What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience—The book of Acts shows that receiving the Holy Ghost is not just a goal but a gateway to a powerful life and ministry. The early church was birthed with the visible and audible signs of the Spirit—what they heard and saw. When believers are filled with the Holy Ghost, it brings transformation, boldness, and the power to reach others, making God’s presence real and active in the world today.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
Audio
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
Scriptures used in the lesson:
Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-5, Acts 2:32-33, Acts 6:1-5, Acts 8:4-8, Acts 8:12-16, Acts 19:1-6, Acts 10:44-47,
Acts 1:4-5
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
The Promise and Purpose of the Holy Ghost
In Acts chapter 1, Jesus is preparing to ascend to heaven after spending 40 days with His disciples. During this time, He teaches them about the Kingdom of God and gives them essential instructions. Before leaving, Jesus commands His disciples not to leave Jerusalem. He tells them to wait there for the promise of the Father, which is the coming of the Holy Ghost. Jesus emphasizes that they should not do anything in His name until they have received the Holy Ghost.
He reminds them that while John baptized with water, they will soon be baptized with the Holy Ghost. This event is crucial for their mission and ministry moving forward.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Power for Ministry: The Holy Ghost as a Gateway
When you receive the Holy Ghost, you receive power—something explosive and life-changing. It is compared to dynamite going off, completely transforming how you see, talk, and act. Life will never be the same after this experience.This power, called “dunamis,” comes when the Holy Ghost fills you. It changes your heart and spirit. You become a witness for Jesus, starting in Jerusalem and reaching the ends of the earth. The Holy Ghost is not the final goal; it is the gateway to everything God wants to do through you.
Many people treat receiving the Holy Ghost as the end goal, especially in Pentecostal churches. However, the real purpose is to open the way for ministry and to reach others. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is what empowers you to go out and impact your city and the world.
This idea, credited to Donnie Swagger, emphasizes that the Holy Ghost opens up the realm of the Spirit and the power of God. If we focus solely on receiving the Holy Ghost and remain inside, we miss the point. We must take this power out to the streets, letting others see God’s presence in our lives.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
Jesus said not to do anything until you receive the Holy Ghost. Once you have Him, you are called to go out and make a difference. The key to reaching our cities and bringing God’s kingdom is letting the Holy Ghost work through us. If we don’t, we will only gather and practice among ourselves, never truly reaching the people who need to see God’s power.
Acts 2:1-5
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
The Day of Pentecost: What They Heard and Saw
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were all together in one place. It was the right time for Pentecost to happen in their lives. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind. They heard something powerful. Then, they saw something as well. Tongues of fire appeared and rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Ghost. They began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. The coming of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues occurred simultaneously.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
In Jerusalem, there were devout Jews from every nation. The disciples had been waiting in the upper room for ten days. When the Holy Ghost came, they both heard and saw clear signs. What did the disciples do? They went into the streets of Jerusalem. The disciples heard and saw something amazing, then went out into the streets. Peter began to preach to the crowd. He explained that what was happening was what the prophet Joel had spoken about.
Peter told them the disciples were not drunk, even though they were speaking in strange tongues. He said it was only 9 o’clock in the morning. Instead, this was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. God promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. This means everyone, not just a few people. Sons and daughters would prophesy. Old men would dream dreams, and young men would see visions. The gifts of the Spirit would be for everyone.
After this, Peter continued to preach about Jesus Christ and His resurrection.
Acts 2:32-33
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
Peter preached that Jesus had ascended and was seated at the right hand of the Father. The miracles and speaking in tongues were a result of Jesus’ exaltation there. Because Jesus was raised and seated at God’s right hand, the Holy Ghost was poured out on the disciples.
The Evidence of the Holy Ghost in the Early Church
What people saw and heard was the Holy Ghost working through them. This power and manifestation have not changed since then. When someone receives the Holy Ghost, there is always a visible and audible sign, like speaking in tongues.
The Holy Ghost is not just a goal but a gateway to ministry and power. Many churches have lost this truth due to false doctrines. The church needs a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to impact the world and fulfill its mission.
Acts 6:1-5
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
In Acts 6, a problem arose in the church. Greek widows were being neglected compared to Hebrew widows. The apostles instructed the people to select seven men to assist them. These men needed to be honest, full of the Holy Ghost, and wise.
The apostles wanted to focus on prayer and teaching the word. The people agreed and chose Stephen, Philip, and five others. These men had the needed qualities.
