Ministrymaker Magazine

This is the basic outline from one of my husband’s sermons with my two-cents worth thrown in. I encourage you to read all of Acts Chapter 2 so you have a better understanding of what was going on with the disciples during that time. Always make sure the Word being taught is the real deal, regardless of the source. Anyone can twist a passage from the Bible to make it say what ever they want it to say. Get in the habit of reading it for yourself so you will never be duped by a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

There must be unity in the Church – Acts 2:1

In order to see a move of God there must be unity in the church and in our families. Acts 2:1 basically says that the disciples were all together in one accord and in one place. Over the years we’ve had folks tell us things like “I know we missed the service, but we were with you in spirit.” I’m sorry, but your spirit is in your body. The only way we are going to be together is if you bring your body! It’s difficult to have unity in the local church if folks never get together to fellowship and share the Word with one another.

You must hear a sound from heaven – Acts 2:2

In order to see a move of God your pastor must be hearing from Him. So many pastors today wait until the last minute, then pull a sermon off the Internet and read it to the congregation on Sunday morning. I’m not saying it’s wrong to use other sources, but if your pastor is not at least trying to hear from God your church will be lifeless. If you are in a church like this you might consider finding a new one!

You must be filled with the Spirit – Acts 2:4

See also Ephesians 5:18-19 and Acts 2:15. Acts 2:4 says that they were all filled with (or under the control of) the Spirit. If Christians operate only in their flesh trouble will ensue. Being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing process because we have a lot of leaks! The only way to continually be filled with the Spirit is to set apart time daily to spend with God in prayer, worship and studying the Word.

The world must see something different – Acts 2:15-16

In this passage the people saw things happening they had never seen before. To see a move of God, the world needs to see something different in us — and in the church. Not just religiosity, or church as usual, but people who say what they mean and mean what they say.

Church leaders must have the support of others – Acts 2:14

The other disciples stood behind Peter in full support even after he denied the Lord. As a result, over 3,000 people were added to the church that day. Because a person is called to ministry doesn’t mean they are perfect and will always say or do everything right. They are only human and subject to failure like the rest of us. Make sure you encourage your leaders by letting them know you support them.

The Word must be taught – Acts 2:16

See also Isiah 55:10 -11 and Hebrews 4:12. Peter quoted large and obscure passages of scripture in Acts chapter 2. The disciples didn’t have the luxury opening their Bible and reading a passage. They had to know it! If God is going to do a work in people’s hearts, the Word must be used. Take time to not only study the Word, but also to memorize those passages that have brought you victory in the past.

There must be conviction – Acts 2:37

This is not what people want to hear, but when God begins to move people will be convicted. John 16:8 -11 tells us the Holy Spirit came to convict us of sin. Many in the church today are so concerned about offending people they water down the truth in order to make it easier for people to digest. Christians forget that we were told by God that his Word would (not might) bring offense. The Word brings conviction — which is designed to keep us out of trouble.

Continued ministry must take place – Acts 2:41- 42

In this passage, after they experienced the move of God and became part of the local church, they were continually devoting themselves to the Apostles teaching, fellowship and prayer. It’s not enough to have God touch your life — you must continue to be discipled — which means being taught and held accountable by other believers.

As Christians, if we aren’t growing, we are dying.