What is that Sound from Heaven
The Day of Pentecost was about the power the Holy Ghost would give the believer to be a powerful witness. The greatest challenge of Pentecost was for the church to use its power and not remain in the upper room speaking in tongues.
Why did God do this? For one, Pentecost was a reversal of the judgment at the Tower of Babel when God confused man’s language (Gen. 11:1-9). God’s judgment at Babel scattered the people, but God’s blessing at Pentecost united the believers in the Spirit. The Tower of Babel was a scheme designed to praise men and make a name for men, but Pentecost brought praise to God. The building of Babel was an act of rebellion, but Pentecost was a ministry of humble submission to God. What a contrast!
Also this gift of tongues was to let the people know that the Gospel was for the whole world. God wants to speak to every person in his or her own language and give the saving message of salvation in Jesus Christ.
The emphasis in the Book of Acts is on worldwide evangelization; “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). “The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions,” said Henry Martyn, “and the nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we must become.”
What did the sound from heaven bring? And how would it combat the forces of the enemy?
I. A unity Satan could not divide;
What keeps the devil defenseless?
a. Christians praying for each other
b. Building each others faith
c. Working together in harmony
d. A good steward of time, talent and money
e. Resisting gossip and division
f. Exalting Christ everywhere they went.
2. A tongue he couldn’t understand:
With all of his knowledge, he could not understand the prayer language that God gave his servants.
3. A fire he couldn’t put out:
A zeal to worship, to tell, share and work for God despite persecution. In fact persecution intensified the fire. Acts 8:4 says as the church was scattered and they preached the gospel everywhere they went.
4. A power he couldn’t handle.
Power for effective ministry, testify, deliver, heal and live above sin. In Acts 4:7 the religious leaders asked “by what power or by what name have you done this?” Verse 13 says they marveled when they looked at Peter and John because they perceived they were unlearned and ignorant.
5. A revival he couldn’t stop
People’s hearts were stirred and changed and they loved it and shared it. What holding you back from having revival? Acts 8:6 there were miracles, deliverances, healings and great joy in the city.
6. Results he couldn’t change:
Life changing results, signs followed them to work, school and the Market place. The lame man healed as recorded in Acts 3:9-11 was living proof it was staring them in the eye. The people saw him walking and praising God and they knew it was him who sat for alms and they were filled with wonder and amazement.
7. Evidence he couldn’t deny:
a. A new love for scripture
b. A new awareness of right and wrong
c. A desire to be like Jesus Christ
d. Social pressures from those convicted by their changed lives.
e. A desire to proclaim Christ to others.
f. A love for one another
All of these things we need;
1. Unity he can’t divide.
2. Tongue he can’t understand
3. Fire he can’t control
4. Power he can’t handle
5. Revival he can’t stop
6. Results he can’t change
7. Evidence he cannot deny.
It is the workings of the Holy Spirit who accomplished these things through the Church. Are these signs evident today?
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2 comments:
Great word from a great Pastor!
Great thoughts Pastor Jim. Unfortunately in today's Pentecostal churchs these signs are becoming less evident as the church trys to become more like the world instead of more like the church. Most pentecostal affiliations (Assemblies, church of Gods, etc) are even eliminating thier identity by changing their names so as not to "offend" people who are not used to these signs. How will one who is seeking such signs know that a church might have them if we don't even want to identify with them in our own pentecostal bodies?
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