{"id":316,"date":"2023-04-05T16:12:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-05T16:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2025-12-15T20:56:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T20:56:51","slug":"all-stirred-up","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/all-stirred-up\/","title":{"rendered":"ALL STIRRED UP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ALL STIRRED UP!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

THIS IS US \u2014 Message #5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 7:54-60; 8:1ff<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some time ago I ran across a great definition of what a really good sermon <\/strong>was like. And here\u2019s what I read: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ideal sermon should have a great beginning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it should have <\/strong>a great ending. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And\u2026the two should be as close together as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wouldn\u2019t you agree? Well, no promises today \u2014 but I\u2019ll do my best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, as we\u2019ve already mentioned \u2014 today is a very important day in the history of the Church. It\u2019s Pentecost Sunday, which means today is the 50th day following Easter (and Christ\u2019s Resurrection). And, it was on this day (nearly 2000 years ago) that the Holy Spirit first <\/strong>stirred within those early believers \u2014 and empowered them to live obedient lives unto Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s this day, that most consider the Birthday of the Church\u2026the day when the Church was launched!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, today \u2014 we look back and remember the significance of this day, but we also look forward and anticipate the way God will empower us to serve Him and live obedient lives unto Him now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, it\u2019s this that I want to talk with you about today. So, if you have your Bible, turn with me to the 8th chapter of Acts. In Acts 8, there\u2019s a story about the early church \u2014 and the Holy Spirit\u2019s work in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, as you know \u2014 the book of Acts serves as a great record of history when it comes to the early church. More importantly, it helps us to understand the ways God works in the lives of His people. So, as we read about how God worked in the past \u2014 it points us in the direction of what we can expect God to do in our lives today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s see what God says about that early church \u2014 and let\u2019s see what we can learn from their story. We\u2019ll look in a moment at Acts chapter 8. But, this chapter has a strange beginning \u2014 and you really have to read the previous few verses to know what\u2019s going on. So, let\u2019s do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Acts 7 one of the disciples \u2014 a man named Stephen stood before the Jews of his day and leveled some pretty hefty charges against them. He told them that they were incredibly religious \u2014 but not very godly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, they were acting more like pagans than Godly people. And he said they were hardheaded and resistant to God and the working of His Spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He told them that God was didn\u2019t live in the Temple (which they loved) \u2014 and that He was bigger than their religious ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And finally, he told them that they were responsible for Jesus\u2019 death upon the cross. Well, as you can imagine \u2014 they didn\u2019t take that very well. And in Acts 7 the people pick up stones and murder Stephen for his words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So chapter 7 is all about the rejection of Jesus His work in Jerusalem. But as chapter 8 begins, things change. And the people begin to embrace the message of Jesus and the work of His Spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as we read through this story \u2014 I want you to notice three distinct moments in the people\u2019s lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 The first is what is Salvation \u2014 the surrendering the heart to Jesus<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 The second is what is Proclamation \u2014the Baptism in Water (our witness)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 And the third is what is Empowerment \u2014 the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (our empowerment) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s what happened initially in Acts 2 (when the first believers prayed and surrendered themselves to God\u2019s work, and He baptized them in His Spirit, and they were empowered. The sound of wind blew, fire appeared above them, and they spoke in other tongues\u2026other languages). And people from all around the known world heard the message of Jesus being proclaimed in their own language. It was supernatural and life changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, this happens again in Acts <\/strong>8. Look at it with me. Beginning in verse 1. Here Luke writes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 <\/em><\/strong>And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. <\/em>2 <\/em><\/strong>Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. <\/em>3 <\/em><\/strong>But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. <\/em>4 <\/em><\/strong>Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. <\/em>5 <\/em><\/strong>Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. <\/em>6 <\/em><\/strong>When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. <\/em>7 <\/em><\/strong>For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. <\/em>8 <\/em><\/strong>So there was great joy in that city.