Pentecost

Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Acts 2:1-13

The Church’s present situation (church with a capital “C”)

• Declining attendance in the West
• Shallow faith
• Scandals
• Deconstruction
• A lack of confidence

ALL SELF INFLICTED – A story recounted.

The Church’s condition parallels the situation that the people of God found themselves in during Ezekiel’s time.

Lessons from the Valley of Dry Bones

1. Revival comes from a steadfast communication of God’s word

“ … hear the word of the LORD … so I prophesied as I was commanded”  vs 4,7

See Romans 10:14

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

2. Revival comes through the agency of the Holy Spirit

“Prophesy to the breath … Come, breath, from the four winds …” vs. 9

“I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, …” vs. 14

3. Revival comes from the obedience of God’s people.

Ezekiel did as God said.

TODAY

The purpose of Pentecost

To empower the church

God has not left us without help in doing his work – Acts 1:8

“And you will receive power … and you will be my witnesses”

The purpose of the gift of tongues (more clearly, languages) is to be effective witnesses. See vs. 7-11

“… we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

See also 1 Peter 2:9 and Psalm 40:5

WHAT WONDERS OF GOD OUGHT WE DECLARE IN OUR OWN TIME?

Salvation, Justification, Sanctification, Glorification.

The gifts of the Spirit are meant for the declaring of God’s many wonders

THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS STILL MOVING

Our challenge this Pentecost is to be obedient

Luke 14:23 – “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.”

Christ’s promise:

And I will be with you always – Matthew 28:20

See “The Quiet Revival”

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Online Giving (and thank you 🙂

CASH OFFERINGS – Please use the tall giving boxes at the front and back of the worship hall after the service.

GIVING DIRECTLY TO BANK

Custom House Baptist Church
Bank: Barclays
Sort Code: 20-67-88
Account No: 40926876

 

EGH Bank Details

Account Name: Custom House Baptist Church

Sort Code: 20-67-88

Account Number: 83021106

Bank: Barclays

This will resume soon. Test service at the moment