Good morning, 

The Book of Acts (KJV) features over 30 references to prayer, portraying it as a central, consistent action of the early church to seek guidance, empowerment, and divine intervention. Key moments include communal prayer for direction (Acts 1:14, 1:24), prayer during persecution (Acts 4:31), and urgent prayer for rescue (Acts 12:5). 

The prayers are broken down in general and specific. General, when people come in groups to pray. Specific, when a specific person, event, or location is the focus of prayer.

Specific:

Acts 16:13: Paul and his companions go out of the city to a riverside place of prayer.

¹³ And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. 

Acts 16:16: Paul and others are going to the place of prayer when they meet the damsel with a spirit of divination.

¹⁶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 

Acts 21:5: The believers at Tyre kneel on the shore and pray before Paul departs.

⁵ And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. 

Acts 22:17: Paul recounts praying in the temple and falling into a trance.

¹⁷ And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 

Acts 28:8: Paul prays and heals Publius’s father. 

⁸ And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 

Things happened when people prayed.

Guidance, wisdom, boldness, Holy Spirit, power, repentance, healing, 

deliverance from sin and prison, Gentiles receive the Word of God, elders ordained, demons cast out and missionaries sent.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

The Book of Acts (KJV) features over 30 references to prayer, portraying it as a central, consistent action of the early church to seek guidance, empowerment, and divine intervention. Key moments include communal prayer for direction (Acts 1:14, 1:24), prayer during persecution (Acts 4:31), and urgent prayer for rescue (Acts 12:5). 

The prayers are broken down in general and specific. General, when people come in groups to pray. Specific, when a specific person, event, or location is the focus of prayer.

Specific:

Acts 9:40: Peter kneels and prays before raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 

Acts 10:2, 4, 30-31: Cornelius is described as a devout man who “prayed to God always”.

² A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 

⁴  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 

³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Acts 12:5: Peter is in prison, but “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him”.

⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 

Acts 12:11-12: The church gathers for prayer at Mary’s house. (For Peter)

¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Acts 13:2-3: Believers lay hands on Saul and Barnabas, fasting and praying, before sending them out.

² As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.³ And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 14:23: Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in every church, “with prayer and fasting”.

²³ And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

The Book of Acts (KJV) features over 30 references to prayer, portraying it as a central, consistent action of the early church to seek guidance, empowerment, and divine intervention. Key moments include communal prayer for direction (Acts 1:14, 1:24), prayer during persecution (Acts 4:31), and urgent prayer for rescue (Acts 12:5). 

The prayers are broken down in general and specific. General, when people come in groups to pray. Specific, when a specific person, event, or location is the focus of prayer.

General:

Acts 1:13-14: The disciples, with Mary and Jesus’ brothers, continued “with one accord in prayer and supplication”.

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 2:42: Early believers continued steadfastly in fellowship and “in prayers”.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

Acts 3:1: Peter and John go to the temple at “the hour of prayer”.

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 

Acts 4:31: The place shakes, and they are filled with the Holy Ghost following their prayer.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 

Acts 6:4: The apostles commit themselves to “prayer, and to the ministry of the word”.

 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 

Acts 10:9: Peter goes up to the housetop to pray and receives a vision.

⁹ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 

Acts 10:48: Peter instructs that Cornelius and his household be baptized.

⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. 

Acts 11:5: Peter recounts his experience in Joppa, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying”.

⁵ I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 

Acts 16:24-25: At midnight, Paul and Silas pray and sing praises in prison.

²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts 20:36: Paul kneels down with the Ephesian elders and prays with them.

³⁶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 

Prayers were conducted daily, continually, steadfastly, expectantly, and everywhere. 

Will we give ourselves over to prayer? 

Specific:

Acts 1:24-25: The disciples pray for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas.

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Acts 4:24-30: A communal prayer for boldness after being threatened by the council.

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:²⁵ Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?²⁶ The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.²⁷ For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,²⁸ For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.²⁹ And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,³⁰ By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Acts 6:6: The apostles pray and lay hands on the seven chosen to serve.

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 

Acts 8:15: Peter and John pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit.

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 

Acts 8:18-22: Peter tells Simon to repent and pray that the thought of his heart might be forgiven.

 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,¹⁹ Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.²⁰ But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.²¹ Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.²² Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Acts 8:24: Simon asks the apostles to pray for him.

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 

Acts 9:40: Peter kneels and prays before raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 

Acts 10:2, 4, 30-31: Cornelius is described as a devout man who “prayed to God always”.