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 8:1-8 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, I want you to notice \u2014 when there is a genuine move of God upon people\u2019s lives, those people rejoice and celebrate His presence and His work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When God touches someone\u2019s life \u2014 when He free\u2019s them from their sin, breaks the chains of addiction and the bondages off of them \u2014 they love it. They rejoice. They celebrate. Now, other people may not like it. Religious people may not approve. But when God touches someone\u2019s life and changes their direction \u2014 they rejoice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But let\u2019s read on. In verse 9, Luke writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 <\/em><\/strong>Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. <\/em>He boasted that he was someone great<\/em>, <\/em>10 <\/em><\/strong>and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, \u201cThis man is rightly called the Great Power of God.\u201d <\/em>11 <\/em><\/strong>They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 8:9-11 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, this man named Simon \u2014 had everyone fooled. He did impressive things, but not for God \u2014 for himself. Look at verse 12. It tells how the people responded to Philip as he spoke about Jesus and introduced them to the real \u201cPower of God.\u201d It says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 <\/em><\/strong>But <\/em>when they believed<\/em> Philip… <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is really that first moment encounter with Jesus \u2014 SALVATION! They believed. It was the experience of surrounding their heart to Christ. The act of believing \u2014 of faith coming in their lives. Notice it again, verse 12:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ… <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 8:12 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luke says, the people believed the GOSPEL, the good new about the Kingdom of God, and more importantly, they believed in Jesus!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is so important \u2014 because He\u2019s describing SALVATION to us. Luke is telling us that the people were saved. Their lives were changed. They\u2019re hearts renewed. What was lost \u2014 was made found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Galatians 3:26-27 the apostle Paul talks about this. He says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

26 <\/em><\/strong>So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, <\/em>27 <\/em><\/strong>for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galatians 3:26-27 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is more than just having a belief system. This is about being immersed into a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AND WE ALL NEED TO BE SAVED \u2014 and experience salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was not just an act for the ancient church. This BAPTISM into Jesus is for us as well. The people of your home, and your neighborhood, and your workplace \u2014 they too need to experience this BAPTISM INTO JESUS! Because it will change their lives. It did for the people of Judea and Samaria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so Luke tells us in verse 12, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 <\/em><\/strong>But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized, both men and women. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 8:12 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this marks the SECOND encounter that we\u2019re all called to experience. And that is \u2014 the Baptism in Water. Maybe you\u2019ve heard it called the \u201cBeliever\u2019s Baptism\u201d. This is more than just having a personal, private experience (like salvation). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where what happens inside comes out. This is where the private becomes public. This was a testimony of their salvation. Luke says, everyone \u2014 men and women \u2014 everyone who BELIEVED and was BAPTIZED INTO JESUS now went public with their faith\u2026and were BAPTIZED IN WATER!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let me be clear \u2014 you don\u2019t have to be baptized to be saved, but if you\u2019re saved, you ought to be baptized. Because this is that moment of going public for Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And you should be \u2014 for the same reason why we have a wedding ceremonies. Our commitments to one another as husbands and wives need to be made public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the same reason we wear wedding bands \u2014 not because we love rings, but because we love our spouse and we want the world to know! This band doesn\u2019t make me married to my wife. It just tells you that I am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of you may have been saved but haven\u2019t been water baptized. And you should. We are gathering names now for our next baptism event. Plan now to be a part of that day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s biblical. In fact, this happened again and again in the bIble. On 27 different occasions in the New Testament as people decided to follow Jesus!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, let\u2019s pick back up in verse <\/strong>13. <\/strong>Here, Luke reminds us of the power of the Gospel when he says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

