UP -
Acts 8:1-4
Matthew 28:19-20, Mark
The early church had not
yet begun to carry it out.
When persecution began
the church scattered. As they fled, they were so excited or stirred up about
their newfound faith, that they shared it with others. They were enthused about
salvation and burdened that others would come to Christ.
WE WERE SHEPHERDED
There were Godly leaders
who shepherded the church (1 Peter 5:1-4).
Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias
and Sapphira were disciplined through Peter.
Acts 6:1-8 - Deacons
were selected to solve a dispute.
Acts 13:1-3 -
Missionaries were sent.
Acts 15:1-24 - Godly
shepherding by James resolved another dispute.
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Acts 2:1-13
THE SPIRIT ARRIVES
The church was
"born" on the Day of Pentecost. It was also the day that the Holy
Spirit baptized and took up residence within the believers.
In chapter 1 of Acts our
Lord gave His final commands to His disciples.
They were to wait in
THE DAY Vs. 1
The day of this event
was a Jewish holy day called Pentecost.
The feasts of the Old
Testament are pictures of the work of Christ.
Passover was a picture
of his death.
The feast of Firstfruits, held the day after the first Sabbath after
Passover, was a picture of His resurrection.
At Pentecost the Jews
celebrated the giving of the law.
At Pentecost the church
was given the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost took place 50
days after the feast of first fruits.
That is, 7 weeks and one
day.
The day was Pentecost,
and the disciples were being obedient.
They were waiting in
They were in one accord
and in one place.
This early church was
unified around the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is certainly a
lesson that the 20th century church needs to learn.
THE DISPLAY Vss. 2-3
The Holy Spirit had been
with the disciples, but on the Day of Pentecost, He began to indwell the
disciples. John 14:16-17
When God sent the Holy
Spirit to indwell the church, he sent signs.
There was a display so
that the disciples would know that the promise of the Spirit had come.
Vs. 2 - There wasn't a
wind. There was the sound of a mighty rushing wind. I wonder if it sounded like
a hurricane.
The word
"spirit" is the same as "wind" in both Hebrew and Greek.
John 3:8 - "THE
WIND BLOWETH WHERE IT LISTETH,
AND THOU HEAREST THE SOUND THEREOF, BUT CANST NOT
TELL WHENCE IT COMETH, AND WHITHER IT GOETH: SO IS EVERY ONE THAT IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT."
We can hear wind. We can
feel wind. We can see the results of the wind. But we don't see the wind, and
we can't control the wind.
We can hear the Spirit,
as He speaks to us. We can feel the Spirit.
We can see the results
of the Spirit's work. But we don't see the Spirit, and we can't control the
Spirit.
Vs. 3 - The next sign
was that of fire.
Fire burns away that
which is useless. Fire purifies. Fire warms. Fire is powerful. Fire can usually
be seen.
The Holy Spirit burns
away that which is useless. The Holy Spirit purifies us. The Holy Spirit warms
us. The Holy Spirit is powerful. Fire can be seen. Perhaps the fire was
symbolic of the witness that the believers would have through the Holy Spirit
THE DETAILS Vs. 4
This verse tells us what
happened to the disciples. Here are the details.
It does not say that
they were baptized, but obviously they were.
This was the promise of
John, that Jesus would baptize them. Matthew 3:11
Jesus had also promised
it. Acts 1:5.
Today every believer is
baptized with the Holy Spirit at conversion. 1 Corinthians 12:13
Not only were the
believers baptized with the Holy Spirit, but they were filled with the Spirit..
We are all to be filled
with the Holy Spirit today. "There is one baptism but many fillings."
Ephesians 5:18
The disciples began to
speak with other tongues, languages. It was as the Spirit gave utterance.
Speaking in tongues, was totally under the control of
the Spirit of God.
THE DEMONSTRATION Vss.
