Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart," And they lived happily ever after. Only this is not a fairytale and "happily" isn't exactly right either. If only Christians could maintain a "singleness of heart." The church is meant to worship God and learn His Word together. God wants us to share our lives with one another and to CHARITABLY help others. The Christian life is lived every day. It is to be joyful and simple. We should look to the early church as a pattern to follow. Their results are miraculous. God is the only explanation for what occurred. The first followers of Jesus voluntarily shared all they had for God's glory. These first Christians, some of them, met Jesus. Knowing He gave His life would inspire you to give up your material belongings. And, for too many of these Christians, they literally gave up their live...

Acts 2:45 "And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." We should definitely look to the early Christian church as a pattern to follow. Their results are miraculous. The 120-member church baptized 3,000 new members! Then educating them on The Truth of God. The signs and wonders that happened at this time are proof of the power of God. God is the only explanation for what occurred. We need to understand they did NOT practice communism. At this Pentecost event, the first followers of Jesus are voluntarily sharing all they have for God's glory. God loves a cheerful giver. God has given us everything. He likes to see us following His example and giving for the benefit of others. It's a beautiful thing once you see it for what it truly is. Today's verse further illustrates this spirit of CHARITY by the first Christians. They literally followed Jesus's teaching from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter Nineteen, verse twenty-on...

Acts 2:44 "And all that believed were together, and had all things common;" The verses recording the events of Pentecost are extremely fascinating. We are rereading them this week and learning more on this second study. We marvel at the 120-member church baptizing 3,000 new members! Then educating them on The Truth of God. They record a number of miracles and one of the greatest, most powerful works God can do is to change the human heart towards honoring Jesus. The signs and wonders that happened at this time are proof of the power of God. God is the only explanation for what occurred. Today's verse can set us back on our heels. We might wonder if the first Christians were also the first communists?!?! That would be jumping to conclusions. The first and biggest difference is that communism is a government forcing its citizens to give everything to the government. And, NO government has ever distributed resources fairly. At this Pentecost event, the first followers of Jes...

Acts 2:43 "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." We are studying Pentecost and the wildly successful Christian Church!  They experienced an increase by 25 times instantaneously! The 120-member church baptized 3,000 new members! That's MIRACULOUS!!! Then the 3,000 new Christians need to be educated and prepared to go home to their communities to spread the gospel. They eagerly learned the Disciples' doctrine, because it was The Truth of God. Hearing, seeing and experiencing the events of Pentecost and beyond had a profound impact on people. It is good and right to have a reverent fear of the power of GOD. One of the greatest, most powerful works God can do is to change the human heart towards honoring Jesus. The signs and wonders that happened at this time are proof of the power of God. God is the only explanation for what occurred.

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." We are studying Pentecost and the wildly successful Christian Church! The Christian church in Jerusalem at this point was about 120 people. A respectable size. If Peter’s sermon was successful, they may have had wild expectations that their church could double in size. 240 total members would be an impressive growth. Everyone would have been very happy. They would have been ecstatic to have seen 10X growth! Imagine that! 1,200 members. That is the stuff that dreams are made of. But, in fact, they experienced an increase by 25 times instantaneously! The 120-member church baptized 3,000 new members! That's MIRACULOUS!!! But! The work has just begun! The 3,000 new Christians need to be educated and prepared to go home to their communities to spread the gospel. The Holy Ghost is definitely with the 3,000. Today's verse underscores their eagerne...

Acts 2:41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." We are studying Pentecost and the wildly successful Christian Church! Coming off the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The early followers then experienced Pentecost. They baptized 3,000 new members, and the church increased by 25 times its size instantaneously! The 3,000 new Christians need to be educated and prepared to go home to their communities to spread the gospel. The Disciples and their core group have a huge undertaking. And they still need to cook food, wash dishes, clean house, work for wages, farm and tend to livestock. And, make time to meet daily in the temple and in their homes, praising God and praying to God.

Acts 2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." The Christian Church is wildly successful! Coming off the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The early followers then experienced Pentecost. They baptized 3,000 new members, and the church increased 25 times its size instantaneously! It must be sensory overload for the people experiencing all this. And, it's NOT like this everyday. The believers still need to cook food, wash dishes,  clean house, work for wages, farm and tend to livestock. And, make time to meet daily in the temple and in their homes, praising God and enjoying favor with the people around them. And GOD is recognizing and rewarding their success by adding to the church daily those who were being saved. This was NOT a one-hit wonder where things happened once and were done. The believers had to work on their sanctification daily and the church expanded as they learned. An...

Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart," We can read that the early church culture was marked by UNITY, communal fellowship, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The communal fellowship was important to their faith practices. This lifestyle not only strengthened their bonds with each other but also was favorably noticed by those around them. Their joy and togetherness was outstanding! They maintained their connection with the Jewish temple, which was significant as their faith was seen as a FULFILLMENT of Judaism rather than a deviation from it. The Disciples, first Church members and Jewish pilgrims turned Christians have all had their senses and minds overloaded! They were also blessed with miracles and signs. That served to verify the message of the New Testament apostles and confirm their authority to write Scripture.

Acts 2:45 "And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." The first believers were SO united in their faith in Jesus Christ they demonstrated this unity through communal living! Everyone sold their property to provide for the needs of their fellow believers. This is a level of faith and trust rarely achieved taday. They are a remarkable example of brave generosity. These early days of the Christian Church were extraordinary! The Disciples, first Church members and Jewish pilgrims turned Christians all have had their senses and minds overloaded! Yesterday's verse mentioned the "FEAR" they had. They were also blessed with miracles and signs. That served to verify the message of the New Testament apostles and confirm their authority to write Scripture. 

Acts 2:44 "And all that believed were together, and had all things common;" These early days of the Christian Church were extraordinary! The Disciples, first Church members and Jewish pilgrims turned Christians all have had their senses and minds overloaded! Yesterday's verse mentioned the "FEAR" they had. They were also blessed with miracles and signs. That served to verify the message of the New Testament apostles and confirm their authority to write Scripture.  Today's verse highlights the early Christians' commitment to sharing their possessions and resources with one another. They are a remarkable example of generosity. These believers were united in their faith in Jesus Christ and practiced this unity through communal living. Everyone sold their property to provide for the needs of their fellow believers.

Acts 2:43 "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." When reading the account of Pentecost and the explosive growth of the NEWLY formed Christian church, "FEAR" is not a word we anticipate seeing. But, here it is. We are going to use this word to consider the situation. Jerusalem is fresh off the very first Easter. Which included the Jewish observance of Passover. On this occasion, it turned into the arrest and execution of Jesus. The impact of this on the Disciples cannot be overstated. And that turned into Jesus's resurrection. Which we have no frame of reference for comparison. It was mind-blowing for everyone involved. That was followed by the time the Disciples had with the resurrected Jesus before His ascension to heaven. Some of the Jewish pilgrims in town for the Jewish festivals would be blessed to experience some of these events. If they missed anything, they no doubt heard all about it. The talk of the town ...

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." To our detriment, the practices described in today's verse are NOT replicated in modern Christian communities. The core principles of teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer remain essential for Christian life and growth. The closer we can replicate their example, the more faithful we will be. We can't duplicate the gravitas the Disciples had with their firsthand lessons from Jesus and their eyewitness experiences to the resurrection and ascension. We usually don't have the urgency of the pilgrims. Having just been baptized, they have days to learn all they can before they have to go home. We don't know all the details, but we can see that the 120 members of the first Christian church spent all their time pouring into the 3,000 newly baptized Christians. Their emphasis was on FELLOWSHIP (or koinonia in Greek.) They d...

Acts 2:41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." We continue to study Pentecost. The miraculous occasion that spread the Gospel message like wildfire. Jewish pilgrims from all over the Roman Empire and places beyond were in Jerusalem for festivals. They were hearing about the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Then they heard a Holy Ghost-inspired sermon. In today's verse we read the RESULTS! Note that it does not say that EVERYONE who heard the sermon became a believer. It says "...they that GLADLY received his word were baptized." Jesus's gift of salvation is for everyone. But not everyone GLADLY receives the gift of FAITH. We believe that the fledgling Christian Church in Jerusalem would have had about 120 members. A respectable number for a BRAND-NEW Church. On this first Pentecost Sunday they had a crowd in attendance that would make our best Christmas and Easter...

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story because I know it's true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do. Refrain: I love to tell the story; 'twill be my theme in glory to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song, 'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. [Refrain] An angel brought glad tidings: "Send all your fears away, for Christ, your Lord and Savior, is born for you this day." Then many other angels sang praise for Jesus' birth: "To God on high be glory, and peace to all the earth." [Refrain] Christ Jesus, pure and holy, without a spot or stain, by wicked hands was taken, was crucified and slain! And now the word is finished, the sinner's debt is paid, because on Christ the R...

