“The Church’s Message”
Acts 2:1-41
Sermon Series: “The Church”
Introduction: When the message of the church (which is the message of Christianity) is faithfully and correctly proclaimed, “non-Christians become Christians, Christians become more like Jesus, and the mission of Jesus moves forward” (Pastor Dave Bruskas). However, we must know what that message is and deliver it clearly and correctly. Honestly, there are many false or partially true versions of that message that are presented by the church today. They include:
- Moralism
- Religious Performance
- Self-help
- Principles for Christian living
- Turning America back into a Christian nation
- Causes
- God hates you
So, if these are false versions of the message, what is truly the church’s message? Let’s learn from the first Christian sermon that Peter gave on the Day of Pentecost and apply it to our lives.
1. The church’s message is empowered by the Holy Spirit (v.1-21). Peter explained what happened with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues by quoting Joel 2:28-32 and applying it to them. Three thousand people would not have gotten saved that day apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit:
A. Inspired the writers of Scripture and led them in what to write (1:16).
B. Empowers believers to proclaim the gospel (1:8)
C. Works in the lives of those hearing the message to bring conviction of sin and faith in Jesus (John 16:7-11).
2. The church’s message is biblical (v. 17-21, 25-28, 34-35). Peter quoted and explained Scripture, which defines preaching for us. We are commanded to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-5). He interpreted their experience through Scripture, which is what we must learn to do today. If a church does not believe, preach, and obey the Bible; it is not really a church.
3. The church’s message is confrontational (v. 23, 37). Truth is uncompromising and confronts sin. Therefore, it must be proclaimed boldly and without compromise. As Mark Driscoll says, “we are God’s messengers and not God’s editors.”
4. The church’s message is the gospel of Jesus (v. 22-41). It is about a person to live for instead of principles to live by. What is the good news of Jesus?
A. His life and ministry (v. 22).
B. His death (v. 23).
C. His resurrection (v. 24-32).
D. His exaltation and present ministry (v. 33).
E. His identity (v. 34-36).
F. His salvation (v. 38-41). When He saves us, Jesus forgives us of our sins, indwells us through the Holy Spirit, and makes us a part of the family of God, which is the church.
Conclusion-Our response: This is the true message of the church. How do we respond to it and genuinely receive it?
- Inwardly, we respond with repentance and faith (v. 38-41, 44). We turn from our sin and place our faith in Jesus.
- Outwardly, we confess and picture our faith through baptism (v. 38).
Have you repented of sin and trusted Jesus? Have you publicly confessed your faith through believer’s baptism by immersion?
