Sermon Central
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How Much Of God Do You Want? Series
Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Aug 1, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: Oh there a lot of people that have been around it and even marveled at it just like I did. * they’ve sensed it! * they’ve smelled it! * they’ve felt it! * they’ve seen it in action! But they’ve never tasted it, experienced it a
The Holy Spirit (part one)
How much? Of God? Do you want?
Acts 2:1-8, 12-18 NKJ.
1. When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The Bible tells us, that they had waited and prayed just like the Lord had instructed them.
How many think that, that would have been a challenge?
Can you imagine? For 50 days, praying and waiting for what was going to happen,
not really knowing what was going to happen, but knowing if it was from God, it would be well worth the wait!
When it finally did happen, it was so magnificent and almost indescribable all at the same time.
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting, And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance..”
What an awesome display of the power of God it was then, and still is today.
It gave the ones who were there that day, the power to do the impossible! That's what it does for everyone!
The Holy Spirit gave them the advantage they needed, to fulfill the “great commission”
I imagine some of them were thinking, go into all the world and preach and teach everything about Jesus?, huh?
How in the world, are we going to be able to do that?
Although, I do remember hearing Him say; he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
What happened on the day of Pentecost, was only made possible by the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit!
3,000 souls were added to the church that day, it was nothing short of amazing!
And the same gift of the Holy Spirit, that they received that day, is still available to all who are willing to seek it today.
God is not a respecter of persons, what He freely gave to the 120, He still gives to all who will ask, still some 2,000 yrs. later,
Now some will tell you, that it was for then and for that time, but not for today.
That’s not what the word says, TBS. in,
Acts 2:38-39 MSG.
38-39. Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away— whomever, in fact, our Master God invites."
whomever, in fact, our Master God invites." I don’t think it gets anymore open ended than that, do you?
Thank God, for His inclusiveness to use the word “whomever”, because that invitation was for you and me! Amen?
If we read on into the book of Acts, (and by the way), do you know why its called the book of Acts?
Because it records the acts of the apostles after they received the Gift and infilling of the Holy Spirit!
I like the story of Cornelius that we find in Acts 10:1-6 NKJ
1. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
2. a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
3. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
4. And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”
So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
5. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.
6. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”
Cornelius, was no doubt a religious man who feared God, gave alms to those in need, and prayed regularly to God.
It was probably known around the area, that he was a good and honest man who loved God and had great influence.
The way he lived his life, was his testimony, he was a devout man.
