GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS
Acts 2:1-21
INTRODUCTION:
Good morning everyone. Wow, it’s good to see each of you. If you have your Bible, would you pull it out — and turn with me to Acts chapter 2.
Some of you may know this story — but in July of 1961, the Green Bay Packers’ Head Coach — Vince Lombardi kicked off the start of his training camp with a returning team of 38 players. Noting his Packers had failed to reach their goals the previous year, he chose to do something somewhat unexpected. Feeling that his very experienced team had lost sight of the fundamentals of the game. He chose to treat them as though they were new to the game. So, he stood before his team — held up a football, and said, “Gentlemen, this is a football!” He then proceed to take his team back through all the basics of the game. He had his players open their playbooks to the first page and take notes! And then, he systematically went through every aspect of the game of football. Getting back to the basics became a real turning point for his team. They went on to win that year’s NFL Championship game (shutting out the New York Giants). Vince Lombardi went on to win five NFL Championships over a period of seven years.
If focusing on fundamentals can elevate a great team to such heights, just imagine what it can do for us (as the Body of Christ).
Well today, that’s sort of what I want to do with you. Just remind you of the basics of what it means to BE THE CHURCH.
Today, I want to take us back to the moment and time when “the church” (the first church) began. And as we do, I want us to be reminded of the core actions (or habits) that define who we are (and who we ought to be).
Because, sometimes it’s helpful to recall the fundamentals — and GET BACK TO THE BASICS of something.
I know the things we’ll discuss this morning won’t be A NEW REVELATION — it won’t even be NEW INFORMATION. However, I do believe the things we are going to explore today have the potential of changing the trajectory of this church enabling you to fulfill your divine destiny.
And that’s because the things we’re going to explore today embody God’s heart for you and me (His people). So, if you have your Bible, turn with me to the New Testament book of Acts.
MESSAGE:
It’s here, in Acts chapter 2 that we witness the launching or birth of the early church — really the first church. And while that early church struggled and wasn’t a perfect church — in Acts 2, we find four characteristics, which define God’s call for the church.
So, if you have you copy of God’s Word — look am with me at Acts 2, beginning with verse 1. Here Luke tells us:
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
Alright, let’s pause there for a moment.
I want you to understand, this is an epistle or directive section of scripture. It’s not like the 10 commandments which give direct instruction about how to live or act. It’s not one of Paul’s epistles or letters which articulate specific instruction. Rather, it’s a story — but as such, it gives us as a descriptive picture of a dynamic and life-giving church. And while it’s not PRESCRIPTIVE, it would do us well to follow the patterns we find in this first church.
And the first one we find is paramount. It reminds us that…If you want to be a vibrant, Spirit-empowered church for Christ, then you must…
1. Practice God’s Presence Together.
The defining characteristic of God’s people will always be His presence! When we read Acts 2, verses 2-4 often capture our attention with the dramatic phenomena: the mighty rushing wind, the flames of fire, and the speaking in tongues.
However, the key verse in this passage is verse one. Which says:
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
The followers of Jesus had cultivated an atmosphere in which God’s presence was welcomed and invited to join them. More than that — they created an environment where He was expected and free to move.
They did it in two ways (by two habits).
— First, they obeyed His Word.
Just before His ascension, Jesus gave them some key instructions. In Acts 1:4-5, Luke tells us:
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
So, Jesus spoke — and the disciples and first followers obeyed.
There’s something so important about hearing and obeying…about trusting God and following His instruction. The most important thing you and I can do to become the people and the church God’s called us to be is to trust Him fully — and obey His Word.
Our obedience to Him opens the door to His presence in our lives.
It reminds me of wisdom offered in Proverbs 3:5-6, where Solomon writes:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Again, in Psalm 1:2, we read:
1 “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:2 (NIV)
Again and again, the bible reminds us that obeying God is the first step to welcoming His blessings and the power of His presence in our midst. So I ask you, what has God spoken to you that you need to respond to? What has He said in His Word to you — or to this church that you’ve been reluctant to obey? Whatever it is, make the decision today to FULLY OBEY!
So, the early church created an atmosphere in which God was free to move because they were committed to obeying the word of Christ. So, let’s follow their lead — and OBEY HIS WORD!
— In the same spirit, I want to emphasize that secondly, their obedience was firmly rooted in their faith.
They placed their trust in God’s Word and were ready to follow it. Not only did they obey His commands, but they also held steadfast to His promises.Meaning, they were waiting together because they believed that Jesus would fulfill the promise he made a few days earlier when He said …
5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”.
