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2024 – A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

Words Have Meaning

The Ignition Point of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:1-13

In my previous post we focused upon the “Three-fold” ministry of the Holy Spirit. “….He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement…”

In this post I want to look at the literal “ignition point” of the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-13. To begin, we need to remember the words of John The Baptist in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 where they reported thane is coming afterwards that would baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Let’s consider some knowable truths about this event.

  1. Day of Pentecost – This is an actual day of celebration that Hellenistic Jews used to commemorate the “Fest of of Weeks”. Pentecost literally means “fiftieth” so this celebration was 50 days after the passover celebration. No doubt Jesus took full advantage of the images of this festival. Jesus Christ is the first fruits from the dead (Acts 26:23; 1 Cor. 15:20–23), having been the first to be raised from the dead. He spent forty days on earth (Acts 1:3) and then ascended. On the fiftieth day, Pentecost, the Spirit of God came precisely as Jesus had predicted, coinciding with the great national harvest celebration. [Swindoll, C. R. (2016). Acts (p. 35). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.]
  2. 120 in Attendance – This group was awaiting something they had never witnessed, or heard of, or even remotely understand its full impact on their lives personally and the church corporately. They were in full obedience to what Christ had commanded.
  3. Notice the “abruptness” – one minute calm and normalcy and the next minute an audible strong rushing wind entered the place where they were seated. Do not miss the volatility of this moment. “Unbelievable” would be a word we would use in our culture.
  4. “Divided Tongues as of fire” appeared visually –  Do not miss a key word, “hekaston” every person/each person received this experience. Notice the comments from Charles Swindoll; Luke describes the energy as coming from “tongues” (plural) like fire, a blazing substance dividing and distributing itself into one stream per individual. Unlike a lightning strike, the flames came to rest on each person. I suggest the image remained in place long enough for each person to look around and see that everyone in the group received the same flaming power, the same gift of the Holy Spirit. Each received the same empowerment. No one was left out. [Swindoll, C. R. (2016). Acts (p. 36). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.]
  5. Speaking in tongues – the glossais – Notice the worshippers heard something, saw something, and now they said something. Just as they had been promised by John the Baptizer, their water baptism had been followed by their baptism with/in the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16).
  6. The Result – First there was bewilderment by the on-lookers. Second the people heard (auditory) their own languages/dialects being spoke.

Take your study deeper. Before our Western mindset kicks in language structures and meanings, pause an allow the event that God did sink into your spirit being. To more fully know God Jewish culture says you observe what did first before language construction. Question; Do we need a might move of God today? Your answer reveals the level of urgency regarding making Christ known for such a time as this!

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2024 – A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

Words Have Meaning

The Mission of The Spirit – John 14-17

In our previous post I mentioned that John 16:7-8 was the key passage in this Farewell Address of Jesus. Keep in mind that Jesus is comforting the disciples because of the sorrow that had filled their hearts. Listen again to this key passage. 

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if  do not go away, the Helper (“paraclete” – Advocate, Encourager) will not come. But if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…” Jn 16:7-8 ESV.

Consider the three-fold ministry that is listed in this passage. “When he comes he will convict the world concerning….”

SIN- Hamartia – 178x

Refers to one’s inability or unwillingness to do as God commands, resulting in guilt before Him. Jesus died to pay the penalty of sin for the whole world, but only those who believe in Him have appropriated His sacrifice and, therefore, stand guiltless before the Father. Those who do not believe in Christ remain in their sin and must answer for their choices (16:9).

RIGHTEOUSNESS – Dikaiosyne – 95x

 Refers to one’s legal standing before God as “not guilty.” In this context, Jesus relates the issue of righteousness to His “going to the Father.” Throughout His ministry, Jesus claimed oneness with the Father, for which the world (the religious leaders) accused Him of sin, deceit, and blasphemy (5:18; 7:12; 9:16, 24; 10:33). His going to the Father is the ultimate vindication of Christ’s righteousness over that of the world. The Holy Spirit will confront humanity with the righteousness of the Son (16:10).There

JUDGMENT – Krisis – 49x

Refers to one’s life and character being sifted in order to determine one’s moral worth. Jesus stated repeatedly that He did not come for the purpose of judging, but that individuals would reveal themselves by their response to truth incarnate (3:17–18; 5:22–23; 12:48). By virtue of Christ’s vindication, Satan has been sifted and found wanting. The Holy Spirit will confront humanity concerning its choice for Satan instead of the Son (16:11). [Swindoll, C. R. (2018). John (p. 306). Tyndale House Publishers.]

