Sermon Central
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Ye Shall Receive Power Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Nov 20, 2018 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish that Jesus’ promise to them, that: “ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. Luke wrote an exhaustive narrative of the fulfillment of this event; which none can dispute, with any success.
INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Joel’s Prophecy: “I will pour out of my Spirit”
2. John’s Prediction: “Ye shall be baptized”
3. Jesus’ Promise: “Ye shall receive power”
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “Ye shall receive power.” This lesson will address the “who” it was, that Jesus made this promise. After 2000 years have passed, many today are still claiming; that they have “received power,” as a result of the “Holy Ghost” baptism. We will look into the prophecy of this baptism; consider John the Baptist’s prediction of it; and finally explore the promise Jesus made: “That ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you.”
2. First, we will consider Joel’s prophecy, regarding the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh.” He wrote: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy,” Joel 2:28-29. Joel and others prophesied of this event, and the “pouring out” of the Holy Spirit, upon all flesh. We will answer the questions set forth by those claiming this prophecy is yet being fulfilled.
3. Second, we will discuss the prediction of John the Baptist regarding this great event. Matthew wrote of John’s preaching: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” Matthew 3:11. John does not identify the recipients of these baptisms. He mentions there will be two baptisms: one of the “Holy Ghost;” and the other of “fire.” Most of you in this audience, completely understand his declaration. This lesson is not for you; but, for those who may still believe the Holy Ghost baptism, is possible or even necessary today. It is for these loving people, we now labor to correctly inform them regarding these baptisms.
4. Lastly, we will investigate the promise of Jesus unto the apostles regarding John’s baptism of water, and their baptism with the Holy Ghost, Acts 1:4-5. He informs them that: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:8. This promise was fulfilled on the first Pentecost, after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, Acts 1:10-11. It was on that day the Holy Ghost filled and empowered these men; to do the work that He sends them forth to complete. We will establish that only the 12 apostles; had received this “power” and the “baptism of the Holy Ghost,” on that day. Neither the 120 disciples; the multitude; or anyone else, on that day were the recipients of the “Holy Ghost” baptism. We will allow the scriptures to speak to the errors, of those claiming otherwise. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I JOEL’S PROPHECY: “I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT”
A. I will begin by thanking you for this opportunity to speak today regarding this important subject. I know that most of you do not need an explanation of this vital topic. But, for those who might be visiting; or your friends or relatives that could have questions about this subject; I ask for your indulgence and patience this morning. Please turn with me to Joel 2:28-29; and read along as we introduce the text of emphasis, for this lesson. Are all your eyes there?
B. Joel wrote: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy,” Joel 2:28-29. Notice:
1. First, he establishes a time frame for this “pouring out of the Spirit upon all flesh.” It would be “afterward.” Other translations, “it shall be in the last days.” Peter affirms that on the Day of Pentecost, this prophecy was fulfilled.
2. Peter declares after confronting the multitude's accusations of drunkenness: “For these are not drunk, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; it shall come to past in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh,” Acts 2:14-18.