5-11
Vs. 5 - There were
various groups of devout in
Vs. 6 - When they heard
the sound of the mighty rushing wind, they came to investigate. Every man heard
him in his own language. Tongues were known languages. The listeners understood
the speakers.
THE DIVISION Vss. 12-13
It was obvious that Galilaeans were speaking. They were generally considered
unlearned.
People wondered what was
going on. Others doubted and mocked accusing them of being drunk.
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Acts 2:1-13
PENTECOST
THE PLACE OF PENTECOST -
Vs. 1
They were in one accord
in one place.
THE POWER OF PENTECOST -
Vss. 2-3
THE PRESENCE OF
PENTECOST - Vs. 4
The presence was that of
the Holy Spirit. He caused the disciples to speak in other languages.
THE PERPLEXITY OF
PENTECOST - Vss. 5-13
Everyone heard the
disciples speak "the wonderful works of God" in their own languages.
Many were confused, some
mocked, saying the disciples were drunk.
THE PROMISE OF PENTECOST
- Acts 1:8
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Acts 2:14-36
PETER SPEAKS OUT
On the Day of Pentecost Peter, who once denied his
Lord, speaks out in the power of the Holy Spirit. His message may be summarized in this way:
THE PROCLAMATION OF PROPHECY – Vss. 14-21
THE PASSION AND POWER OF JESUS – Vss. 22-24
THE PREDICTION OF DAVID – Vss. 25-31
THE PREEMINENCE OF JESUS
– Vss. 32-36
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Acts 2:37-47
A
I think that it
would be great for us to be a model church, one where others would look at us
and say, “Now that’s the kind of church I want ours to be!”
If we are going to
be a model church, we need a model to follow. That model is found in Acts 2,
where we find a description of how things were in the early church. Here we see the church in
Allow me to remind
you of something, as we examine this church.
The church consists of people. It is what we do as individuals that will
determine what we are like as a church.
Therefore it is
important that you and I as individuals follow the example of the model church.
BY WAY OF
BACKGROUND
Our Lord Jesus
Christ had died for our sins, the just for the unjust. He was crucified. He had
been buried. He rose again, and appeared to the Apostles, and others.
Before ascending
into heaven, the Lord told His followers to remain In
The Baptism of the
Holy Spirit did take place on the Day of Pentecost. These men were able to
speak in understandable languages.
In Acts 2:14-36,
Peter gave a Spirit-filled sermon, explaining what happened. The sermon included the fact that Jesus
Christ was the Messiah, and that He had been crucified by them. At the end of
this very powerful message, we find the first ingredient of a mighty church.
ONE FAITH Vss.
37-41
The early church
had one simple faith that was necessary for any person to be truly considered a
part of that local church. A person
needed to be saved, or born-again. And
in those days, a person who trusted Christ was baptized immediately.
Vs. 37 - Notice there is
conviction here. The words pricked in the
heart mean "sharp pain associated with anxiety and remorse."
When a person is
"born again", or saved, or the process begins with a conviction that
there is something wrong.
He or she is
convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit of God.
He or she is
convicted that what or who they had trusted for salvation is inadequate, just
not working.
In this case,
those who heard Peter's message would have been convicted, that they, as a
nation, had rejected and crucified their Messiah! Among these people were many self-righteous
Jews, who were trusting the Law in order to be
saved. They would have been convicted
that the Law does not save. It just shows them how guilty they are. They would
have been convicted that they needed a Savior.
Today, many people
are trusting their good works to save them. But how
many good works does it take to qualify for Heaven?
Some people are
trusting church membership to save them, but church membership never saved
anyone. Neither did Baptism, taking Holy Communion or keeping
the Ten Commandments.
God's Holy Spirit
convicts of sin.
God's Holy Spirit
convicts that the other ways of getting to Heaven, are not ways of getting to
Heaven
God's Holy Spirit
convicts a person that He or she needs something better than they have in order
to have forgiveness and eternal life.
Notice that these
men wanted to know, "What shall we do?"
