PODCAST
Convicting Empowerment
April 29th, 2016
Acts 2:14-37
The annual Jewish feast of Pentecost drew faithful followers to Jerusalem from around the Mediterranean region. Despite clear language barriers, Acts 2 illustrates how these Jewish and proselyte pilgrims all heard Jesus’ Galilean disciples recounting their fiery encounters with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
Some skeptics mocked them; saying, “They have had too much wine” (v. 13). Peter’s response becomes the model sermon outline for preaching in the early church. He interpreted these events as a fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 in which the Spirit empowers all, regardless of gender, age, or social rank. The pilgrims’ response seems clear and heartfelt.
The Holy Spirit dwells in believers as the living assurance that the crucified Jesus is now our risen Lord. Even when cut to the heart, we really can trust God with everything. The barriers that once separated us have been removed. All are one in the convicting empowerment of the Spirit.
Author: Jay Richard Akkerman
