• About Us
    • Our COVID-19 Plan
    • Our Vision
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our Calendar
    • Our Staff
    • Our Missions
    • Keep in Touch
  • Grow
  • Bloom
  • Worship
    • Online Worship
    • Messages
    • Pastor's Blog
  • Members
    • Member Portal
    • Directory
  • Give
  • Precious Lambs
Gethsemane Church in Raleigh
  • About Us
    • Our COVID-19 Plan
    • Our Vision
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our Calendar
    • Our Staff
    • Our Missions
    • Keep in Touch
  • Grow
  • Bloom
  • Worship
    • Online Worship
    • Messages
    • Pastor's Blog
  • Members
    • Member Portal
    • Directory
  • Give
  • Precious Lambs

Pentecost Sermon: The Christian Voice

6/9/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
There are a lot of famous spokesmen in the world. Tony the Tiger. Mr. Clean. Ronald McDonald. Lebron James. The Honey Bee from Honey Nut Cheerios. (Although I have to admit that I have no idea what his name is.)

A spokesman is important. These spokesmen help to sell the product. They tell you to invest in what the company sells. They tell you "you aren’t as cool as Lebron James if you don’t eat the Club Hamburger!”

If you had to name one spokesman for Christianity, whom would you name?

The whimsical and kind words of Max Lucado? The theologically heavy, yet humanly raw writings of Martin Luther? How about the wise, well-known voice of Billy Graham? The Gospel sing-song voice of Reverend T.D. Jakes?

All of these Christian speak and write in very different ways. Which one is the best? Which one is most correct?

What does the voice of Christianity sound like?

I wonder if the post Ascension disciples were pondering that very question. They had just received their marching orders. They were to “go and make disciples of all nations by baptizing them…and by teaching them to obey everything (Jesus) had commanded them.” (Mt. 28:19) Teaching involved talking. They would have to use their voice.

Should they be hellfire and brimstone like the Old Testament prophets? Should they speak mildly in one on one conversation?  Should they hire speech writers to help them write the first sermon OR should they just hire someone to preach it for them? Maybe they could buy big rolls of papyrus, make bolded posters with crosses on them and place them all over the Colisseum?

As they sat their quietly in that Jerusalem room and pondered what the Christian voice might sound like, little did they know that God was about to reveal to them exactly what it sounded like.

1. What does the Christian Voice Sound Like?

Suddenly, they heard the sound like the blowing of a violent wind. Think of a hurricane without the rain. A tornado without the wind. Then, they saw what appeared to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. Finally, Scripture says they were filled with the Holy Spirit and then it describes how they went and immediately began preaching sermons. (Acts 2)

Understand what this means. These disciples – ordinary men – fishermen, accountants, untrained, unschooled – suddenly knew what the Christian voice sounded like. It was familiar.

It was their own.

What does it sound like today?

Look at what the prophet Joel has to say about Pentecost and the time after it in chapter two of his prophecy. He says, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants – both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29)

Consider then what the Christian voice sounds like.

Sometimes, Joel says, it sounds like sons and daughters.

If you have older children who have grown up and left the house, you might be nodding your head. But notice that Joel puts no age limit on this prophecy. Meaning that if your kid is still a kid, this prophecy is no less valid.

Now you may be thinking, “My kid? The voice of Christianity? Not so much. She’s inquisitive (always asking “Why?”) to be sure and she’s knows all the words to “Let It Go,” but the voice of Chrsitianity? That might be taking it too far.”  

And yet…

…Think of those Precious Lambs last weekend. They are nothing more than preschool . Not even tall enough to ride the Ferris Wheel at an amusement park. Last week they sang in church.  High pitched? A little. Off key? Some. Off beat? Definitely.

But did that change their message? It was the Word of God from Matthew 28: “Surely, I will be with you always to the very end of the age.”

Wonderful. Beautiful. God’s Word.

Sometimes the voice of the Christian sounds like the voice of a child!

But that’s not all the Christian voice sounds like. Joel writes, “Your young men will see visions.” (2:28)

Again, that might sound a little strange. Teenage boys aren’t usually thought of for their responsibility. Culturally, we think of them as talking about the latest cheat codes on a video game, the stats of their favorite football team, and whether Marci Fischer has a crush on them or not!

But Joel tells us that “your young men will see visions.” High schoolers will challenge their public school teachers on the origins of the world. Teens from New Ulm join forces with some of our teens and go door-to-door inviting people to church. In a few weeks, the WELS Youth rally will gather over 2000 teens from across the United States united in singing praises to God. Shortly after that we will have teen confirmation and two young adults will confess their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ before all of us!