Vs. 38 - Peter gives a simple answer, "REPENT".
It means to have a
change of heart.
It is to leave
behind, or walk away from your past life of sin and disobedience, and to trust
Jesus Christ as your only way to Heaven. John 3:36
I invite you, if
you haven't already to turn away from everything else as a means of salvation,
and trust Christ alone.
Vs. 38 - Regeneration or being born again produces two things.
The first is
remission of sins. When a person turns to faith in Christ his sins are dealt
with. His sins are forgiven. They are no longer held against him. His slate, so
to speak, is clean. Psalm 32:1
Besides the
remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit is also given to each person who
trusts Christ as Savior.
Since Pentecost,
the baptism of the Holy Spirit has taken place each time a person is born
again.
1 Corinthians
12:13
When a person is
saved, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence. God comes to live inside
of each of us who are saved!
Vs. 38 - Please note that it is repentance, turning to Christ which produces
the remission of sins and the entrance of the Holy Spirit into the life. Many
other verses in Scripture tell us that it is faith alone that saves!
But, there is to
be an outward sign of what has happened inwardly. There is to be a believer's
baptism. These folks were told to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ.
They were doing
this because their sins had been remitted, forgiven. Believer's baptism is a
testimony of one's faith in Christ.
These folks were
told to be baptized. Please note that any time baptism is mentioned in the
Bible that it always takes place after someone has made some sort of
commitment.
It is not
necessary to be baptized to be saved, but it is necessary in order to follow Christ
in total obedience.
Vs. 41 - Those that gladly received the message of Peter were baptized after
they had trusted Christ as Savior.
The model church
has one faith - faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
The testimony of
that faith is believer's baptism.
Are you saved?
Have you been baptized?
ONE FAITH
ONE FAMILY
When a person
becomes a born-again Christian, he or she inherits a new family.
John 1:12 - But as
many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even]
to them that believe on his name:
Vs. 42 - Each one of us who are saved is now part of the family of God. It
means we are all brothers and sisters. There is certain behavior that is to be
practiced in the model church family.
They are shown to us here. I see four qualities which we should practice
in this part of the Family of God.
1. THE FAMILY
CONTINUED.
The church is not
a place to drop in, get saved, and never come back. Someone who is truly
committed to Christ is going to continue.
Notice how they
continued. It was steadfastly.
The word
steadfastly here literally means to be strong towards.
It means to endure
in or persevere in.
When it says that
they were steadfast it means that they were faithful. They could be counted on.
Notice that they
continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine.
The word doctrine
here means "teaching".
The Apostles instructed
the new believers.
It is of extreme
importance that you are taught today, no matter if you are a new believer or an
older one.
Good doctrine
tells you how to live.
Good doctrine
keeps you from blowing it.
Good doctrine
perfects you for the work of service.
Without being
taught and trained from God’s authority, the Bible, you will not mature in the
things of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You will not be a
model Christian.
We will not have a
model church. 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 4:13
Not only did these
early converts continue in doctrine, but in fellowship. The word here means "communion".
Not the Lord's Table, but rather a sharing in common. Here, I believe they are talking about
sharing in their faith. As we share with each other what the Lord is doing in
our lives, and what we are learning from the word of God, we will strengthen
others.
Why do we need
this fellowship?
Once we make a
clear cut decision for Jesus Christ, we are going to experience rejection by
those who don't believe. We will find ourselves to be a minority.
Let us, as family,
have fellowship - Fellowship before and after services - Fellowship in
testimony times - Fellowship in each other's homes - Fellowship at the Dairy
Queen. But fellowship!
Part of fellowship
included "Breaking of Bread".
This probably
included Christians eating together on a regular basis, and the practice of
remembering the Lord's Table sometime during those get-togethers.
The Lord instituted
this memorial so that we would remember Him, and what He has done for us. Don't neglect the participation in the Lord's
Supper.
