“Celebrate” Acts 2:1-47 May 31, 2009

I. We celebrate the birth of the church. Phenomenal events occurred on the day of Pentecost. – Sound like the blowing of a mighty wind – Separated tongues of fire – Filling with the Holy Spirit – Enabled to speak in other tongues People heard them speak in their native language People were amazed and perplexed

I. We celebrate the birth of the church. The church was birthed supernaturally. – Jesus said that He would build His church. “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” -- Matthew 16:18 – The church’s existence is not by man’s volition.

II. We celebrate the purpose of the church. The purpose of the church is to communicate the “Good News.” – Peter’s sermon proclaimed Jesus Christ. – He challenged them to repent and be baptized. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

II. We celebrate the purpose of the church. The purpose of the church is to fulfill the Great Commission. – Those who accepted the message were baptized. – About 3,000 were added to the church’s number on the day of Pentecost.

III. We celebrate the goal of the church. The goal of the church is to be a unique fellowship of believers. – By example, the early church was devoted: To the apostles’ teaching To fellowship To the breaking of bread To prayer

III. We celebrate the goal of the church. The goal of the church is to be a unique fellowship of believers. – By example, the early church was devoted: – The early church was characterized by being together. They held all things in common and helped those in need. They met together

III. We celebrate the goal of the church. The goal of the church is to be a different culture. – Too often we want to “blend in” to the culture rather than change it. – To be effective, we need to counter the culture where we are.