Sometimes, the voice of the Christian sounds like the voice of a teenager!

But that’s not all the Christian voice sounds like. Joel writes, “your old men will dream dreams.” (2:28)

Again, you might struggle to think this possible. Especially with a much older man who lives in a retirement home. One might think, “They need help with every aspect of living. They need someone to push the wheelchair. Someone to bring them food. If I want to hear anything they are saying, I have to lean in close and listen intently! How could they be the spokesmen of the Lord?”

Monday mornings I head over Brighton Gardens retirement home. The majority of the residents who join me for worship there have to be wheeled in. They need help finding the page in the bulletin. They need help finding a spot to sit.

But...

They don’t need any help singing Amazing Grace! They sing “How Great Thou Art” at the top of their lungs. Sure, their fingers might write a with a tad more of a crook, but they can still write letters of blessing. Sure, their ways might be a bit old fashioned, but if you listen…really listen, you might learn wonderful lessons about God.

Respect your elders. Because sometimes the voice of Christianity sounds just like the voice of your grandparent!

But young men, old men, and young children are not all that the voices of Christians sound like. Joel tells us "I will pour out my Spirit on all people….even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28, 29)

In other words, at different times the voice of Christianity will sound like the voice of every believer.

But here’s where you really need to pay attention.

First, make sure no one’s around. Close a door. Breath deeply. Then, hum a bit. Softly a first, then a bit louder.

Did you hear it?

You just heard the voice of Christianity! You just heard the voice of one of God’s spokesmen.

It’s you!

2. How does a Christian Voice Speak?
Now I’m sure you are immediately objecting:

“I’m terrible at speaking.”
“I freeze up and say silly things.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“If I can’t convince my kids to eat their broccoli, how can I convince others to believe in Jesus?”

I’m sure the disciples might have had similar objections. In Jerusalem that first Pentecost was a United Nations of the Ancient World:  Parthians, Median, Elamites, Mesopotamians, Judeans, Cappadocians, Pontians, Asians, phyrgians, Pamphylians, Egyptians, Libyans, Romans, Cretans, and Arabs!

Yet, Scripture tells us that they heard the message of Jesus – clearly—and each in their own language.

This was long before the time of the Rosetta Stone. How could the disciples have been able to speak all these different languages so quickly?

Were they studying in their off time? When? They had been following Jesus for over three years. Were they naturally brilliant? Not necessarily. Some of them were fishermen and farmers. Were they drunk? Not at all!

Peter answers by pointing to the words of the prophet Joel: "I will pour out my Spirit on all people….I will pour my Spirit in those days.”

In other words, the disciples weren’t in it alone. Their voices didn’t speak by themselves. They had the Holy Spirit of God guiding them.

The same is true for you.

Now you might not have a tongue of fire on your head. You probably can’t speak in tongues and I don’t want you to even try picking up a poisonous snake.

Yet, if you are a believer, know this: You have the Holy Spirit with you!

How do I know this?

Scripture says, “No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3) You can’t be a believer unless the Holy Spirit is with you – in your heart.

This is comforting isn’t it? You, dear believer, are an instrument of the Holy Spirit. As you speak his Word, he is using you for his purposes.

Which means that there is no reason to worry!

I imagine that a rickety old violin might feel a little worried in the way that he will sound as a concert approaches. But, if that old violin hears that it will be played by a world renowned violinist, all that worry fades away!


You are an instrument that is in the hands of the Holy Spirit of God! He is world renowned for the faith that he works and strengthens through the Word. Though you may be broken and rusty in your speaking skills, that does not mean that He can’t use you to beautifully share God’s Word!

Scripture tells us, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

This is true. It’s true even when you, yes, you, speak God’s Word.

3.       What Does a Spokesman Say?

Now about the only objection you might have left is to ask the simple question, “what does the Christian voice say?”

Take a look at Peter’s speech in Acts 2 and you see that answer. Peter continues in his Pentecost address to speak of the past. Specifically, the past 50 days. He tells how Jesus lived. How Jesus died. How Jesus rose again. He tells them of how they sinned and how Jesus save them from their sins.

You know this. You know it well. So speak it. Speak of how your Savior lived perfectly, died innocently, and rose triumphantly for the forgiveness of sins.

Then, don’t just speak the past, but speak the future.

Now, you might be thinking, “The future? How am I to do that? I don’t own a crystal ball. I don’t get visions. I can’t read palms. My magic 8 ball is broken. How am I to speak about the future, if I don’t know it!?!”

