Jesus coached His disciples regarding the coming of the Holy
Spirit: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor
to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him,
because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives
with you and will be in you” (John 14:15).
Before he ascended back to heaven, Jesus also instructed His disciples, “Do
not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have
heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you
will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5).
Following the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost
(Acts 2:1-4), and Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:14-41), Luke describes the early
results he observed in the young church. Changed priorities, unity, and material
generosity are among the qualitative differences.
These impressive beginnings flavored the ongoing expansion of
the church. The quality of their lives affected the quality of their impact.
Luke concludes, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were
being saved” (Acts 2:47).
A closer look at this scripture presses the question: Is there
a gap between where the early church was and where we are today? There seems
to be the continual threat of apathy, complacency, and stagnation in many
churches.
The scripture provides evidence of the Holy Spirit’s activity and gives
us a gauge by which we can measure local church health these days.
The in-filling by the Holy Spirit made an immediate and noticeable
difference in the lives of these early Christians. The Spirit’s influence
is seen in their relationship to God, to each other, and to the outside world.
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachermagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)
This message can be positioned as a mutual discovery on the
part of both preacher and listener, rather than an abrasive, accusing confrontation.
Verse by verse comparisons from the scripture to contemporary church life
are helpful.
A tender hearted, transparent examination can lead the hearer
to a non-threatened, receptive response: “Search me, O God, and know
my heart” (Psalm 134:23).
Searching together an inch at a time through these verses can
reveal opportunities for improvement. There is a major benefit in concluding
the message with a cordial invitation for folks to come forward to pray about
specific issues that the Holy Spirit has made them aware of. An approach of
“we all have room to grow” and “let’s all take advantage
of this opportunity to walk in new light and cooperate with the Spirit’s
leading” will be beneficial.