Acts 2:11&12 "11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?" What does this mean??? The Disciples speaking languages they did not know is miraculous! But, that is not ALL that is happening here. The pilgrims visiting Jerusalem during the festivals hear the GOOD NEWS of Jesus's resurrection. Then they hear the Holy Ghost inspired sermon preached by Peter. The pilgrims are inspired by the Holy Ghost to become Christians, and they are Baptized! After that, they will return to their homes. Taking their new FAITH with them. They will share the Good News all along the way! So, every slave that helped build the Roman roads helped fulfill God's plan. Every teacher who taught the Greek language, enabling people across cultures to communicate, helped fulfill God's plan. Every merchant who helped facilitate the pilgrim's trip helped ful...

Acts 2:9&10 "9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes," Jerusalem during the festival time was a VERY diverse place. These verses highlight the international nature of the Jewish people at this time. The forefathers of these devout Jewish people were taken in captivity by armies that invaded and conquered Israel. Over the years, these Jewish "captives" would adopt the language and some of the customs of their captors. However, they remained Jewish. By the time of the events recorded in the book of Acts, they made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover and the Feast of Weeks. They just happened to be there when the Holy Ghost filled the Disciples and inspired them to speak in languages they did not know.  All of these things happened according to God's plan. ...

Acts 2:7&8 "7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" The Holy Ghost is the only way this happens. They were very surprised to be hundreds and, some cases, thousands of miles from "home" and hearing their language spoken! It was astonishing! Appreciate that these devout Jewish people whose families had been carried away from Israel generations before. Taken in captivity by armies that invaded and conquered Israel. (A little like Joseph was taken captive to Egypt. All by God's plan to save the Israelites during a time of famine.) Over the years, these Jewish "captives" would adopt the language and some of the customs of their captors. However, they remained Jewish. By the time of the events recorded in the book of Acts, they made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover and the Feast of Weeks. They just happe...

Acts 2:6 "Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." As the events of Pentecost were happening they went VIRAL! The clamour is the crowds must have been extreme. People were very surprised to be hundreds and some cases thousands of mile from "home" and hearing their language spoken! It was astonishing! These were devout Jewish people whose families had been carried away generations before. Taken in captivity by armies that invaded and conquered Israel. From places like Assyria, Babylon, Persa, Greece, Roman and more. Over the years the Jewish "captives" would adopt the language and some of the customs of their captors. However, they remained Jewish. By the time of the events recorded in the book of Acts, they made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover and the Feast of Weeks. They just happen to be there when the Holy Ghost filled the Disciples and inspi...

Acts 2:5 "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." What happened at Pentecost is monumental. It was a jump start for the Christian church. We will look closely at these verses this week. Learning how God's plan really comes together in this place and at this moment. Keep in mind all that GOD did for these things to happen. The Promised Land that GOD gave to His chosen people is the hub of that part of the world. The area we know as Israel is a land bridge between Africa, Asia and Europe. It is a crossroad that everyone uses.  It has always been strategically important and highly coveted. It has been conquered and occupied many times. Examples; 721 B.C. by the Assyrian Empire, 587 B.C. by the Babylonians, 500 B.C. by the Persians, 360 B.C. by the Greeks, 65 B.C. by The Romans and more. Each time the Jewish people were subjected to hostile takeover, some of them were forced to move to the occupying country. So, communities of...

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Some of the last words the resurrected Jesus spoke to His Disciples before ascending into heaven. Last week our study focused on Pentecost and how the Disciples were baptized with the Ghost! Next, Peter preaches a rousing sermon. Rather pointedly, Peter tells them they are responsible for Jesus's crucifixion. The audience asked "WHAT SHALL WE DO?" And, Peter’s answered "REPENT, and be BAPTIZED." Peter made it a point to say "the promise is unto YOU, and to your CHILDREN, and to ALL that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Any limitations put on this call are man made not God inspired.  What happened at Pentecost is monumental. It was a jump start for the Christian church. We will look closely at these verses t...

Acts 2:39 "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." We are studying Pentecost. The Disciples were baptized with the Ghost! Flames 🔥 appeared above each Disciple, and they were enabled to speak in different languages and share the gospel with people from various nations. Next, Peter preaches a rousing sermon. Rather pointedly, Peter tells them they are responsible for Jesus's crucifixion. And they were. Jesus was sacrificed for all OUR sins. WE ARE all RESPONSIBLE for Jesus's crucifixion. And, we should all ask, "WHAT SHALL WE DO?" Peter’s answer is for all of us too! "REPENT, and be BAPTIZED every one of you..." Who? "For the promise is unto YOU, and to your CHILDREN, and to ALL that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Any limitations put on this call are man made not God inspired. EVERYONE is invited to be baptized in the name o...

Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." We are studying Pentecost. The Disciples were together, and the Holy Ghost filled the house with a RUSHING wind. The Holy Ghost baptized them with His Spirit! Then flames 🔥 appeared above each Disciple.  And, they were enabled to speak in different languages and share the gospel with people from various nations. Next, Peter preaches a rousing sermon. We read the end of it in yesterday's verses. Rather pointedly, Peter tells them they are responsible for Jesus's crucifixion. And they were. Jesus was sacrificed for OUR sins. WE ARE all RESPONSIBLE for Jesus's crucifixion. And, we should all ask, "WHAT SHALL WE DO?" And Peter’s answer is for all of us too! "REPENT, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall RECEIV...

Acts 2:36&37 "36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" We are studying Pentecost. The Disciples were together and the powerful presence of the Holy Ghost filled the house with a RUSHING wind from heaven. The Holy Ghost baptized them with His Spirit! Then flames 🔥 appeared above each Disciple.  And, the disciples were enabled to speak in different languages and share the gospel with people from various nations who were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks. Next, Peter preaches a rousing sermon. We read the end of it in today's verses. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom YE HAVE CRUCIFIED, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in th...

Acts 2:3&4 "3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Pentecost is happening! The Disciples were together and the powerful presence of the Holy Ghost filled the house with a RUSHING wind from heaven. This is a visible manifestation of God's presence and power.  In today's verses we read that tongues of fire appeared over them. This event is their baptism with the Holy Ghost. Baptism means to purify or cleanse spiritually, especially by a purging experience or ordeal.  The flames 🔥 above each Disciple is the presence and power of the Holy Ghost, which enabled the disciples to speak in different languages and share the gospel with people from various nations who were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks. In Hebrew, it is called Shavuot. It is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in Judais...

Acts 2:1&2 "1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." After Jesus's resurrection, He spent 40 days with His disciples, speaking about the kingdom of God and preparing them for their mission ahead. Jesus told His Disciples to stay in Jerusalem and WAIT. AND! They would be  baptized WITH the Holy Ghost! Baptized. Meaning to purify or cleanse spiritually, especially by a purging experience or ordeal. In today's verses, the event of Pentecost is happening! "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were ALL with one accord in ONE place. And SUDDENLY there came a sound from heaven as of a RUSHING mighty wind, and it FILLED all the house where they were sitting." The rushing wind is the powerful presence of the Holy Ghost, which filled the house and was a visible manifestatio...

Acts 1:5 "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Jesus telling His Disciples about Pentecost. Baptized WITH the Holy Ghost! Baptized. Meaning to purify or cleanse spiritually, especially by a purging experience or ordeal. By my own oversight, I did not think of Pentecost as a baptism. But it is!  Jesus told His Disciples to stay in Jerusalem and WAIT. After Jesus's resurrection, He spent 40 days with His disciples, speaking about the kingdom of God and preparing them for their mission ahead. The Disciples were to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Ghost was sent and baptized them!

Acts 1:4 "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me." Last week we read from the book of Ecclesiastes to learn that God's timing for everything is just right! Ultimately, God's work and purpose is beyond human comprehension. God will remain a mystery until we meet Him in heaven. Because of this we need to live in a way that reflects God's glory. Not just in religious activities but in all our daily actions. Today we return to the book of Acts, to read about a time when Jesus told His Disciples to stay in Jerusalem and WAIT. "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should NOT depart from Jerusalem, but WAIT for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me." After Jesus's resurrection, He spent 40 days with His disciples, speaking about the kingdom of God and preparing them f...

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." God's plan is perfect! God's timing for everything is just right! Life may seem chaotic or unfair, God's ultimate purpose and timing make everything beautiful and appropriate at the right time. We would like to figure God out, but none of us can understand what God has done. God has given us the desire to understand and connect with the eternal, but this desire can not be fully satisfied in our material world. Ultimately, God's work and purpose is beyond human comprehension. God will remain a mystery until we meet Him in heaven.  This is why we quote First Corinthians chapter ten, verse thirty-one, "...whatsoever ye do, do ALL to the GLORY of GOD." We need to live in a way that reflects God's glory, not just in religious activities but in all our daily ac...