You Have the Power - HOLY SPIRIT - Acts 2 - April 30, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – You Have the Power – April 30, 2006

This is lesson four (4) in our series of study “You Can Be a Witness” and studies the HOLY SPIRIT.

This has been an exciting journey through the scriptures.

Our background scripture is Acts 2:1-47.

Our focus scripture is Acts 2:1-4, 22-24, 32-33, 36-41.

The manifestation of the HOLY SPIRIT is a much discussed subject in some churches and not mentioned in others. I have had my own journey regarding the HOLY SPIRIT.

As you recall in last weeks’ study I spoke about the time I committed my life to the control and authority of CHRIST. It was after this that I experienced the power and presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in my life. I was in my thirties.

The HOLY SPIRIT had been in my life since I accepted JESUS as my SAVIOR as a 9 or 10 year old but I was unaware of HIS presence. When I asked CHRIST to come into my life, the HOLY SPIRIT came into my life at that moment. However, I had to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to have control of my life in order to experience the fullness of the HOLY SPIRIT.

I tried to hang onto the world with one hand and to CHRIST with the other hand. There was always a tug of war within me. I was afraid to commit my life to GOD because I was afraid of what HE might ask me to do, plus I did not feel I could hold out living the Christian life. See I thought it was up to me to live the Christian life. I had to live it in my strength not realizing CHRIST through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT would be my strength.

Revelation 3:16 says it best:

16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit[14] Or spit you out of My mouth.

This scripture applies to one of the churches but it described me before committing my life to CHRIST. I was lukewarm at best. GOD wanted me be either hot or cold and not straddle the fence. I could not turn my back on GOD and be cold because the HOLY SPIRIT had secured me. I did not want to be hot and become a religious fanatic either. I realized lukewarm makes HIM sick and I needed to commit my life to HIM. I then tried to live the Christian life. Notice I tried to live the Christian life and failed. I could not do it. I became very frustrated. So I gave up and asked CHRIST to take my life just as it was the good, the bad and for HIM to give me the strength to live the Christian life. HE did quicker than the blink of an eye and it has been an exciting journey. But not a journey free of many ups and downs. Not a journey free of sin. But it is a journey of knowing that I am GOD’S son through the love of JESUS.

When we accept CHRIST, we are filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. But we are also filled with the flesh along with it’s cravings. So we have a mixture of flesh desires and Spiritual desires. Since GOD never overrides our right to choose, it is up to us to determine who controls our life, self through our flesh nature or GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT.

Here we have to be very careful. When we decide we want to live for CHRIST, DO NOT try to live the Christian life in your own strength or perform as you think a Christian should. Christianity is not a performance relationship but it is a personal, intimate relationship with CHRIST. Present yourself to HIM just as you are and let HIM build the relationship. Your part is to be available and willing. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian and not the church you join. Read the Bible, pray and ask CHRIST to reveal to you how the two (2) of you can build a loving intimate dynamic relationship. HE will speak and direct you as you read, study HIS word and pray.

If we have rough edges in our life, GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT will help us deal with them.

It reminds me of the story about a person visiting a factory that refined gold. The visitor watched the gold being refined in the melting pot. The worker would turn up the gas flame on the molten gold and the impurities, called dross, would float to the top. He would skim off the impurities. This process of turning up the heat and the skimming off the impurities continued many times. The visitor got impatient and asked, “How do you know when the gold is ready? You keep adjusting the flame and skimming off the dross.” The worker responded, “When I have the flame as hot as it can get and I can look over into the pot of molten gold and see my reflection in the gold, then I know it is ready.”

When we ask CHRIST to come into our lives, it is only the beginning of a life-long, wonderful journey of GOD refining our lives to serve HIM. To experience the fullness of CHRIST in our lives, we must die to self, our flesh, and its’ desires and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to control our life. We will have ups and downs along our journey but the ups and downs in our life are some of the ways GOD builds character in our life. HE is preparing us to serve HIM according to HIS plan and purpose. The HOLY SPIRIT has a vital role in helping us mature as Christians.

