Is This That ?

Pastor Adron Wheat

Part One

Text: Acts 2:14 - 21

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Introduction: For a long time the question has been on my mind; "Is what we are seeing today the same power of the Holy Ghost that was present in the early church ? " Is This That ? Much of what I see today is simply "hype" and catchy phrases used by the world to attract people. I get mail advertising Conferences and Seminars using words like; Evangelism Explosion! Gigantic! Awsome! Extravaganza! Earth Shaking Experiences! I recently noticed one church in our city advertising it's services as Mega Worship, whatever that may be.

There is just one problem. I haven't seen anything I would honestly clasify as Gigantic, or Awsome. I haven't heard or felt anything I would call Explosive or Earth Shaking. What I have seen is a lot of pumped up, hyped up, demonstrations of the flesh. I haven't seen the Dunamus, (Dynamite) Power of Pentecost that changed lives, and gave Believers Boldness to stand up and be a Witness for Jesus Christ. Is This That ? I believe not.

We Need To Examine What "That" Was: Look At The Setting Of This Scripture

(1) Jerusalem Was Filled With People Observing The Feast of Pentecost

(A) Jerusalem was filled with tension and unrest from recent events

(B) The Passover was fresh on their minds,Crucifiction, Darkness, Earthquake

(C) The Vail in the Temple lay torn in shreds, exposing the Most Holy Place.

(D) Rumors of a Resurrection were common, religious leaders denying .

(E) Reports of graves being opened, Old Testament Saints walking the streets

While confusion filled Jerusalem, a small band of Believers were praying and conducting business of the Church, UNTIL THE TIME WAS FULLY COME !

(2) The Day of Pentecost Was Fully Come, ( 50 days after Passover) It Happened !

(A) God's schedule and "timing" is everything. It was the "fullness of time" that God sent his Son.

(B) We emphasize "Them" being in "One Accord" and in one "Place", as being the "Key" to receiving the Holy Ghost. But the most important thing was "God's Time"!

(C) Every great Movement, Revival, did not come because people "deserved" it. It came because it was God's Timing !

(3) What Was "That" Which Came And Filled Believers At Pentecost ?

(A) There came a "Sound from Heaven" that was like a "Mighty Rushing Wind" that filled the house where they were "Sitting."

(B) There appeared "Cloven Tongues" ( Gr. to partition, distribution, apportion, or bestow) like as of fire.

(C) They were "all" filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with "Other Tongues" as the "Spirit" gave them utterance. Note: "They" were the ones speaking, but it was the Holy Ghost that uttered (enunciated) what was spoken.

Is "This" That, When People Speak At Will ? Is It The Holy Spirit or Human Spirit?

(4) What Happened "After" They Were Filled? (Remember the special setting and timing of the Spirit)

(A) Jerusalen was filled with Devout Men of every nation. News of this strange happening brought them out to see. I Corinthians14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

(B) People from at least 17 nationalities heard these Galileans speak in their own dialect.

(C) What did they hear ? The message was:"The Wonderful Works of God "

(5) Is This That ? When People Live Loose, Prayerless, Undedicated Lives are "Filled" With The Spirit? NO! Who Was It The Holy Ghost Filled With Power?

(A) He did not descend on Herods Worship Center Temple filled with those who crucified Christ.

(B) He did not descend on the closed minds of the Pharasee and Saducee.

(C) He did not fill the ritualistic Rabbi's, pompous Priest, sanctimonious Scribes! He "Filled" a humble group of Galileans whose only ambition was to follow Jesus.

* Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

(6) Is This That ? When So Called Holy Ghost Filled People Are Too Embarrased To Witness? People who are are "Intimidated, Petty, Unstable ? NO, This Is Not That !

What Did The Real Holy Ghost Do For The People At Pentecost ?

(A) Peter, who followed "afar off" , cursing, denying Jesus, now "Stood Up"!

(B) The Holy Ghost gave them "Power" to do what they were "afraid and unable" to do in the past !

(C) It was this demonstration of Divine Power that "attracted" the multitude, not their advertisement to "come and see".

(7) They Lived In A World Very Hostile To Their Faith, It Was Not A Time To Talk About Jesus Publicly. They Needed Something To Bring Attention To The Gospel !

(A) They did not announce; "A Holy Ghost Explosion, or an "Earth Shaking Revival'!

(B) I'm sick of Promotions that never happen, Miracles advertised that never take place!

The Miracles, Demonstration of Power, Come From God !

They Come "On Time" and When Needed !

People Need To Quit Chasing "Signs" and Pray To Be Filled With The Holy Ghost and Power !

** Mark 16:16 - 20 He that believeth ( Trust in) and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up ( Gr. Airo: Remove) serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

(C) Whatever "This" Is Today, Is Not The Pentecost Power That Effected The World Then !

We Need To Discard "This" and Pray For "That" Which Gave Boldness To Witness To A Lost, Christ Hating World.

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