The sermon titled "True Pentecostals" by Greg Elmquist addresses the theological significance of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as prophesied in Joel 2:28-32 and fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2. Elmquist emphasizes that this event marks the transition from the Old Covenant, where the Spirit was selectively given to leaders like prophets and kings, to the New Covenant, where the Spirit is bestowed on all believers. He articulates that genuine prophecy, as fulfilled today, involves declaring what can be known only through divine revelation and stresses that modern-day expressions of Pentecostalism misinterpret the biblical gifts of the Spirit. Key Scripture references include Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:1-21, which together underscore the universal availability of the Holy Spirit and the correct understanding of spiritual gifts. The sermon ultimately argues for a Reformed understanding of the Spirit's work, highlighting that true evidence of the Spirit’s presence is not found in outward experiences such as ecstatic utterances but in a heart transformed to look to Christ in faith and walk in love.
Key Quotes
“The outpouring of the Spirit of God, the anointing of God's Spirit, is not going to be limited to the prophets and priests and kings of the Old Testament... it will be a pouring out of His Spirit on all men, all of God’s people.”
“You and I are living right now in the last days... every generation of believers have longed for and looked for the second coming of the Lord Jesus.”
“The greatest inducement for not sinning is to know that I've already been forgiven... it's the Holy Spirit that brings us back to Christ.”
“This is the new law, and I will write my law upon their hearts; this is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.”
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers on Pentecost, fulfilling Joel's prophecy.
The prophecy in Joel 2:28-32 foretells an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh, which is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2. This moment marks the transition from the Old Covenant, where the Spirit was given selectively, to the New Covenant, where every believer has the Holy Spirit indwelling them. This event signifies a new relationship between God and His people, highlighting that all believers—regardless of social status—receive the Spirit, enabling them to prophesy and speak the truth of the gospel.
Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:1-4
The Bible teaches that the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, enabling them to understand and believe the gospel.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is integral to the New Covenant established by Christ. As prophesied in Joel 2:28-32, the Spirit is poured out not just on prophets or kings, but on all of God's people, signifying a new spiritual empowerment for witnessing and living according to God's will. In Acts 2, we see this fulfillment when the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, enabling them to preach the gospel in various languages. This indicates that the Holy Spirit's work includes revealing divine truths to our hearts and producing faith, as it inspires believers to comprehend the gospel's realities.
Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:1-4
Christians know the Holy Spirit is active through the gifts and fruits He produces in their lives.
The activity of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is evidenced through the gifts He provides, such as faith, understanding, and the ability to love and serve others as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Additionally, the fruit of the Spirit is produced in the heart of the believer, leading them to love, joy, peace, and other characteristics that reflect Christ. This transformation is not through human effort but is a result of the Holy Spirit's work. When believers recognize these changes and the desire to live for Christ, they can be assured of the Spirit's presence and influence in their lives.
Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 12:4-8
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is promised for all believers, as indicated in Scripture, following the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.
The banking of the Holy Spirit is not a selective experience reserved for specific individuals; rather, it is a promise made by the Lord to all who believe. As affirmed in Acts 2:17-18, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,' which encapsulates the essence of the New Covenant where the gift of the Spirit transcends past limitations on prophets and kings. This transformative experience empowers every believer, affirming that if someone does not possess the Spirit of God, they do not belong to Him (Romans 8:9). Thus, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for every true Christian as it begins and sustains their spiritual life.
Acts 2:17-18, Romans 8:9
Understanding speaking in tongues is important to grasp the genuine manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work.
The biblical gift of speaking in tongues, as seen during Pentecost, involved believers speaking in known languages to proclaim the gospel to diverse groups (Acts 2:4-11). This contrasts sharply with contemporary practices often seen in modern Pentecostal and charismatic movements, which frequently involve ecstatic utterances lacking interpretability. A proper understanding clarifies that tongues served as a sign gift to authenticate the apostolic message and has ceased following the completion of the New Testament. Recognizing this distinction helps protect believers from misunderstandings and misapplications regarding the Holy Spirit's work today.
Acts 2:4-11, 1 Corinthians 13:8
Understanding Pentecost is crucial as it marks the fulfillment of the Holy Spirit's promise to all believers, empowering them for service.
Pentecost is significant in Christian theology because it represents the fulfillment of God's promise of the Holy Spirit, which transforms and empowers believers. It demonstrates that the outpouring of the Spirit enables all Christians to communicate the gospel effectively and live in accordance with God's will. The event in Acts 2 shows a distinct shift from the Old Covenant reliance on external law to the New Covenant’s internal law of grace written on believers' hearts. This is the law that empowers believers to live as witnesses of Christ, marking them as God's own people, equipped for the work of ministry and fellowship.
Acts 2:1-4, Joel 2:28-32
Walking in the Spirit means living in accordance with God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit involves a conscious reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower believers in their daily lives, aligning their actions with the teachings of Christ (Galatians 5:16). This means seeking to fulfill the law of Christ by allowing the Spirit to lead rather than succumbing to the desires of the flesh. As believers engage in practices such as prayer, studying scripture, and fellowship with other believers, they cultivate a deeper understanding of Christ and grow in their ability to live out their faith authentically, producing the fruits of the Spirit as evidence of their walk.
Galatians 5:16-25, Romans 8:1-14
Speaking in tongues in the Bible refers to the miraculous ability to speak known languages for proclaiming the gospel.
The phenomenon of speaking in tongues, as recorded in Acts 2, refers specifically to the supernatural ability to communicate the gospel in languages not previously learned by the speaker. This serves as a sign gift to authenticate the message of salvation to diverse ethnic groups, illustrating the inclusivity of the gospel. Contrary to modern interpretations, this biblical gift was intended as a means of clear communication, not ecstatic utterance devoid of meaning. Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it aligns the practice of spiritual gifts with the purpose of edifying the church and advancing the Great Commission.
Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:22
Christians experience the Holy Spirit's work through faith in Christ, leading to transformation and spiritual growth.
The Holy Spirit's work is ongoing in the lives of believers today, manifesting through faith, spiritual maturity, and the fruits of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5. The transformation includes a deep awareness of God's love, empowerment for righteous living, and the ability to comprehend spiritual truths. As believers walk in the Spirit, they are led to Christ, who is the source of their life and strength. Living according to the Spirit, rather than in dependence on one's own efforts or works, allows for genuine growth in grace, a central aspect of the Christian experience.
Galatians 5:16-25, Romans 8:14
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