icus 23 where the ancient feasts of the Lord are set forth. On the day of Pente cost, in obedience to the command of Christ, the disciples were “with one accord in one place.” It is not certain whether they were in an upper room or in the court of the temple when the Spirit came forth. The place makes no tremendous difference. God’s people were obediently ready for what God had planned to do for them. Two supernatural manifestations ac companied the Spirit’s coming—a super natural sound like a wind, and a super natural appearance like tongues of fire. Miracles are to be expected when such a Person is under consideration. Thus we have here the fulfillment of the promise given in 1:4-5. The Spirit came for the two-fold purpose of (1) usher ing in a new dispensation, and (2) em powering for testimony. Christ created a new body, the church, and provided a dynamic for that new body’s work. The Sermon of Pentecost vv. 14-17 Peter is God’s prepared servant to preach on this occasion. He had the hearty co-operation of the rest of the apostolic band. Peter “ lifted up” his voice. There was no mumbling when Peter preached nor should there ever be when the words of life are being declared. Peter makes clear that in no sense were speaking in tongues and other manifestations in the lives of God’s children on this wonderful day the re sult of over-indulgence in wine. Since it was only nine o’clock in the morning, it was too early for that. All that had taken place was a definite prophetic fulfillment. This was a red letter day in heaven’s calendar. Compare Peter’s ser mon with some of the great sermons you have heard or read. The Result of Pentecost vv. 37-41 Following the coming of the Holy Spirit' He began at once to do His con victing work (v. 37). The plea went forth from God’s Ambassador for men to turn away from their sin unto the Saviour (v. 38). Then, on the part of many, there was a reception of the Gospel followed immediately by water baptism (v. 41). Note carefully the order here. It is reception of the Word for salvation; then baptism for obedi ence’ sake and as a recognition of the work of grace done in the heart. Memory Verse: “Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy” (Acts 2:28). Because of the Feast of Pentecost, there were great crowds of people in the city of Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had given to the disciples unusual strength and courage. Peter, the disciple who had three times denied his Lord, had been given new boldness. Before the throngs in Jerusalem, he commenced to tell about his crucified and risen D E C E M B E R , 1949 Helps for the Children Peter’s Great Sermon Acts 2:22-24, 37-41
Lord. Boldly Peter accused the Jews of killing God’s Son with their wicked hands. When Peter had finished preaching, many of the Jews were repentant and said, “ Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter’s answer is the same that we should give to those today who want to know how to be saved: “ 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. 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” (Acts 2:38,39). Those who gladly received Peter’s word were baptized. God’s Word tells us that about three thousand souls were saved that day. When you recall the stories that we have had concerning Peter’s denial of his Lord, you will know that a great change had taken place in his life. The Holy Spirit had been allowed to take Peter and to use him as God desired. Do you lack the courage to testify for your Lord as you desire? The same Holy Spirit who brought courage to Peter will give to you the same wisdom and boldness if you, as Peter, will com pletely yield your life unto Him. Pentecost released power to the early church. Things began to happen. They always do when the Spirit of God has His way in the lives of men. Some of the results of Pentecost are portrayed in the verses of our lesson which de scribe the early days of the Christian church. Spiritual Results This early church was marked by stedfastness (v. 42). They continued in the things of the Lord: in doctrine, fel lowship, communion, and prayer. They were not like many who under emo tional stress profess great things, but live as if there were no foundation to their profession. God delights to see con tinuance on the part of those who name His name. Then, this early church aroused fear in the hearts of those who witnessed its consistent practice (v. 43a). They realized that God was in this new organism. The Lord’s presence makes those tremble who are not right with Him. Wonders and signs were done by the apostles (v. 43b). This was be fore the New Testament was written. These amazing things were accomplish ed to act as credentials for the good news of salvation. Today such signs are not needed since we have a completed written revelation. Joy was also preva lent in this new body (v. 46). Gladness was radiant when the disciples saw the Lord on the evening of the resurrec tion (John 20:20). It was even more pungent now. Likewise a new sense of Jan. 15, 1950 A NEW AND DARING FELLOWSHIP Acts 2:42-47; 4:31-35 Pointers on the Lesson
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