Take your study deeper. How has this three-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit impacted your life? 

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2024 – A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

Words Have Meaning

The Mission of The Spirit – John 14-17

This describes what the Holy Spirit has been sent to earth to accomplish in the lives of those who, by the Spirit’s power, have embraced God as their Father and Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, whose identity and work are revealed especially by Jesus in his farewell discourses to his disciples (John 14–17). Jesus said that after his departure he would send his followers the Holy Spirit, another “Comforter” who would be with them always and lead them into all truth (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit would come to convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment – in other words, to proclaim the gospel of Christ and its fulfillment (John 16:8).

The fulfillment of the sending of the Spirit took place fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection and ten days after his ascension into heaven. The Spirit came in the form of “tongues of fire” that rested on the heads of the disciples who had assembled in Jerusalem in order to wait for him, as Jesus had instructed them to do. Once they were filled with the indwelling Spirit, the disciples were able to go out and preach boldly the message of salvation that they had received in Christ, and the Spirit enabled them to win thousands of converts to the new faith.

[ Bray, G. (2018). The Mission of the Spirit. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Lexham Press.]

Opening Observations – John 14-17

  • These chapters comprise the “Farewell Address” of Jesus to His Disciples.
  • A cursory review of chapters 14-16 reveals the plural use of the word “You” was used 107x. Chapter 17 shows a transition from the plural to the singular form of “you”.
    • Jesus is preparing to leave His Disciples. He stretches himself to them with the use of terms of endearment. He is comforting them!
    • The shift in chapter 17, Jesus is now endearing himself to the Father as He prays for the Disciples and the coming of the Holy Spirit Comforter.
    • KEY PASSAGE: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if  do not go away, the Helper (“paraclete” – Advocate, Encourager) will not come. But if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…” Jn 16:7-8 ESV.

Take your study deeper. What observations do you see regarding the Holy Spirit?

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2024 A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

Words Have Meaning

5 Key Scriptures

In my previous post we looked at a comparative chart of basic similarities and differences of text. I also drew your attention to who the audience the author was attempting to reach and impact.

I want to draw your attention to key words in these five passages of scripture -Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:3; Acts 1:4b-5. Again, without making any Theological interpretation or application I want key words to speak for themselves in the context they are being used.

FIrst notice the term “baptize” as it pertains to water. As used in all five passages the term is a verb indicating an act of immersion with water as the agency being used. This act can imply cleansing, ceremonial, and/or and initiatory rite. From Matthew we learn this immersion was resulting from a change of mind or state of being (Repentance – “metanoia” a state of having been changed or a change of mind). From these insights we learn that waters of baptism is an outward expression of an inward change of heart and testimony.

Notice also the same word is used regarding Holy Spirit baptism. In this case baptism is still an implied immersion. It is at this point the debate can enlarge itself by the use of “meta – with” or “en – in”. Is it baptism with or in water and The Holy Spirit? I respect the differences are subtle, but I would argue they are important. “With” something implies the use of or means of. “In” something implies more than means but speaks to manner of – Ie. Immersion into an agency of.

For purposes of this post I will appeal to the Nestle-Aland 27th edition as a starting point. This Greek text of the New Testament shows that “en – in” is what is being used and not “meta – with.” I will leave my discussion there for the time being(6199 occurrences in the N.T.).  I do not have a ThD Degree that requires the mastery of four (4) languages. I do believe whole-heartedly that “words have meaning” when used in sentences to communicate truth. 

