August 11, 2024, Acts 2:1-18 (Live, No Music)

Acts 2:1-8, 11-13, Jesus told His followers that the Holy Spirit would empower them for a specific mission, which would change this world forever. The same Holy Spirit is present today.

Acts 2:2-3, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of wind and fire (as opposed to a dove); wind- symbol of regeneration (Ezekiel 37, valley of dry bones); fire- symbol of the presence of God (e.g. fire in the bush, pillar of fire by night)

Old Testament, customs of the old covenant described (e.g. Leviticus), such as sacrifices for God and the priesthood
New Testament, the new covenant described through Christ, such as the direct relationship to God through Christ

Acts 2:3, the tongues of fire settled on a whole variety of people (not just a select few), and the Spirit gave them boldness to speak of God and glorify Him

Acts 2:13, the mocking bystanders compared God's people to drunken people

Acts 2:14-15, then Peter stood up in defense and dismissed the accusation

Acts 2:16-18, God's people were indeed under influence, but under the influence of God and His word, and not alcohol. There was more God influence present than the individual's own influence.

Acts 1:8, the primary mission, which did not change even to this day, was to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ to the rest of the world. The power to proclaim God was given through the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8, 'you will be my witnesses'

Acts 2:7-12, God enabled people to break through language barriers, economic barriers, and cultural barriers

Galatians 3:28, all one in Christ- not constrained by bloodline (the flesh) or country of origin

1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul confessed that he became all things (not sinful things) to gain as much people as possible over to Christ

Colossians 3:11, Christ is not constrained by the flesh- Jew, Greek, circumcised or not, free or not. Christ can come to all.

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