Four Earth Shaking Events In History

Exodus 19:18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
	Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 17: 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
	Zechariah 14:1Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. Zechariah 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Zechariah 14:3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

While All Are Very Important, Which Event Is Central To God’s Overall Plan For Eternity?

The Father’s Promise to His Only Begotten Son

Text: Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

I. Introduction

Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Psalm 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

After making His Decree, the Father told the Son: “Ask of me, and I shall give Thee the Heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.”

The Son obeyed:

John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

The answer to this High Priestly prayer by Christ Jesus began in the beginning of the book of Acts:

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.

We will see that the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is going to power this promise from the Father. This promise of the Heathen as Christ’s inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth as His possession will be fully fulfilled as we read in I Corinthians:

I Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

I Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

In the meantime, we have partial fulfillments and implementations of God’s Redemption, Sanctification, and filling of the Holy Ghost to enable the “born again” believer to perform the work God has for them looking for the “Blessed Hope” and glorious appearing of Christ Jesus (Titus 2:11-13).

II. Just Before Christ Ascended

A. The disciples were instructed to tarry in Jerusalem for power before going to work:

Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

B. Luke Expands on this power they will receive

Acts 1:4 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.

Acts 1:5 For

John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

III. When the disciples were gathered at Jerusalem as they were instructed:

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

A. The “Day of Pentecost” is one of the Jewish Feasts established at some time in the Jewish agricultural year by God for the people to reiterate the giving of the Law at Mount Sanai.

B. This “Day of Pentecost” followed and was an extension of the Passover and Unleavened Bread.

C. Those celebrating Passover and its meal seder also retell the story of God delivering His people out of bondage in Egypt.

D. The Day of Unleavened Bread teaches that one must remove sin in their life and serve God.

E. Pentecost, firstfruits, Harvest, or Weeks (so named because it was established 50 days after Passover - 7 weeks and one day). Today, Jews celebrate all three together for 8 days.

F. But Pentecost is also a Christian special day that looks back at a tremendous miracle happening to the disciples of Jesus. What resulted from this Pentecost “Turned the world upside down”.

G. Do not think that it is a coincidence that this event happened at the time that people are celebrating the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sanai.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

H. The Jews, travelers from all over the world to Jerusalem, were amazed and theorized that the disciples were drunk. (How could the tongues of all their nations be spoken by drunks?)

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

I. Then Peter began quoting from the prophet Joel:

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Acts 2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

J. This was actually a Partial Fulfillment at the Day of Pentecost.

1. While Joel saw this prophecy all in one event in the “Day of the Lord”

2. Peter experiencing the pouring out of the Spirit was able to distinguish between the two events.

3. We, knowing Psalm 2, are able to see that this promise of the Father:

a. Was given in Psalm 2:8

Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Psalm 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

b. The Father Promised the Son, that if the Son would ask, the Father would give Him:

1.) The Heathen (Gentile Nations) for the Son’s inheritance.

2.) The uttermost parts of the earth (All the earth) for the Son’s possession.

c. But before this, God made a promise to Abraham and his Seed, and explained it further to the Galatian church:

Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

k. The Father Gave the promise to the Son, (Gentiles and uttermost parts of the world) and the Son gave it by faith to those who believe and accomplished it by the power of the Holy Spirit.

IV. Remember when the Son asked the Father for the Son’s inheritance? – At His High Priestly Prayer Just Before the Cross

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

V. This Baptism in the Holy Ghost was the Second time the Disciples had a Holy Ghost Experience:

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

A. The word, “breathed” is the Greek word emphuseo, the same word translated in the Septuagint in Genesis 2:7 where God breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life. The word “receive” is a form of the Greek word lambano, which literally means “make it your own”

B. Just as the original creation was completed by an act of God “breathing the Holy Spirit”, so is the “born again” experience by an act of the Head of the new creation by the power of the Holy Ghost. (Notice breath or wind is again connected to the Holy Spirit)

John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

C. This “giving” of the Holy Ghost to the disciples was not the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, that would wait until the “Day of Pentecost” as they tarried in Jerusalem and were all in one accord.

D. This was the disciples first encounter with the Holy Spirit – the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead:

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

E. The word “quicken” is the Greek word zoopoieo, meaning to “make alive”

F. The same word is used in:

John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth <2227> them; even so the Son quickeneth <2227> whom he will.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth <2227>; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

G. So, the disciples were spiritually regenerated, or quickened a new birth in John 20:22.

H. It is the same with the church, we are quickened a new birth by the Spirit – John 3.

I. Then, the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit and the sign of this baptism was that they spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance in Acts 2:2-4

J. It is the same with the church.

K. Notice that the result of Baptism in the Holy Spirit was that people who did not know Christ were saved through the baptized in the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (This is the same Peter that denied Christ a few days before)

L. This second encounter with the Holy Spirit is also happened in Samaria, The Samaritans, after water baptism, received the baptism in the Holy Ghost

Acts 8:12 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.

Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

M. Similar events happened to Saul (Paul) who had persecuted the church. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul received the Holy Ghost:

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

N. Again, similar events happened after Peter’s vision concerning the Gentiles. A centurion from Caesarea.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Acts 10:45 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.

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

And, as Peter is recalling this experience to the Jerusalem Council, we have this:

Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:

Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

Acts 11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

O. As Peter was testifying at the Council concerning circumcision of the Gentiles we read:

Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

P. And again, At Ephesus, The Holy Ghost

Acts 19:1 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,

Acts 19:2 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.

Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

Acts 19:4 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.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.

VI. We Can Now Make a Few Statements Concerning the Baptism in the Holy Ghost:

A. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for every Christian seeking Christ

B. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost is an experience subsequent to salvation

C. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a requirement for salvation, but is a benefit that the saved can employ

D. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost is not a requirement for the new Christian, but is an empowering experience for the Christian.

E. The Holy Spirit is very present in the salvation experience:

1.) The Holy Spirit convicts the sinner

2.) The Holy Spirit creates a new creature (New Birth)

3.) The Holy Spirit tabernacles in the new believer

F. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost experience:

1.) Gives power to witness

2.) Sign is speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance

3.) Fills to overflowing

John 7:33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

John 7:34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

John 7:36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Romans 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Appendix: Results of Being Born Again
Spiritual Cleansing	The cleansing Word	John 3:5; 15:3;17:17; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5; I Peter 21:23
Indwelling Spirit	The Ernest of the Spirit	Romans 8:9-12; II Corinthians 1:22
Transformation Into A New Creature	Old things are passed away; Behold all things have become new	II Corinthians 5:17;
Adoption	…Whereby we cry, Abba, Father	John 1:12-13; Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:4-6
Guidance and Understanding the things of the Holy Ghost	…God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:	John 16:13-15; I Corinthians 2:2:9-16; I John 2:27
The ability to live by God’s standards	…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.	Galatians 5:16-23; I John 2:29
Victory over sin	…he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.	I John 3:9; I John 5:4-18
Eternal Inheritance	…To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away…	Romans 8:17-19; Galatians 4:7; I Peter 3:3-4