Prophetic Promise

This is week 4 of series leading to Pentecost Sunday.

-Scattered. Primarily we spoke about the disciples and what they did or didn’t do when the shepherd was struck…This week I want to look at not only. What did they do? The gathered.

– Gathered – what the disciples did, but a whole community of believers who were missing their shepherded

today…. released.

Week Four …. Promised

At Pentecost they are empowered and come out of the upper room with the authority, boldness, ‘anointing’ to do a few things they were incapable of on their own strength, ability or merit

When we think of Pentecost, we fail to understand that it was simply a NT event.

The reality is that the Holy Spirit empowerment for service is also found in the OT.

The Spirit of God throughout the OT was a gift of power, given in order that the recipient might do a particular job for God.

“Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

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I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.

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He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.

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He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft! (NLT)

Then the Spirit of the LORD took possession of Gideon. He blew a ram’s horn as a call to arms, and the men of the clan of Abiezer came to him. (NLT)

But as for me, I am filled with power — with the Spirit of the LORD. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion. (NLT)

So the LORD sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began rebuilding the house of their God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, (NLT)

In verses 18-27, there is a promise of restoration to Israel at this point / time in their current condition but most agree that this promise of 2:28 is not that which will proceed that particular restoration but rather an indefinite time of ‘the coming of the day of the Lord’.

: So back to Joel 2:28

The gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts is as much the pointing to imminence of the new age of God’s Kingdom.

John the Baptist, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.’

Jesus preached, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.’

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? In its simplest of understandings, it is the rule and reign of God.

? We’ll yes, but it’s coming finality will culminate in greater battle(s) than it has in the past which is leading to a final show-down and final judgment.

When the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples, gathered in Jerusalem, Acts affirms that the Kingdom o God has begun to break into human history.

When did the church begin?

So watch this… After Perter preaches and quotes Joel 2:28, the people ask, ‘What should we do?’

Peter’s answer is ‘Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ’ (2:38).

Joel’s message of turning and repentance is carried forward in the apostolic tradition of the book of Acts.

The message of Joel is no longer limited to the Judeans, however. Acts 2 breaks the boundaries of Joel 2:28-29, and all persons and even for theose ‘who are far away’ – Gentiles, from every race and clime (Acts 2:39; John 1:12-13; Romans 11:17-24; Gal. 4:5-7; Ephesians 2:11-21)

One Final thought about the text because people want to know about the ‘visions’ and ‘dreams’

James W. Ryle – International Bible Teacher; Author; Truth Works Ministries – Franklin TN

Wrote a section in the Spirit Filled Life Bible – edited by Jack Hayford – p. 1657

Test to determine if any revelation is true or false.

Does it reinforce God’s Word and …?