One last thing in
which they continued was prayers.
Here, it is
referring to public prayers.
There is a place
for public prayer.
There is a place
for private prayer.
We should
participate in both. Acts 4:31
1. THE FAMILY
CONTINUED
2. THE FAMILY
WAS UNITED Vs. 44
This again reminds
us of fellowship.
Here was a group
that spent time with each other.
Here was a group that
got along with each other.
This was probably
a group that didn't let little matters bother them. And when big matters came
up, they resolved them! Philippians 2:1-3
THE FAMILY
CONTINUED
THE FAMILY UNITED
3. THE FAMILY
SHARED Vss. 44-45
This was not communism,
folks.
This was simply
the people of God sharing with each other voluntarily, in order to meet needs.
The communal type
living found here was temporary,
What do we learn
from these verses?
We should be
willing to share with those in need.
We should be
willing to help meet the needs of other Christians. 1 John 3:16-18
When we take meals
to those in need we are sharing.
When take a
special offering for a special project to help someone, we are sharing.
When we contribute
to the Deacons’ benevolent fund we are sharing.
Any time we, as
individuals reach out to help a brother or sister, physically, spiritually, or
emotionally, we are sharing! Galatians 6:10
THE FAMILY
CONTINUED
THE FAMILY UNITED
THE FAMILY SHARED
THE FAMILY
REJOICED Vss. 46-47a
Why did they have
gladness?
· Because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
· Because of the forgiveness of sin and eternal life
· Because they worshipped together
· Because they fellowshipped together
· Because they shared together
· Because they were united
No wonder, they
had gladness.
No wonder they had
singleness of heart.
They were
certainly living out the command of Jesus in John 13:34-35!
They were
certainly carrying out the command of Psalm 100:1
We wonder why
churches today are not places of gladness and praise to God. Each person needs
to ask himself. Am I acting the way I should as a family member?
Am I continuing in
teaching, fellowship, The Lord's Table and prayers with my brothers and
sisters?
Am I united with
my brothers and sisters?
Am I sharing with my
brothers and sisters?
Am I rejoicing
with my brothers and sisters?
ONE FAITH
ONE FAMILY
ONE FORCE - Vs.
47
Notice the
positive testimony that the church had in the community! They were one united force for Christ!
Later the church
would be persecuted.
But early on there
is a positive attitude towards the church!
When the world
sees a church that loves God and loves and cares for its people, there is going
to be a positive reaction. People will want what we have!
And notice who did
the adding to the church.
The conditions
were pleasing to God, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be
saved!
The Lord Jesus
will build His church here, if we are a model church.
To be a model
church, you and I must do our part.
ONE FAITH - Trust in Christ alone, evidenced by baptism.
ONE FAMILY -
THEY CONTINUED
THEY UNITED
THEY SHARED
THEY REJOICED
ONE FORCE
This is an elaboration on a previously shared outline.
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Acts 2:37-47
A
Today there are many
churches that are Spiritually dead. For churches today to be alive it would help
to study the
CONVERSION - Vss. 37-41
Many came to Christ as
Savior.
CONTINUATION - Vs. 42
The converts continued
in:
Doctrine
Fellowship
Breaking of Bread
Prayers
CONDUCT - Vss. 43-47
Here is a list of the
behavior found in that early, living church.
Fear, Vs. 43
Miracles, Vs. 43
Sharing, Vss. 44-45
Gladness - Vs. 46
Unity - Vs. 46
Praise - Vs. 47
Testimony - Vs. 47
Salvation - Vs. 47
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Acts 2:44-47
FAITH AT WORK
THE UNITY OF FAITH -
Vss. 44, 46
THE UNSELFISHNESS OF
FAITH - Vs. 45
THE UTTERANCES OF FAITH
- Vs. 47 - They praised God.
THE UNIQUENESS OF FAITH
- Vs. 47 - They had favor with all people. The Lord added to the church daily.