Matthew and Luke give us an additional descriptor of the Holy Spirit as the agency by which this happens, now both add in the use of “puri – fire” (Occurs 68x in N.T.). Rather it points to the purifying effect of the Messiah’s work, making effective that return to the holiness of the people of God which John’s water-baptism could only symbolize.

[ France, R. T. (1985). Matthew: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 1, p. 98). InterVarsity Press].

Take your study deeper. What is God saying to you regarding the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit?

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2024 – A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

Words Have Meaning

5 Key Scriptures

In my previous post I showed all four Gospel writers reported John the Baptist’s words of being baptized (with water) but that you would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Also I included Jesus’ words just prior to His ascension in Acts 1:4b-5 affirming the same testimony.

Without imposing Theological interpretation or application to these five (5) passages of scripture it is always helpful to understand the similarities and differences. Study the comparative chart below while keeping an eye upon who the audience is to help shape understanding of some unique differences.

Similarities & DifferencesMatthew 3:11Mark 1:8Luke 3:16John 1:33Acts 1:4b-5
Baptize With WaterXXXXX
Baptize with Water for RepentanceX



John baptized with water



X
Baptize with The Holy SpiritXXXXX
Baptize with Holy Spirit & FireX
X

See the Spirit descend & remain


X
Scripture Comparison

Who was the audience the author intended to reach?

Matthew – The Jews who were looking for a Royal Savior

Mark – The Romans who were more interested in power and strength

Luke – Theophilus – Gentiles who were the common people looking for Christ’s help

John – A general audience, more evangelistic in nature intended on a larger audience

Acts – Theophilus – a larger general population reporting a historical account

Take your study deeper. What are your observations? What have you learned without making a Theological interpretation or application?

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2024 – A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

5 Key Scriptures

As we begin 2024 there are many questions that consume our minds. These questions range from; “What is happening to our nation?” – to “Why are food prices sky-rocketing?” – to “Why has our education system become so infected with the ‘woke-mind-virus’?” – to “Is our church making disciples?”

The list of questions could fill pages. These questions are not for dramatic effect, but actual questions that I have heard repeatedly. No matter the political landscape or cost of living, there is a general sense in people’s heart that 2024 is shaping up to be a very traumatic year on many levels. So what do we do?

I am beginning my writing and posting for 2024 by taking a fresh look at the Holy Spirit. I will begin by taking a high level view of the fore-telling of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. Specifically, I want to draw your attention to five (5) key passages that refer to John The Baptist’s statement and Christ’s reference to this as well. Here are the five passages from the English Standard Version of the Bible..

Matthew 3:11

“I baptize you with water for repentance, But he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize  you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Mark 1:8

“I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16

“John answered them all, saying, I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

John 1:33

“I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:4b-5

“……you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Take your study deeper. What terms are repeated in all five (5) passages? What is different about each passage?

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2023 – A Year in Review

Words Have Meaning

8 Trends that Were Forecasted

This is the last trend forecasted for 2023. Take a minute to review previous posts and give serious reflection about what was forecasted and what still remains unfulfilled.

Pastoral Burnout Will Stabilize As Pastors Embrace Their New Church

Pastors, embracing the congregation you have instead of wishing for the church you used to have or wishing for the church you hope to have will provide much-needed relief.

Since 2020, the last three years have been insanely difficult for pastors and church leaders. Barna Research Group is reporting the major disruptive events from 2020 is subsiding and creating some space for pastors to heal emotionally and spiritually. While this trending is slight, it is however in the right direction.

Reflection

As a practitioner of Leadership Development and having wrote my Dissertation on Peer To Peer Ministerial Discipleship I would contend that we have a very long way to go. While there is a slight percentage drop of ministers contemplating leaving the ministry (39% in September 2022 – only 11% in 2017), the daunting task in front of church leaders is still over-whelming at times. Consider the infographic below.

What are your observations as a lay-attendee? What stirs your heart and soul in this discussion?

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2023 – A Year in Review

Words Have Meaning

8 Trends that Were Forecasted

Trend #7 is very sobering for any non-profit work that relies heavily on volunteers.

