“Pentecost- The Spirit Given to the Nations” (Billy Russell 6/28/20)

Shaken & Sent to the Nations

             Lessons on Diversity & Ministry for the 21st Century Church

                   “Pentecost- The Spirit Given to the Nations” (Act 2:1-12)

 

The Church was born multi-ethnic from its first day! This is God’s will and His intentional grace. The Church is a witness to the unlimiting grace of God still being poured out by the Spirit upon the Nations through the preaching and living of the good news about Jesus. What lessons can we learn from the early church on diversity & ministry for our church today?

                                               

Pentecost is... a celebration of the Theophany & Law given @ Mt. Sinai.

  (Gk. “50”)       1st Fruits- Feast of the Harvest (God’s provision)-2nd of 3.

                        “It’s a day God got the world’s attention” (Steve Ger)!

     The known world of the time was gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost,

           50 days after Easter. The Spirit, as Jesus promised from the Father

           (Jn.16:7-15), was observed, heard, and experienced that

           providential day by the nations (Joel 2:28-32/Acts 2:16-21)!

 

See the Miracle beyond the Miracle: Sure the languages, but they only

     serve God’s people getting God’s message (The Gospel) to the people!

     Luke geographically lists 15 ethnic groups represented as receiving the

            Spirit that grace-filled day (2:9-11).

     These tongues were distinct languages, enabling people groups to hear

            the gospel in their heart language (2:6-7).

 

                           Macro Lessons on Diversity & Ministry:

Humility- Acknowledge the wisdom of God in giving us His Spirit.

Unity-     Be unified around the gospel (heard in people’s heart languages).

Diversity- Embrace appreciation of diversity as God’s design in ministry.

 

 

                           Micro Lessons on Diversity & Ministry:

Humility-  Life finds purpose in ministry together for the Gospel.

Unity-       Clarity around a clear Gospel focus, presence, and power.

Diversity- The Lord chooses different over same to embody the Gospel.

                  Let us embrace being diverse & diversely gifted to serve God’s

                  grandeur purpose, so people receive the gospel of Jesus!