Acts: The Journey of the Early Church The Journey Begins with Fire (Part 2) Acts 2:1-13

Acts: The Journey of the Early Church The Journey Begins with Fire (Part 2) Acts 2:1-13

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Acts 2:1-3

4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. 5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Acts 2:4-6

7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Acts 2:7-10

11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own languages the magnificent acts of God.” 12 And they were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re full of new wine!” Acts 2:11-13

The fire of change came down (2-4) Function of the Holy Spirit changed. The believers were changed. Languages were changed. – The Pentecost experience involves intelligible communication to those in the Jewish crowd. – The believers began to speak. – The presence of the Holy Spirit changes people into witnesses.

The fire compelled people to speak of the magnificent acts of God. (5-11) The Spirit drew multitudes together. The Spirit allowed everyone to hear in their own language. The work of the Spirit amazed all those in the crowd. The Spirit compelled the believers to speak of “the magnificent acts of God.”

The most magnificent act of God is a changed life. Forgiveness – We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God’s forgiveness. – In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses…(Ephesians 1:7)

The most magnificent act of God is a changed life. Forgiveness Available – Forgiveness is available for all—John 3:16. – Available but not automatic.—Matthew 7:21.

The most magnificent act of God is a changed life. Forgiveness Available Impossible – It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. – Man is sinful – Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The most magnificent act of God is a changed life. Forgiveness Available Impossible Turn – Turn means to repent. – Turn from something – Turn to someone – Jesus Christ

The most magnificent act of God is a changed life. Forgiveness Available Impossible Turn Heaven – Here – John 10:10 – Hereafter – John 14:3

There will be varied reactions to the change. (12-13) Many will be astounded. Some will sneer.