Let’s examine when the HOLY SPIRIT first came upon earth to indwell every believer after JESUS ascended into heaven.

Doctor Luke gives us a detailed description regarding the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT upon earth in Acts 2.

JESUS told HIS disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they had received that which THE FATHER had promised, the HOLY SPIRIT.
Let’s read Acts 1:4-5:

4 While He (JESUS) was together with them,[1] Or He was eating with them, or He was lodging with them He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” [He said, “is what]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. you heard from Me; 5 for John (John the Baptist) baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Let’s look back at what John the Baptist said about JESUS before he baptized HIM.

Matthew 3:11:

11 “I baptize you with[4] Or in water for repentance,[5] Baptism was the means by which repentance was expressed publicly. but the One (JESUS) who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to take off[6] Or to carry His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with[7] Or in the Holy Spirit and fire.

The scripture the Apostle Peter used for his sermon after the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT was taken from the Prophet Joel 2:28-32:
God’s Promise of His Spirit
28 [24] Jl 3:1 in Hb After this I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 I will even pour out My Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.[25] Ezk 39:29 30 I will display wonders in the heavens and on the earth: blood, fire, and columns of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and awe–inspiring Day of the Lord comes. 32 Then everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved,[26] Ac 2:16–21; Rm 10:13 for there will be an escape for those on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, as the Lord promised,[27] Ob 17 among the survivors the Lord calls.

Let’s read Acts 2:1-4:

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.

Verse 1 – Pentecost is the Greek word meaning fifty (50). It is fifty (50) days after the Passover, which is 7 days times 7 weeks equals 49 days plus one (1) day. Since the Jewish Sabbath is on Saturday, the 49th day would be on a Saturday. The fiftieth (50th) day would be the first day of the week or Sunday. Sunday is when GOD raised JESUS from the dead. GOD sent the HOLY SPIRIT on Sunday to commemorate the day of the week JESUS was raised from the dead. The HOLY SPIRIT indwelling every believer ushers in a new relationship every believer has with GOD through CHRIST.

Now let’s consider the Passover. The Passover was celebrated with a feast to commemorate GOD delivering the Israelites from slavery. Since Passover generally fell around the middle of April, the Jews offered a portion of the barley harvest to GOD. Then when Pentecost was celebrated 50 days later, the harvest of grain would be completed. The Jews celebrated the Feast of First Fruits by offering two (2) loves of bread to GOD as thanks for the harvest.

You cannot have bread without grain. GOD provided the grain from which the bread is made.

GOD provided JESUS HIS only SON WHO gave HIS sinless life that we might be set free forever from the slavery of sin and death. JESUS used bread as the symbol of HIS body being given for us to have eternal life. JESUS is the first fruit from the dead. HIS redemptive work is complete. HE is the first to conquer death and the first resurrected from the death. HE is our assurance of forgiveness of sin and eternal life.

The celebration of the Feast of First Fruits is on Pentecost which is celebrated with bread, the sustainer of life. GOD in HIS wisdom sends the HOLY SPIRIT on the day of Pentecost in celebration of the HOLY SPIRIT indwelling every believer as a down payment or security deposit to sustain every believer until we meet JESUS.

Verse 2 – There is the sound of a violent rushing wind associated with the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT. A violent rushing wind gets our attention. GOD wanted to get the attention of those gathered for the arrival of the HOLY SPIRIT and those visiting Jerusalem for Pentecost as well.

JESUS referred to the HOLY SPIRIT as wind when HE spoke to the Jewish Pharisee Nicodemus in John 3:5-8:

5 Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit,[2] Or spirit, or wind; the Gk word pneuma can mean wind, spirit, or Spirit, each of which occurs in this context. he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you[3] The pronoun is pl in Gk. must be born again. 8 The wind[4] The Gk word pneuma can mean wind, spirit, or Spirit, each of which occurs in this context. blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Verse 3 – Then there is a visual sign resembling a flame. Fire has been associated with the presence of GOD. Fire represents a cleansing or purification. The tongue-like flame divided and came upon each person present in the room. This is 120 people.

