A New Start

Acts 2:1-14

The Holy Spirit has seemed to really make His presence manifest in recent weeks amongst our congregation and many of us have experienced and celebrated that. The Holy Spirit is always here, as Jesus promised in Matt 18; but there are times when His presence can be felt, like a jolt of caffeine to the bloodstream. Whether it was a few weeks ago when people gathered at the altar to pray together or the deep connection and unity we experienced during our annual meeting celebration. When the Holy Spirit’s presence is fully manifest, there is a boldness and power we have to do some incredible things for God’s purposes. This, however, is not where we find the disciples after Jesus ascended.

In all fairness, the disciples had no idea what would change or what to expect. They were only told to wait for the helper, which they did through prayer. But they also, in my opinion, did some head-scratching things like trying to find someone to replace Judas. They did this in Acts 1:15-26. It seems like such an out of place story, but the reality is that they did not yet have the Holy Spirit and the choosing of Matthais sppeared to be more of a dud decision. Why did they feel the need to do that? God obviously allowed them to, and when they cast lots, God answered, but notice that that individual was never mentioned again in scripture, and the rest of the New Testament seems to make it pretty clear that Paul was the one to replace Judas. This story connects to the disciples we see throughout the gospels, often bumbling, asking for crazy things, and overall just not getting it. But then something amazing happens.

A New Start for the Disciples

Peter was quite the character in the gospels. He stuck his foot in his mouth so many times that it seemed he liked the taste of his toe jam. Peter was always screwing up! Granted, he was usually the only one sticking his neck out in faith, but it always ended up with him failing, whether it was him getting out of the boat and then drowning, or him telling Jesus not to wash his feet, or even him denying Christ while trying to stay with Him during the trial. Peter really had a heart to live out loud for God, but something was missing – he just couldn’t get out of his own way! That is, until the events recorded in Acts 2. This is what I mean about a NEW START.

All of a sudden, the Peter that was timid and fearful became bold and courageous. John, who was worried about trivial matters, became purposeful and mission-minded. All of the disciples started with a new vigor and intensity not seen before. This all was due to the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The individuals we read about through the gospels and up into ch1 of Acts were CHANGED into new, powerful agents in the Kingdom of God! Passion all of a sudden had power, drive, and commitment. There was no more half-measures or failures, but instead fulfillment and purpose. And they weren’t the only ones to start new.

A New Start for the Holy Spirit

It was also a new start for the Holy Spirit, who up until this time had only been active on earth in specific ways at specific times. With His “full-time” arrival on earth, He is unleashed in His fullness to take a leading role working in the hearts and minds of people for repentance (John 16:7-11) and to make us more like Jesus (Gal 5:16-25). We see it immediately in the disciples who started speaking and were heard by people of countless regions in their native/heart language! The disciples did nothing – it appears as though they were talking in either Hebrew or Aramaic, but each person heard their native tongue. Then when Peter got up to speak, he had a power, boldness, and fear-lessness that we had never seen in him before. And if you scroll down to v41 at the end of Peter’s sermon, you will see the work of the Holy Spirit – about 3000 people believed that day and were added into the Kingdom of God. Can you imagine what that would look like? I would love to see something like that!

Next Steps

After WW2, airplane engine tech was re-worked into cars to get more power. What came from that was NOS (nitrous oxide systems). A car that could go maybe 50mph all of a sudden could go 100. To all believers, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to be our helper who would give us words to say, groan to God for us from the deepest recesses of our souls, and empower us to participate in God’s mission on earth – handing out this new life that He offers! The Holy Spirit powers you to fulfill Christ’s purpose for your life.

1. Pray each day for a filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18)
2. Seek opportunities where people can see the Holy Spirit working in you (be around people!!)
3. Memorize Joshua 1:9 | “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

You are not a clunker trying to make your way down the road. With the Holy Spirit in you, you are a missile-guided rocket, blasting through all obstacles with purpose and power. With the Holy Spirit, you have real power to bring God’s message of hope to countless in need.