² A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 

⁴  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 

³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Acts 12:5: Peter is in prison, but “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him”.

⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 

Acts 12:11-12: The church gathers for prayer at Mary’s house. (For Peter)

¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Acts 13:2-3: Believers lay hands on Saul and Barnabas, fasting and praying, before sending them out.

² As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.³ And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 14:23: Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in every church, “with prayer and fasting”.

²³ And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 

Acts 16:13: Paul and his companions go out of the city to a riverside place of prayer.

¹³ And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. 

Acts 16:16: Paul and others are going to the place of prayer when they meet the damsel with a spirit of divination.

¹⁶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 

Acts 21:5: The believers at Tyre kneel on the shore and pray before Paul departs.

⁵ And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. 

Acts 22:17: Paul recounts praying in the temple and falling into a trance.

¹⁷ And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 

Acts 28:8: Paul prays and heals Publius’s father. 

⁸ And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 

Things happened when people prayed.

Guidance, wisdom, boldness, Holy Spirit, power, repentance, healing, 

deliverance from sin and prison, Gentiles receive the Word of God, elders ordained, demons cast out and missionaries sent.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

The Book of Acts (KJV) features over 30 references to prayer, portraying it as a central, consistent action of the early church to seek guidance, empowerment, and divine intervention. Key moments include communal prayer for direction (Acts 1:14, 1:24), prayer during persecution (Acts 4:31), and urgent prayer for rescue (Acts 12:5). 

The prayers are broken down in general and specific. General, when people come in groups to pray. Specific, when a specific person, event, or location is the focus of prayer.

Specific:

Acts 1:24-25: The disciples pray for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas.

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Acts 4:24-30: A communal prayer for boldness after being threatened by the council.

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:²⁵ Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?²⁶ The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.²⁷ For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,²⁸ For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.²⁹ And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,³⁰ By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Acts 6:6: The apostles pray and lay hands on the seven chosen to serve.

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 

Acts 8:15: Peter and John pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit.

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 

Acts 8:18-22: Peter tells Simon to repent and pray that the thought of his heart might be forgiven.

 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,¹⁹ Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.²⁰ But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.²¹ Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.²² Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Acts 8:24: Simon asks the apostles to pray for him.

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

The Book of Acts (KJV) features over 30 references to prayer, portraying it as a central, consistent action of the early church to seek guidance, empowerment, and divine intervention. Key moments include communal prayer for direction (Acts 1:14, 1:24), prayer during persecution (Acts 4:31), and urgent prayer for rescue (Acts 12:5). 

The prayers are broken down in general and specific. General, when people come in groups to pray. Specific, when a specific person, event, or location is the focus of prayer.

General:

Acts 1:13-14: The disciples, with Mary and Jesus’ brothers, continued “with one accord in prayer and supplication”.

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 2:42: Early believers continued steadfastly in fellowship and “in prayers”.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

Acts 3:1: Peter and John go to the temple at “the hour of prayer”.

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 

Acts 4:31: The place shakes, and they are filled with the Holy Ghost following their prayer.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 

Acts 6:4: The apostles commit themselves to “prayer, and to the ministry of the word”.

 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 

Acts 10:9: Peter goes up to the housetop to pray and receives a vision.

⁹ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 

Acts 10:48: Peter instructs that Cornelius and his household be baptized.

⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. 

Acts 11:5: Peter recounts his experience in Joppa, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying”.

⁵ I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 

Acts 16:24-25: At midnight, Paul and Silas pray and sing praises in prison.

²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts 20:36: Paul kneels down with the Ephesian elders and prays with them.

³⁶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 

Prayers were conducted daily, continually, steadfastly, expectantly, and everywhere. 

Will we give ourselves over to prayer? 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

Outpouring of the Holy spirit

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

Believers continue united (2:41-47)

⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The result of Peter’s preaching and the Holy Spirit’s conviction was three thousand people saved. After they received the word, salvation, they publicly identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, through baptism.

These new believers then sat under the feet of the apostles and disciples and learned more about Christ.  They learned, prayed, and fellowshipped together. They witnessed and God increased the church daily.

This group of believers had a balanced approach to life. Study, prayer, worship, exhortation, and fellowship. They boldly took what they were learning to the streets so others would have the opportunity to receive Christ.

God did the work of convicting sinners.

God wants us to go. We do not see souls saved because we never tell anyone about Jesus Christ.

Tell someone today!