Verse 4 – Each person receiving the HOLY SPIRIT has a personal encounter when the HOLY SPIRIT comes upon them. Each person spoke in a known language but a language that person had not learned prior to this event. This was an outward sign of an inner manifestation of the HOLY SPIRIT. These 120 people instantly became witnesses to the large crowd of visitors from various locations throughout the known world who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. GOD’S timing is always perfect.

We must keep in mind that when we accept CHRIST we too speak a new language. It is the language of CHRIST in us and salvation. Our mother language is a perfectly good language to tell others about CHRIST. But it is a new language telling of the love of GOD and what HE has done for us. It is a witness to others.

The Jewish visitors from every nation (Verses 7-13) heard what was going on and they were amazed to hear these locals speaking their language even in their dialect. The visitors’ first impression was these people are drunk. The Apostle Peter who had denied JESUS a few weeks earlier now empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT speaks to the visitors.

When the HOLY SPIRIT comes upon you HE also equips you to serve HIM. HE equiped Peter to preach his first sermon.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:13 that the HOLY SPIRIT is for all believer’s, “13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”

Let’s read Acts 2:22-24: (Part of Peter’s sermon.)

22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: This Jesus the • Nazarene was a man pointed out to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through Him, just as you yourselves know. 23 Though He was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used[4] Other mss read you have taken lawless people[5] Or used the hand of lawless ones to nail Him to a cross and kill Him. 24 God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it.

Peter preaches about JESUS of Nazareth to the Men of Israel, his fellow Jews. In verse 16-21, Peter uses the scripture from Joel 2:28-32 and then he tells what he has witnessed about JESUS performing miracles during HIS earthly ministry. All these facts coupled with the scripture prophesying about the coming Messiah, confirm that JESUS is the promised Messiah. Most astute Jews could relate these facts based upon their study of the scriptures.

Peter makes it clear that the crucifixion of JESUS was GOD’S plan from the beginning and HE used the Roman’s (The lawless people – Verse 23) to carry HIS plan out. The proof that JESUS is GOD’S SON is confirmed by the fact that GOD raised HIM from the dead. JESUS conquered death which proves HE was the sinless SON of GOD that paid the debt for our sins. Death could not hold HIM.

Let’s read Acts 2: 32-36:

32 “God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this. 33 Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says: The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand 35 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.’[11] Ps 110:1 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!”

Peter makes it clear that they were witnesses to these events and confirms them. As further proof that JESUS is the promised Messiah, HE sits at the right hand of GOD and GOD gave HIM the HOLY SPIRIT. HE in turn has sent the HOLY SPIRIT to earth to confirm this and to indwell every believer. This proves that JESUS paid the penalty for sin which allows the HOLY SPIRIT to live in the body of every believer. The evidence of the flaming tongues of fire cleanses the believers’ body, which allows the HOLY SPIRIT a Holy place to dwell. Every Christian becomes the temple of GOD and every place a Christian places their foot becomes Holy ground. Think about that! Are you important to GOD? You bet you are. That is why HE wants you to let HIM control where you place your feet.

The Jews, as well as the disciples, were looking for a political Messiah like King David. The HOLY SPIRIT has made it clear to Peter that CHRIST’S Kingdom is different than they had anticipated. Peter’s sermon communicates the message there will not be an earthly kingdom established as they had all first believed. But GOD has crowned JESUS King in the Kingdom of heaven and HIS Kingdom includes earth where HE will rule in the life of every believer. JESUS is LORD and MESSIAH. As proof JESUS sent to us the HOLY SPIRIT.

Let’s read Acts 2:37-41:

37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?” 38 “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off,[12] Remote in time or space as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt[13] Or crooked, or twisted generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.

When GOD calls us, it is the HOLY SPIRIT that stirs us from within to respond to that call. The visitors ask, “What must we do?”

Peter does not mince any words. “Repent!!!”

Repent means if you are walking in one direction then do an about-face and go in the opposite direction. It means stopping what you are doing and do it differently. It has a sense of action. We are in control of our life and we are the only ones who can choose to allow GOD to change us and to help us walk as HE wants us to walk.