The Volunteer Crisis Will Move From Acute to Chronic

Wise church leaders will stop making the volunteer ask about what they want FROM volunteers and make it about what they want FOR them instead. So many church leaders struggled to recruit volunteers as churches re-opened post-COVID. In 2023 and beyond that challenge will move from acute to a chronic crisis. Consider a few factors that will make this more difficult.

  • First, the return to church meant different people returned to church, and much slower than expected(Click the link for a great article)
  • More significantly, as Trend #1 outlined, Boomers are aging out and are the least likely group to return to church. This makes the volunteer backbone of most churches and nonprofit organizations less robust than it used to be. That will only get more challenging as boomers continue to age. 
  • Plus, the next generations (primarily Millennials and GenZ) attend church less often and have more options on the weekend. And that makes getting them to commit harder. 

The volunteer crisis is a vision crisis. A vision requires that you recapture the Biblical sense that volunteering is more about the growth of the individual than the needs of the church will help to solve this crisis.

Reflection

The truth of the matter is that when people feel seen and appreciated and when they realize that serving in the church is one of the next expressions of their spiritual gifts, they will sign up faster and stay long.

The crisis is very real at the end of 2023. Effective solutions and messaging is woefully lacking.

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2023 – A Year in Review

Words Have Meaning

8 Trends that Were Forecasted

In this post we will look at trend #6 that was forecasted for 2023. As we look at what was forecasted and now look at the end of 2023, are we seeing these claims being fulfilled or not.

Content Curation Will Matter as Much as Content Creation

As more pastors are discovering every year, it’s almost impossible to produce top-tier messages week after week that can compete with the best that’s available on the internet. This is not a pressure any previous generation of pastors dealt with, honestly, it’s unsustainable!

Faced with the reality of an open internet and feeling the pressure to perform week after week, far too many pastors have succumbed to “plagiarism,” which is a terrible practice for several reasons. Intellectual dishonesty would be at the top of the list!

Curation is taking relevant articles, Vlogs, and Videos from the internet to more fully express your thoughts for your news letters (Ie. 5-Bullet Friday, On The Rise). You voice is still being heard weekly by communicating what you trust and do not trust on the Internet.

Reflection

As I have reflected on this 6th trend for 2023 there are some observations that I would offer. 

  • In my 49th year as an ordained minister I have never felt the pressure to compete with other Pastors.
  • My felt pressure was always upon myself to accurately represent God’s word in context and application. Plagiarism is a dangerous and lazy practice for sermon preparation. This leads to intellectual dishonesty!
  • Curated articles, videos, and vlogs can be a way of enhancing your sermon notes handouts. This can give additional voice to the main idea of your sermon. Choose wisely!!

What are your observations about modern day preaching of the Gospel?

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2023 – A Year in Review

Words Have Meanings

8 Trends that Were Forecasted

The Purpose of The Weekend Sermon Will Shift From an Attraction to An Anchor

In this fifth trend that was forecasted for 2023, sermons will no longer become an attractional display, but more of an anchor. We have observed exceptional preachers in every generation. With the accelerated growth of online content, the average preacher will quickly learn that sermons are not the draw they once used to be. Instead preaching will become more of an anchor!

When you listen to church messaging, it is as though nothing has changed. Communication sounds something like these phrases:

  • Join us for our new series Sunday at 9 &11.
  • Don’t miss last Sunday’s message. Available online and on-demand.
  • I can’t wait to share a brand new message with you.

The problem with this approach is that people have access to literally thousands of sermons and teachings. It would be helpful to focus more on the real reasons that people gather: community, Kids and Teens ministry, connections, life-on-life connections that simply do not work online.

Reflection

Have you noticed how many churches are preaching virtually on the same topics at the same time? Have you noticed that much modern day preaching is still attempting to carve out a niche space that separates them from others? Have you noticed that every other church seems to talk about Kingdom Builders, Growth Track, Red Tents, Discover purpose, etc.?

Isn’t it time that solid exegetical sermons find their way back into our worship experiences?