Acts 1:5 (NIV)
Those believers in the FIRST CHURCH were completely convinced that whatever was to come would be profoundly significance, and so — they eagerly awaited its arrival.
Likewise, if you (as a congregation), will obediently follow God’s Word and steadfastly believe in His promises, then you too will experience a profound outpouring of God’s presence among you.
As the church, the defining mark of God’s people will always be God’s presence. And the way you welcome God’s presence is to trust in and obey His Word fully.
A second characteristic of that early church found in this story is this. If you want to be a vibrant, Spirit-empowered church for Christ, then you must always…
2. Capture the Attention of the Lost.
The early church captured the attention of the lost. They garnered the attention of those far from God. Repeatedly throughout the book of Acts we see this happening. Because of their passion and commitment and practice of their faith, the early church continually garnered the attention of their world.
In short, their passion for Jesus was undeniable. This was certainly the case on Pentecost Sunday. If you recall, it was after the sound of the wind and the sight of the tongues of fire, that the church became filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (or in this case, in clear languages that those outside could hear and understand). This left them AMAZED! And, they realized that this was something extraordinary was happening.
Beginning in verse 5 we read:
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:1-12 (NIV)
Understand this — a vibrant church will ALWAYS draw the attention of the world.
They may not understand, they may not agree, they may not support or embrace the mission or ministry of the church, but when the church is functioning like it should, it will always garner the attention of the world.
Because, people cannot help but notice when something is good is happening.
When a culture or community witnesses God’s work among His people, when they see genuine change in people’s lives, when they observe grace poured out, and mercy offered — it will draw interest and attention.
Not everyone will be supportive — but a life-giving, faithful and passionate church will always draw attention from others.
As a pastor, I would often ponder this issue and wonder what difference we were making as a local church. The tendency was to always turn inward and focus on ourselves, but our call has always been to turn outward and focus on those far from God or with great need in their lives.
For that reason, I would sometimes wonder, “I we ceased to exist — if we closed our doors, who would notice? And, would it make any difference in our community?”
Hear me today — when we function as the church, our attention will be to disciple those inside our walls and reach those outside of our walls. And when we do that well, others will take notice.
They may not agree. They may not believe…but they will notice!
APPLICATION: As the world examines this church, what will the observe?
Is your passion for Jesus, and your love for others visible?
Is your commitment to God, His Word, the proclamation of the Gospel, the empowering of His Spirit, and your engagement in this community enough to garner their attention?
In short — is the outside world aware that you exist? If not, let’s change our priorities and be the church He’s called us to be.
Well, here’s the third practice we find in this story. If you want to be a vibrant, Spirit-empowered church for Christ, then you must always…
3. Welcome God’s Work In Everyone.
The story of Pentecost calls us to welcome God’s work in everyone. Meaning, no one is excluded. Everyone can be recipients of God’s grace. Therefore, as the church, we must open wide our doors to receive and welcome the gifts of God’s presence at work in everyone.
Unfortunately, throughout history, the church has often behaved like some are welcome — but others are not.
— In the First Century there were those who didn’t want Gentiles to be included in the church.
— In the Middle Ages, things flipped, as the church welcomed gentiles — but rejected the Jewish people from the church and ministry.
— In today’s culture we see the practice of “exclusivity” through the welcoming and rejection of people based on race, or at times gender, and even age.
But God hasn’t called us exclude people from His grace — but rather to include people in His grace. Because, there’s no people group who are loved more, cherished more, or accepted by God more than another.
When Peter spoke to the crowd on the day of Pentecost, he made it clear that the wonder of God’s Spirit being poured out in the lives of people was expansive and far-reaching.
Paul would call it a mystery, noting that the Spirit of God would come and reside within humanity. But it was Peter who preached that God gave His spirit to everyone who would welcome Him in.
Because, God’s intention was to welcome everyone into the fellowship of His church.
Whereas in Judaism there were sharp distinctions in status between Jews and Gentiles, Peter taught that in the church of Christ distinctions of race, sex, and age were eliminated.
Look at verse 14, where Luke tells us,
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Acts 2:14-18 (NIV)
These verses emphasize that in God’s church, there are no second-class citizens. We are all called to be His servants and to proclaim His message.
In Galatians 3:28, the apostle Paul said…
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28 (NIV)
Here’s the point, in the church — everyone is a candidate to be filled with and used by God’s Spirit to accomplish His will. So, no matter who you are (man or woman, red, yellow, black, or white, or even young or old), everyone has a place and a call to be a part of THIS CHURCH!