Peter follows “Repent” with being baptized and then receiving the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT. Remember the thief on the cross when JESUS was crucified. JESUS told him today you will be with me in Paradise. He did not have the opportunity to be baptized yet he received salvation.

Baptism is important because it is symbolic of us dying to our old way of life, our flesh desires and being raised from the dead to walk in our new life as led by the HOLY SPIRIT. Baptism is not required for salvation but it is an obedient response to salvation.

Our receiving the HOLY SPIRIT does not depend upon us being baptized and neither does the forgiveness of our sins depend upon baptism. A quick reading of Verse 38 could lead one to conclude that baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sin because of the word “for”. Here the word “for” means “on the basis of.” Because you have been forgiven of your sins, then you are baptized.

We receive the HOLY SPIRIT the moment we ask CHRIST to forgive us of our sins and ask HIM to come into our life.

CHRIST wants us to be completely obedient to HIM and that means the complete surrender of our lives to HIM to be used as HE chooses. Here I am LORD, use me. The degree we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to control our life determines how much of the HOLY SPIRIT will be manifested through our life.

In verse 39, Peter tells them that the HOLY SPIRIT is for them, their children and all who are far off. “Far off” carries two thoughts (1) Once you have received the HOLY SPIRIT you can tell others about CHRIST and they too will receive the HOLY SPIRIT when they respond to the call. In other words you don’t have to bring others here to Jerusalem or to a church or a pastor to receive CHRIST. (2) “Far off” also means gentiles or any non-Jew or anyone who feels separated from GOD can receive forgiveness, receive CHRIST as SAVIOR and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT just as you have. So tell every one the good news of CHRIST. If you will do the telling, GOD will do the calling and the saving. True today as well.

Verse 40 – Peter tells them to be saved from their present day culture because the way people are thinking and their attitude toward GOD is corrupt. JESUS is the answer! True today!

Peter did the preaching and the HOLY SPIRIT did the work in the people’s hearts. So what happens?

Three thousand (3,000) people became Christians that day and were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. When these new converts, along with additional converts during this outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT returned to their homeland, they were empowered and equipped by the HOLY SPIRIT to present the gospel of CHRIST.

Let’s take a quick look at some scripture that will tell us a little more about the purpose and function of the HOLY SPIRIT. This is by no means an extensive listing.

The HOLY SPIRIT is a gift from GOD to empower, enlighten, teach, comfort and to pray when we do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26). The HOLY SPIRIT is a person. (Romans 8:16).

Romans 8: 12-30 – You may want to read all of Romans 8.
The Holy Spirit’s Ministries
12 So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “• Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—seeing that[13] Or provided that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
From Groans to Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it—in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the • firstfruits[14] Nm 15:17–21; 1 Co 16:15 —we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. 26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us[15] Some mss omit for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together[16] Other mss read that God works together in all things for the good[17] The ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew[18] From eternity God knew His people and entered into a personal relationship with them He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

2 Corinthians 1:22 –Seals us and is a down payment or security deposit in our hearts until we are fully redeemed.

22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:5 – Down Payment.

5 And the One who prepared us for this very thing is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

Ephesians 1:13-14 – Seal and down payment.

13 In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation—in Him when you believed—were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 14 He is the down payment[12] Gn 38:17–18,20; 2 Co 1:22; 5:5 of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession,[13] the possession could be either man’s or God’s to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 4:30 – Don’t grieve the HOLY SPIRIT by rejecting HIM when HE is trying to get your attention. GOD loves you and wants to have a loving intimate relationship with you. That means allowing HIM to show you the things in your life that need to be dealt with in order to have this relationship. This includes any unconfessed sin.

30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit, who sealed you[17] Or Spirit, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

At the moment we accept CHRIST, we receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT will also manifest HIMSELF through gifts as we are obedient to GOD. Some of the gifts are found in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 but I want you to read verse 11. Notice it says HE gives to whom HE chooses. We can ask for and desire to have HIM manifest a gift through us but the decision to do so is up to HIM.

