Menu
Get insight on how waiting is a directed, purposeful, expectant anticipation of what God is going to do.
No matter how broken and scarred we are by the effects of sin, God can bring redemption. On today’s classic edition of Family Talk, author Marilyn Hontz shares with Dr. James Dobson her tragic story of abuse from her father, the healing she experienced, and how the Lord removed the burden of shame over her life. Psalm 107:2 says, Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29
Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 2:1-4
The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 marked the birth of the Church, and the burst of the Holy Flame that is the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit was symbolized by fire and wind; it was vocalized by the speaking of tongues. This power was actualized in the disciples, as the Holy Spirit inhabited them and filled them.
We must remember the principles of power, first given to us that Day of Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit is a promise to be received.
“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). The Holy Spirit is the one who communicates the things of God. Our human spirits are the instruments of spiritual knowledge. The Holy Spirit of God speaks to your human spirit that you belong to God. God’s promise to us is clear: When we receive the Lord Jesus Christ and obey Him, the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Second, the Holy Spirit is a power to be released.
God wants us to live with power. We cannot depend on ourselves to be holy; we can’t earn it and we are not worthy of it. But if we repent of our sins, this power is gifted to us. Adrian Rogers says, “Holiness is not the way to Christ; Christ is the way to holiness.”
Finally, the Holy Spirit is a Person to be recognized.
The Third Person of the Trinity works in us. If we try to take credit for what the Holy Spirit of God is doing, we are taking praise under false pretenses. We need to constantly give God the praise and glory for what He is doing.
When we do this, some will be amazed. Others will be amused, mocking us, for they don’t understand the Holy Spirit. But most importantly, there will be those who acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41).
Apply it to your life
Are you consciously, conspicuously filled with the Spirit of God? If not, you’re not just missing a blessing; you’re guilty of rebellion and sin. Consider your faith today; meditate on these principles of power.
God answers your prayers when you humbly confess your sins and thank him for his love and promises. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches about reminding yourself how good and gracious God is and how to live with an attitude of gratitude.
Did you know that over 22 military veterans commit suicide every day? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson concludes his powerful conversation with Brandon Cabalar, the president of the Warfighters Mission. Brandon shares his passion for helping veterans and their families, and his desire for them to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior because, as Brandon said, The Lord saved my life I don’t want to see this happen anymore. The struggle is real every day for these guys and they don’t understand that they have one person, one thing that can save them and help them.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29
Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 1:1-3
Our greatest need in this world is Jesus; as believers, it is our greatest privilege to make Jesus known to our neighbors and nation.
If we want to make Jesus known, we must first recognize His presence in us.
Acts 1:1-2 says, “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen…” The Book of Acts takes place after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into Heaven. Yet, His work had only just begun, as He continued it through His disciples.
Adrian Rogers says, “In the Gospel, Jesus began; in Acts, Jesus continues. In the Gospel, He did that through His literal body, in the Book of Acts, He does that through His mystical body.”
We are now His Body; He wants to live and work through His Church, supernaturally, not superficially.
Secondly, we need to rely upon His promise to us, which is the Holy Spirit.
Jesus has commanded us to make disciples through evangelism, mark them through baptism, and mature them in ministry. (See Acts 1:8.) Yet, in Acts 1:4-5, Jesus instructs His disciples to wait in the city until they have received the Spirit to begin. The promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, and the disciples carried out this impossible mission. We are not waiting for the Spirit anymore. If we are saved, He has equipped and anointed us with the Holy Spirit to accomplish His work.
Third, we need to respond to His program through us.
As Believers, we are witnesses of Jesus, having seen and heard His power in our lives; we don’t have to know all the answers in order to share the Gospel with others.
If we only recognize His presence in us, remember His promise to us, and rely upon His program for us to make disciples, we will see Jesus do something wonderful through us.
Apply it to your life
There are no barriers: no matter our age, education, or social status, God can use you right now, with what you have. God will supply all that you need to make Jesus known.
Adrian Rogers says, “It’ll be a great day when we learn that Jesus doesn’t want us to do anything for Him; He wants to do something through us.”
Pastor Rick explains how the life of Daniel teaches that God answers sincere, passionate prayers. God wants you to show that you’re serious about your requests—today you’ll learn practical ways to make that happen.
