The World is Watching

Pericope: Acts 2: 1-12 - When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[g] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[h] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Sermon Text: Acts 2: 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

Sermon Title: The Whole World is Watching

Point 1:  There was an Event over 2,000 years ago– vs. `1 When the day of Pentecost came…

Point 2:  Encounter – vs. 2-3 - 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

What they experienced was an encounter that theologians still grapple with today.  The most conservative theologians do not deny this event.  It needs no deep and profound explanation.  Let me read the Philips translation to help you.  1-4 Then when the actual day of Pentecost came they were all assembled together. Suddenly there was a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were seated. Before their eyes appeared tongues like flames which separated off and settled above the head of each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them power to proclaim his message.

2 Cor. 12:2-4 - I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

Everyone should strive to have an encounter with God. I’m not talking about your daily devotion.  I am talking about an encounter that is borne out of:

a) Pain

b) Problem

c) Prayer

d) Posture

Point 3: The language and encounter was/is inclusive of Everyone – vs. 5-6 - 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

Diversity – 1:14; 2: 9-11 - 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[h] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (America is still afraid of diversity and differences.  Many want to kill anything and anybody that has a different opinion, political party or color of skin

2) Language vs. 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”  – the wonders of God in our own tongues God was comforting them with a new message but it took the Holy Spirit to have the new message of hope.  Church we have the message of hope not the world.

3) New Authority – vs. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.– Peter said this day was revolutionary because it was a shift in the status of power.  Servants – women would now be positions of authority.

There will be push back but we have to push forward.  vs. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy

Life Application/Conclusion