THINGS WE LEARNED

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was initially for the communication of the gospel

It changed the disciple’s lives from timid to bold

Three thousand souls were saved  

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

Outpouring of the Holy spirit

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the people ask, ”…what shall we do?” Repent. They had to repent of their sins. A person needs to understand that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. They then repent, or acknowledge their sin, and ask God to forgive them. Then by faith they accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Then they are baptized. Baptism does not save. Believer’s baptism happens after one has accepted Christ. The believer is identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers should be baptized as Jesus was by immersion. All of us should be willing to identify ourselves as believers by being publicly baptized.

I have. Have you?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

Outpouring of the Holy spirit

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-5)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Multitudes understand in their own language (2:6-13)

⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

First, we need to realize that the apostles obeyed Jesus. They were told to wait. They waited and suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Second, this enabled them to speak and understand other languages. They used this new ability to tell those assembled about Jesus and “…the wonderful works of God.” 

Third, some believed, but some doubted. So it is today. The message is still the same. The results are still the same. Some believe and some do not.

Why are we not as bold as the disciples? Has the power of the Holy Spirit diminished over the centuries? Or could it be that we fail to draw upon the power that the Holy Spirit gives us? We fail to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We must obey God’s leading through the Holy Spirit.

Will we?

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

Prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:14-21)

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Jesus crucified, slain, raised up  (2:22-24)

²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

David’s testimony (2:25-28)

²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Peter preaches Jesus resurrection and Lordship (2:29-36)

²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter, who was impetuous, denied Christ three times was now controlled, preaching the gospel of Christ with boldness! The Holy Spirit gave him utterance and he accused the people assembled of crucifying Christ.

The Holy Spirit worked in those who were listening, to convict them of their sins and of their need for Jesus. 

Do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives? We have the same gospel message Peter had, but we fail to communicate it effectively to others. Who is the Holy Spirit telling us to witness? Will we willingly go and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Peter did.

Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the people ask, ”…what shall we do?” Repent. They had to repent of their sins. A person needs to understand that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. They then repent, or acknowledge their sin, and ask God to forgive them. Then by faith they accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Then they are baptized. Baptism does not save. Believer’s baptism happens after one has accepted Christ. The believer is identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers should be baptized as Jesus was by immersion. All of us should be willing to identify ourselves as believers by being publicly baptized.

I have. Have you?

Believers continue united (2:41-47)

⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The result of Peter’s preaching and the Holy Spirit’s conviction was three thousand people saved. After they received the word, salvation, they publicly identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, through baptism.

These new believers then sat under the feet of the apostles and disciples and learned more about Christ.  They learned, prayed, and fellowshipped together. They witnessed and God increased the church daily.

This group of believers had a balanced approach to life. Study, prayer, worship, exhortation, and fellowship. They boldly took what they were learning to the streets so others would have the opportunity to receive Christ.

God did the work of convicting sinners.

God wants us to go. We do not see souls saved because we never tell anyone about Jesus Christ.

Tell someone today!

THINGS WE LEARNED

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was initially for the communication of the gospel

It changed the disciple’s lives from timid to bold

Three thousand souls were saved  

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

Outpouring of the Holy spirit

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

Prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:14-21)

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Jesus crucified, slain, raised up  (2:22-24)

²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

David’s testimony (2:25-28)

²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Peter preaches Jesus resurrection and Lordship (2:29-36)

²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter, who was impetuous, denied Christ three times was now controlled, preaching the gospel of Christ with boldness! The Holy Spirit gave him utterance and he accused the people assembled of crucifying Christ.

The Holy Spirit worked in those who were listening, to convict them of their sins and of their need for Jesus. 

Do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives? We have the same gospel message Peter had, but we fail to communicate it effectively to others. Who is the Holy Spirit telling us to witness? Will we willingly go and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Peter did.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

Outpouring of the Holy spirit

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-5)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Multitudes understand in their own language (2:6-13)

⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

First, we need to realize that the apostles obeyed Jesus. They were told to wait. They waited and suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Second, this enabled them to speak and understand other languages. They used this new ability to tell those assembled about Jesus and “…the wonderful works of God.” 

Third, some believed, but some doubted. So it is today. The message is still the same. The results are still the same. Some believe and some do not.

Why are we not as bold as the disciples? Has the power of the Holy Spirit diminished over the centuries? Or could it be that we fail to draw upon the power that the Holy Spirit gives us? We fail to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We must obey God’s leading through the Holy Spirit.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com