Point of Grace Online Worship - June 8, 2025

Point of Grace Worship  6.8.25   Sermon Notes  – Pentecost – Sent Ones “Who Would’ve Thought?”

Followers of Jesus are “Sent Ones!”

John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 

Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Who would’ve thought?  … this would be the way God would launch His worldwide mission and bring long awaited redemption to the story of human sin and brokenness.

The Spirit’s in charge – “Sent Ones” follow His lead! 

Acts 2   Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says,    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,    your young men will see visions,  your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,    I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below,….
   before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls  on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Peter continued, “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 
. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Who would’ve thought? … Peter would be the person to stand up and preach with “boldness and eloquence” and thousands of “these people” would be “cut to the heart” by the truth about Jesus.

The Spirit’s in charge – “Sent Ones” follow His lead!

Acts 2 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Who would’ve thought? … that the good news of “forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit” would draw thousands of “these” people to repentance and baptism.  The Gospel really works.

The Spirit’s in charge – “Sent Ones” follow His lead! 

Living as “One Sent” where I live, learn, work and play!     

We get to B.L.E.S.S. those we are sent to in Jesus’ name!
B – Begin with Prayer (3x5 … or more)
L – Listen
E – Eat
S – Serve
S – Story to Share 

A Prayer for Daily Pentecost

Holy Spirit, thank you for coming. I love you, I worship you, I trust you.

I receive all the work and triumph in Pentecost, through which you have come,    
you have clothed me with power from on high, sealed me in Christ,
you have become my union with the Father and the Son,

You are

the Spirit of truth in me,   
the life of God in me,
my counselor,
my comforter,
my strength,
and my guide.

I honor and worship You as God and I fully give and yield to you every aspect and dimension life —to be filled with you, to walk in step with you in all things. Fill me afresh, Holy Spirit. ……… Anoint me for all of my life and walk and calling in Your mission.  Lead me deeper into Jesus today.

I receive you with thanks, and I give you total claim to my life.

Amen

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 19, 2024

Point of Grace – 5.19.24 Sermon Notes – “Pentecost”

God’s great declaration in Pentecost is:

“You need help!”

“Help is here!”

Acts 1:8 “You will receive power (able-to-do-ness) when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth!”

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Didn’t see that coming!

The Spirit has strategies and resources for His church to magnify Jesus to the world that we can’t imagine! No wonder Jesus taught us to “ask” for the Holy Spirit!

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 36 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

When Jesus was magnified by a powerized Peter, the people saw themselves differently, it’s like their sin was magnified too and they were “cut to the heart”. Their desperate question was met by the Jesus magnifiers with Jesus magnifying grace, forgiveness and the free offer of a new Jesus magnifying identity in baptism!

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

So, we pray,

“Come Holy Spirit!

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 28, 2023

Acts 2:1-17 What does Pentecost matter to my life? May 28, 2023

Acts 2:1-17

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams. 

70% of teens are at least OPEN to the Bible,
which represents a significant oppportunity for us as the Church.

Even among Christians Bible engagement is rare:

-          16% Engaged – High view of the Bible and read several times a week

-          57% Open – High or neutral view of the Bible, but read less than weekly.

-          27% Disengaged – Skeptics or never read the Bible

Thank you God for your Word. It points me to your life, death, resurrection, and mission. It teaches me. It strengthens me. I am a missionary joining you on your mission. Holy Spirit, you change lives. Open my heart to believe your Word and live it. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life? 

Which is better?  Having Jesus right beside you...or the Holy Spirit inside of you?

John 16:7
 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away, the Advocate (“Holy Spirit”) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 

Creation – Rebellion – Promise – Redemption – Church – Restoration     

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” 

Why is it better?
Because the Spirit is power 

But (insert your name) will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on (insert name) and (your name) will be my witness. 

Episode 1 - Acts 2 -  “3000 baptized!” 
Episode 2 - Acts 4 - “Prayer meeting shakes the ground!” 
Episode 3 - Acts 5 - “Death by Lying.”
Episode 4 - Acts 8 - “Stephen’s Shout and Stoning.”
Episode 5 - Acts 10 - “The Second Pentecost.”

You can’t control the Spirit…You are invited to daily walk by the Spirit.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life?

-          Pentecost reminds me that Point of Grace walks as a community in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control all around us. 

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk as gifted people

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk surrounded by comfort from the Holy Spirit.  

What would the title of your Netflix Holy Spirit episode be?

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 5, 2022

Confirmation Sunday!