Scripture Reading: Acts 2:38–39

Introduction

A. The Holy Spirit is an essential character in the book of Acts who is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

B. In the absence of the wonders that were done in the early days, some might wonder if the Holy Spirit is still at work.

Discussion

I. The Holy Spirit was very much involved in ancient Israel.

A. The Spirit came upon individuals and worked through them in various ways (Judges 3:10; 11:29; 14:6; 1 Samuel 10:6; 16:13).

B. The Spirit moved and empowered individuals to do amazing things (Genesis 41:38; Judges 15:14–15; Haggai 1:14; Zechariah 4:6).

C. The Spirit gave revelation to God’s people through the prophets (Nehemiah 9:30; Micah 3:8; Acts 4:25; 2 Peter 1:21).

II. The work of the Holy Spirit is equally important to the church.

A. The Spirit was hard at work in the early church (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:31; 10:19; 13:2–4; 16:6–7; 20:28).

B. In the church, the gifts of the Spirit were bestowed without partiality (Acts 21:8–11; 10:44–46; 15:8–9; cf. Joel 2:28–29).

C. The Spirit’s mission was to lead the church to maturity (John 14:26; 16:13; Ephesians 1:14; 4:12–13).

D. The various gifts always corresponded with a specific purpose (1 Corinthians 14:1–25; 13:8–10; cf. Exodus 28:1–5; Numbers 11:25).

Conclusion

A. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit made His presence known in the wind, the fire, and the words that were spoken.

B. Although His presence may not be as readily apparent to all, we can rest assured that our Helper is no less active in our midst today than He was when the church first began.