13 <\/em><\/strong>Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 <\/em><\/strong>When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. <\/em>15 <\/em><\/strong>When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, <\/em>16 <\/em><\/strong>because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. <\/em>17 <\/em><\/strong>Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 8:13-17 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And here we come to the THIRD significant moment of faith \u2014 the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might want to think of this as THE HOLY SPIRIT\u2019S STIRRING!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Luke, this was the third step in the faith of those who believed. They were Baptized into Jesus (at salvation), then Baptized in water (as they testified of their faith), and then finally \u2014 they were Baptized in the <\/strong>Holy Spirit (as they were empowered to live for Jesus)! Empowered to become obedient (and fully surrendered) to Jesus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What sticks out (most) to me \u2014 is that these people in Acts 8 were completely transformed. Empowered to live for Jesus. They refused to become complacent or stagnant in their pursuit of God. Unlike the people of Jerusalem \u2014 they wanted more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They longed for an authentic encounter with the Presence of God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s exactly what Jesus promised back in John 16, and Acts 1. It was the fulfillment of God\u2019s promise. Just as He had said \u2014 His followers received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen, God is showing us that there is a spiritual journey (a progression of faith) that He has in store for all of us (you and me). And it\u2019s a journey to be empowered to live for Him. Empowered to really participate in His Kingdom work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And each of these Baptisms is important \u2014 and they work together to prepare us and equip us to experience God\u2019s best in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, How Can We Be Filled, Stirred, and Baptized with the Holy Spirit? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, I want to offer you a simple path way that I have observed throughout my pastoral ministry. It\u2019s not original to me \u2014 but it certainly a pathway that I\u2019ve witnessed others take to experiencing God\u2019s best \u2014 and the Baptism of His Spirit in their lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the first step is to\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. LET\u2019S REMOVE THE BARRIERS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We often have barriers that block us from fully surrendering ourselves to God\u2019s work. Sometimes these barriers can hold us back from experiencing a triumphant life in Jesus. So what ever it takes \u2014 let\u2019s work to remove the barriers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the day of Pentecost \u2014 what many consider to be the BIRTH of the Church, Peter was preaching and noted that there is often things that stand in the way of us experiencing the Spirit\u2019s Empowerment \u2014 things that needs to be dealt with before we can move forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes it\u2019s sin, sometimes it\u2019s fear, sometimes it\u2019s other people or wrong beliefs. But what ever it is, lay it down, tear it down, move it away \u2014 and trust God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how Peter put it (regarding salvation). But its these same with each step forward with God. Acts 2:38 tells us,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeter replied, \u201cRepent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 2:38-39<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peter says, remove the barriers! Repent of your sin, deal with it. Let it go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019re afraid \u2014 fearful of what the Holy <\/strong>Spirit might do in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I remind you \u2014 the Holy Spirit is God\u2019s Spirit. Just as Jesus was fully God \u2014 so also is the Holy Spirit. And He isn\u2019t going to hurt you, or shame you, or cripple you in some way. He wants to bless you and empower you, and strengthen you to live A BETTER LIFE! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, remove the barriers that stand in the way and surrender your will to His! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen, God has more steps in your spiritual journey than you\u2019ve taken so far. No matter how far you\u2019ve come with Him, He still has more to do in and through you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are probably some barriers that need to first be stripped away. Figure out what is stopping you from going forward \u2014 and remove that barrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

REPENT: Change your mind, change your heart, change your direction…move those things out of the way and you will receive what this BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what\u2019s holding you back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it doubt? Is it fear? Is it pride? Whatever it is \u2014 let that go, trust in God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second thing you can do is\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. LET\u2019S REQUEST GOD\u2019S STIRRING! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me just say \u2014 when you are saved, the presence of God comes to reign in you. The spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit (Christ\u2019s spirit) moves in and lives in you. And as you submit to Him, He begins to stir in you\u2026to mix into your life in every way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s already living in you \u2014 but through your submitting to Him more and more, He takes an active role in your life. He stirs you up, or baptizes you, fills you with His Spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a visual picture of what I\u2019m talking about. I like milk \u2014 but I like chocolate milk better. How about you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, I like being saved, knowing that I\u2019ve been forgiven. But I like living fully surrendered to Him even more. Because life is just sweeter when I allow Him to have every part of my life\u2026and I hold nothing back from Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In like manner \u2014 salvation can be pictured by Chocolate being poured into milk. It\u2019s there. And it\u2019s enough to change the substance. No longer is it just milk. It\u2019s chocolate milk But when it gets stirred up \u2014 everything\u2019s different. It looks different. It smells different. It tastes different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something dramatic happens when it gets all stirred up! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, the when we are Baptized in the Spirit \u2014 God\u2019s Spirit begins to stir within us. And like this milk, our lives become dominated by the Spirit\u2019s Presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He comes in at salvation \u2014 but He stirs within us when we welcome the promise of the Baptism of His Spirit in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul even says, we should CONTINUALLY BE FILLED with His Spirit. Meaning, we invite Him to keep stirring around inside us! Day after day after day after day! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this can happen in you when you REQUEST GOD\u2019S STIRRING in you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I\u2019m saying is \u2014 just ask God to work in you. Trust Him enough to submit to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pray about this \u2014 and request of Him what He\u2019s already promised (and if you\u2019ve experienced salvation \u2014 then, He\u2019s already living in you). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And If you ask, I know He will honor your request and stir within you. Because it\u2019s been His promise from the beginning. More than that \u2014 Jesus said He would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cIf you love me, keep my commands. <\/em>16 <\/em><\/strong>And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever\u2014 <\/em>17 <\/em><\/strong>the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be<\/em>[<\/em>a<\/em>]<\/em> in you. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John 14:15-17 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of it all, the Holy Spirit, is about empowering you to live for Jesus! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Folks, that\u2019s the baptism (the stirring) of the Holy Spirit in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I’ve learned anything in my 43+ years of following Jesus, it’s the importance of not resisting God \u2014 but welcoming, or inviting God to work in my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s remove the barriers \u2014 and let\u2019s request the Gift of His Spirit\u2019s baptism. And lastly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. LET\u2019S RECEIVE GOD\u2019S PROMISE! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And like everything else (with God) \u2014 this requires FAITH! Nothing weird or cooked \u2014 just receiving God\u2019s promise in faith! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like getting saved, surrendering to Him and experiencing the promise of the Spirit\u2019s stirring is a STEP OF FAITH. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seems we\u2019ve touched on this verse several times in this series. But in Hebrews 11, the writer tells us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hebrews 11:6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He rewards those who seek Him. So what are we waiting on. Let\u2019s seek Him. Let\u2019s believe and welcome His stirring with us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a prophesy in the Old Testament that talks about taking STEPS OF FAITH. It\u2019s found in Ezekiel 47. And here\u2019s what the prophet of God tells us \u2014 Notice the progression on faith:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was <\/em>ankle-deep<\/em>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was <\/em>knee-deep<\/em>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was <\/em>up to the waist<\/em>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that <\/em>I could not cross<\/em>, because the water had risen and was <\/em>deep enough to swim in<\/em>–a river that no one could cross.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ezekiel 47:3-5 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a picture of faith. It\u2019s trust God\u2019s lead \u2014 and walking with Him as He leads. And, it will always take steps of faith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The question is \u2014 are you willing to do that today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are, then can we make this room an altar? Can we just turn and kneel where we are \u2014 and begin praying? Can we begin submitting ourselves completely to Jesus? Let\u2019s remove all the barriers. And let\u2019s invite Him to stir up within us. And let\u2019s respond in faith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as we pray, let\u2019s allow Him to empower us with His Spirit. Let\u2019s welcome the promise of His Spirit\u2019s Baptism in our lives. And let\u2019s live without compromise \u2014 completely obedient to His lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s seek God today with all of our heart. Let\u2019s welcome Him and trust in Him. And let\u2019s be filled with His Spirit.And as you pray \u2014 removing the barriers, requesting His stirring, and receive His promise \u2014 our pastors and prayer team are here to pray with you. If you\u2019d like us to stand with you and pray for you or with you\u2026come meet us here today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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