In Acts chapter 8, after Stephen was killed, Saul began persecuting the church. The believers scattered and preached the word everywhere. Persecution often arises when the church becomes complacent and ceases to do what God wants. God uses these times to push His people to spread the message further, just as Philip did.
Acts 8:4-8
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
The Spread of the Gospel and the Role of the Holy Ghost
Persecution scattered the believers, and they went everywhere preaching the word. Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ. Preaching the word means preaching Christ, the Anointed One. The anointing is what breaks spiritual bondage, not just activities like praise, dance, or mime.
Philip preached with the anointing of the Holy Ghost. The people listened and saw miracles. They heard and saw deliverance, healing, and great joy in the city. Preaching Christ brought freedom from evil spirits and healing for the sick. It also brought joy because the message is good news.
The speaker says that reading and living the Word of God brings joy. Christians should be the happiest people because of their salvation. If a Christian has no joy, it may mean they are not receiving or living the Word.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
The message ends by mentioning upcoming baptisms for those who have received Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:12-16
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Philip preached about the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ in Samaria. Many people believed, were saved, and were baptized in Jesus’ name. The apostles in Jerusalem heard about this and sent Peter and John to Samaria.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
Peter and John prayed for the new believers to receive the Holy Ghost. They had only been baptized in water, not yet received the Holy Ghost. The speaker explains that water baptism and Holy Ghost baptism are different. Receiving the Word brings salvation and water baptism, but receiving the Holy Ghost is another step.
The Holy Ghost brings power. The Bible shows that when people receive the Holy Ghost, there are clear signs that you can see and hear. Do not be deceived or settle for less than what God promises. The Holy Ghost is not just a goal, but the gateway to true spiritual power.
Acts 19:1-6
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Paul returned to Ephesus on his third missionary journey. He met twelve men who believed in Jesus, but he noticed something missing. Paul asked if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed. They had not. Paul ministered to them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Peter and John had a similar experience in Samaria. Their message was about receiving the Holy Spirit, not just preaching the word. They laid hands on believers, and the Holy Ghost came upon them. There was visible and audible evidence when the Holy Ghost was received.
Simon saw something happen when the Holy Ghost was given. The Holy Ghost’s presence is always clear—you can see and hear it. Many Christians have received the Word, been baptized, and experienced joy and freedom. Churches today often lack the manifest presence and power of the Holy Ghost.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
Every church meeting should show the presence of the Holy Ghost. There should always be something people can see and hear, showing God’s power is real among them.
Acts 10:44-47
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Receiving the Holy Ghost: A Distinct and Essential Experience
Acts shows a clear pattern: people receive the Word of God, experience deliverance, joy, and healing, but that is not the same as receiving the Holy Spirit. Receiving the Holy Spirit is a separate, special experience by faith.
In Acts 10, Peter goes to Cornelius’ house after receiving a vision. God shows Peter that He is no respecter of persons; the Holy Spirit is for everyone. Peter preaches Christ to the Gentiles.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Ghost falls on all who hear the message. The Jewish believers are astonished that Gentiles also receive the Holy Ghost. They know this happened because they hear them speak in tongues and magnify God.
Speaking in tongues is a sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. It builds up faith, brings power, and magnifies God. This experience is life-changing and available to all believers.
A woman in the church said receiving the Holy Ghost with tongues changed her more than just getting saved. It was a powerful, life-changing experience. When you receive the Holy Spirit, your life is transformed. Old friends and even church groups may not understand or accept it.
The Bible shows there are two baptisms: water and the Holy Spirit. You can be saved, baptized, healed, and delivered, but still not have received the Holy Spirit. Receiving the Holy Spirit is not just a goal; it is the gateway to power and ministry.
Peter and Paul both taught that believers should repent, be baptized, and then receive the Holy Spirit. The evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is often speaking in tongues and manifesting God’s presence. Some people have never received the Holy Spirit. Others have, but they need a fresh filling. Some are full and want even more of God.
What They Heard And Saw: How to Live the Acts Experience
I encourage everyone to seek more of God and to be filled or refilled with the Holy Spirit. I pray for the church to be filled with God’s Spirit, to display His presence, and to manifest His gifts. The church should be a place where the Holy Spirit is visibly and audibly present. Everyone is encouraged to pray, praise, and let the Holy Spirit be seen and heard in their lives.
What They Heard And Saw
Other Related Sermons:
Holy Ghost and Scriptural Tongues 3
Scriptural Tongues 2 Weapon notes
Baptism In The Holy Ghost Series Audio
Come Holy Spirit but Why Tongues?
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