1 Corinthians 12:1-31: Keep in mind that GOD is not limited to these gifts but HE can grant a gift of HIS choosing whenever HE chooses. A gift can be permanent or temporary, as HE chooses. There are other references to the gifts of the SPIRIT in the scripture. I have discovered in the scripture about 29 gifts. A gift is GOD working through you. It is GOD’S power working through you or being manifested through you. It is GOD WHO heals, moves the mountains and performs the miracles. The question is, “Do we have the relationship with GOD if HE asks us to do something, would we respond?” Do we believe GOD can do anything HE wants to do? Do we believe GOD will work through us to accomplish HIS will? What we believe about GOD determines what we do next when GOD asks us to do something for HIM.

This can be an overwhelming thought but do not get discouraged. GOD builds in each of us the character we need to serve HIM according to the work HE wants us to do for HIM. Building character takes time. It also requires us to allow HIM to build the character required for the assignment HE has for us to do. Read the Bible, pray and be available to HIM. Rest in HIM and trust that HE will partner with you to build a loving, intimate relationship with you.
Diversity of Spiritual Gifts
1 About matters of the spirit:[1] Lit About things spiritual brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know how, when you were pagans, you were led to dumb idols—being led astray. 3 Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything.[2] Lit God acts all things in all 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial: 8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages. 11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as He wills.
Unity Yet Diversity in the Body
12 For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 So the body is not one part but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I’m not a hand, I don’t belong to the body,” in spite of this it still belongs to the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I’m not an eye, I don’t belong to the body,” in spite of this it still belongs to the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He wanted. 19 And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? 20 Now there are many parts, yet one body. 21 So the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” nor again the head to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have a better presentation. 24 But our presentable parts have no need [of clothing]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, 25 so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. 26 So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. 28 And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next, miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in languages? Do all interpret? 31 But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

1 Corinthians 13 is the better way. It is called the love chapter. Love conquers all. Not lustful love or brotherly and sisterly love but self giving love. Self giving love is the love that does not demand something in return. It is the love JESUS had for each of us when HE died upon the cross. JESUS died for us regardless of whether or not we loved HIM.

Our faith in CHRIST is confirmed by the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in our life as a down payment, security deposit and a seal from GOD. Ask GOD to take your life, just as it is and to help you to be all HE knows you can be in serving HIM.

Acts Chapter 2.

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. 5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying,[1] Other mss add to one another “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and • Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and • proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own languages the magnificent acts of God.” 12 And they were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re full of new wine!”
Peter’s Sermon
14 But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: “Jewish men and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.[2] Lit it’s the third hour of the day 16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 I will even pour out My Spirit on My male and female slaves in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and remarkable day of the Lord comes; 21 then whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.[3] Jl 2:28–32 22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: This Jesus the • Nazarene was a man pointed out to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through Him, just as you yourselves know. 23 Though He was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used[4] Other mss read you have taken lawless people[5] Or used the hand of lawless ones to nail Him to a cross and kill Him. 24 God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. 25 For David says of Him: I saw the Lord ever before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh will rest in hope, 27 because You will not leave my soul in • Hades, or allow Your Holy One to see decay. 28 You have revealed the paths of life to me; You will fill me with gladness in Your presence.[6] Ps 16:8–11 29 “Brothers, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants[7] Other mss add according to the flesh to raise up the Messiah [8] Lit one from the fruit of his loin on his throne. 31 Seeing this in advance, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the • Messiah: He[9] Other mss read His soul was not left in Hades, and His flesh did not experience decay.[10] Ps 16:10 32 “God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this. 33 Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says: The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand 35 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.’[11] Ps 110:1 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!”
Forgiveness through the Messiah
37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?” 38 “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off,[12] Remote in time or space as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt[13] Or crooked, or twisted generation!”
A Generous and Growing Church
41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. 43 Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 So they sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need.[14] Or to all, according to one’s needs 46 And every day they devoted themselves [to meeting]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. together in the • temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them[15] Other mss read to the church those who were being saved.