Hear me today — whoever you are…you are valuable and prized by God. He longs to fill you with His presence and empower you to do His will. My hope and prayer is that you will always be a church that welcomes and celebrates the work of God among each other.
That’s His plan. So, commit yourselves to fulfilling it. Be that kind of people — be that kind of church.
Well, here’s the last practice we find in this story. If you want to be a life-giving, vibrant, church for Christ, then you must always…
4. Proclaim Jesus Boldly.
And really, what I’m saying is this — make sure that your message and your mission are always centered on Jesus.
Do any of you know that worship chorus,“Jesus be the center of it all”?Well, that’s the mandate of our lives. Let’s make Jesus the center of all we do — and especially of the message we proclaim.
In fact, there’s a line in that song that says, “Jesus be the center of your church”!
Is that you prayer today? Is that your desire today (that Jesus would be the center of this church)?
Look again at what Peter heals a crippled man (simply by speaking the name of Jesus). In response, the man stands to his feet and rejoices by leaping and praising God. Well, this caught the attention of the religious leaders of his day — so they arrest Peter and John, and would later question them about their actions. They want to know,
“By what power or what name did you do this?”
Acts 4:7 (NIV)
And in response, Peter points them to Jesus.
He then adds in Acts 4:10. He says,
10 Know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
He continues by telling them that Jesus is the cornerstone of life — and the foundation of all that we believe. And then he says in Acts 4:12,
12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
That’s the same message Peter preached in the passage we’ve been looking at today. In Acts 2:21, he said,
21 Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21 (NIV)
You see, Peter understood that the it was vital to always keep the main thing — the main thing. And the main thing is the message of Jesus. It was critical in Peter’s day, and it’s critical in our day. There is no more important message than the message of hope and salvation being found in Jesus!
When our mission becomes about anything else — when our message becomes anything else, we’ve gotten off track.
“This we proclaim!”
I know it’s tempting for us as the church to preach against certain things. But that’s not our primary call! We aren’t to be known so much for the things we are against as the ONE THING we are for…and that’s Jesus.
I know it’s tempting for us to proclaim a moralistic gospel. — but that’s not our call.
It’s even possible that we declare a political agenda or candidate. But that’s not our message — and that’s not our mission. Our message is Jesus! Our mission is to connect our world with Him.
The question is — ARE YOU PROCLAIMING THAT MESSAGE? ARE YOU a witness for Jesus to those in your world? Are you pointing people to Jesus as the answer to all the problems they are facing in life? And, if not — why not?
In Mark’s gospel, he records a conversation between Jesus and some of his followers. It’s often called the Great Commission. And so, in Mark 16:15, Jesus says simply,
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15 (NIV)
And, verse 20 concludes Mark’s gospel by stating:
20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Just like the first century church, we too have a calling and responsibility. And that call is to take the message that we have received and carry it to the far ends of the earth.
CONCLUSION
God is looking for a church who reflects that first church…one that practices His presence, captures the attention of the lost, one that welcomes His work in everyone, and one that proclaims the message of Jesus boldly.
Getting back to these basics will have a profound effect on you fulfilling your destiny and bringing hope to the hopeless and change to this world.
And if that’s your interest, would you stand and let me pray for you?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father…We come before you today wit gratitude for calling this body together to represent you in this world. Thank you for the privilege to be called your church. We pray today that you would enable this congregation to align themselves with your Word and a faith in you…and as they do, may you pour out your Spirit and presence in this place. Help them Lord to live for you in such a way that they would catch the attention of their world — drawing the lost towards a faith in you. May their arms be opened wide to your work among all who call this place home (men, women, boys and girls, those with great means and those with little, those who look like them and those who do not). And most of all — we pray that you would empower this church family to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus fearlessly! Help this congregation return again to the basics of faith — that they may live up to your calling and fulfill the purpose to which they’ve been called. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Hey one more thing — if you’ve gathered here today and listened to this message, but have not surrendered your life to Jesus, would you do that now? Would you pray with me. Let’s pray.
Maybe you’d say:
Heavenly Father, I lived my life going the wrong way far too long. Today I confess my sin to you — and I ask you to forgive me. Allow the sacrifice of Jesus and HIs life to be applied to mine. Jesus I confess my faith in you — the savior of this world, and now my life. Come and live in me. I pray this in Jesus name, amen!
Hey, if you just prayed that prayer — we are so proud of you. Be sure to tell someone of your decision today (before you live). And live each day of the rest of your life for Jesus!