But, dear Christian, as a believer in Jesus, might I add that you do know the future. Look at the words of Joel for a reminder:

God says, "I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood on the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” (Joel 2:30-32)

In other words, you know the Law. The end is coming. It comes as death for many of us. For others, it will come as Judgment day. And without Jesus, it will be dreadful.

But, you also know the Gospel. Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance! (Joel 2:33)

Don’t shudder in proclaiming comfort for the future. Confidently and boldly speak the good news of Jesus!

Conclusion:

When Peter and the disciples had finished their work on the first Pentecost, Scripture tells us that over 3,000 were added to their number that day.

Brothers and sisters, you may not see thousands of people coming to faith as soon as you start sharing your faith, but don’t be surprised to start seeing results. The LORD is at work! He will cause people to think. He will cause people to ask questions. He will be at work as you share his word!

So, be a spokesman!

Just about the only time that a spokesman doesn’t do his job is when he doesn’t speak for the product he represents.

You represent Jesus. Do your job. Speak of him. At home, at work, on the job, with your neighbors, at the dog park, in the coffee shop, online. Be a spokesman for Jesus! Amen.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013

    Picture
    Pastor Phil Kiecker and his wife, Julianna love serving the community of North Raleigh.

    Categories

    All
    500
    ACTS
    Adiaphora
    Advent
    All Powerful
    Alone
    Anger
    Anxiety
    Ascension
    Ash Wednesday
    Atheism
    Attitude
    Authority
    Back To Church
    Backwards Thinking
    Baptism
    Barabbas
    Battleground
    Being Selfless
    Believe
    Betrayal
    Bible Study
    Blessed
    Bold
    Bread Of Life
    Breathe
    Building Project
    Caiaphas
    Caring
    Chapel Hill Shootings
    Charleston
    Chosen
    Christian Living
    Christmas
    Church
    Clean
    Combative
    Comfort
    Commission
    Commitment
    Compassion
    Complete
    Complicated
    Confession
    Confidence
    Confirmation
    Confusion
    Counter Culture
    Courage
    Creed
    Crucifixion
    Danger
    Dark Arts
    Dear Church
    Death
    Debt
    Deep
    Demons
    Depression
    Disappointment
    Disciple
    Diversity
    Divorce
    Don't Be Afraid
    Doubt
    Drowned
    Easter
    Education
    End Times
    Enough
    Entitlement
    Eternal Life
    #EternalLivesMatter
    Evangelism
    Everyone
    Evil
    EYEWITNESS
    Faith
    Faithful
    #FaithTest
    False Teachings
    Family
    Family Matters
    Father
    Fear
    Fighting Temptation
    Firsts
    Fixer Upper
    Follow
    Forgiven
    Forgiveness
    Foundations
    Freedom
    FRESH
    Friendship
    Fufilling
    GIVE
    Giving
    God
    God & Country
    Godly Wisdom
    God's Family
    God's Great Exchange
    God's Not Dead
    God's Will
    God's Word
    Good
    Good Friday
    Good Shepherd Sunday
    Gospel
    Grace
    Greed
    Grow
    Guilt
    Hallelujah
    Hallowed
    Healing
    Heart
    Heaven
    Heavenly King
    Hell
    Help
    Holy
    Holy Spirit
    Homosexuality
    Hope
    Humility
    Hurt
    Idolatry
    Impossible
    Inclusive
    Intimacy
    Jesus
    Joy
    Judgment
    Last Day
    Leaders
    Lent
    Life
    Light
    Love
    Love One Another
    Lust
    Marriage
    Martin Luther
    Maundy Thursday
    Meditations
    Mercy
    Messiah
    Messy
    Ministry
    Miracles
    Mission Work
    Nehemiah
    NEW
    New Life
    New Year
    North Raleigh
    Opportunity
    Outreach
    Palm Sunday
    Parable
    Patience
    Patriotism
    Peace
    Peer Pressure
    Pentecost
    People Of God
    Plan
    Pontius Pilate
    Popularity
    Pornography
    Prayer
    Prepare
    Present
    Priorities
    Promise
    Prophecies Of Isaiah
    Psalms
    Punishment
    Purity
    Race
    Racism
    Raleigh
    Reformation
    Rejection
    Renewal
    Repentance
    Rest
    Resurrection
    RETURN
    Revelation
    #RiseUp
    Runaway
    Salvation
    Satan
    Savior
    Seriousness
    Serve
    Sex
    Sickness
    Simple
    Sin
    Sola
    Son Of God
    Special
    Stand Firm
    Stranger
    Submit
    Substitute
    Suffering
    Surprising Grace
    Thankful
    Thanksgiving
    The Crowd
    The Joshua Program
    The Kingdom Of God
    The Lord's Prayer
    The Lord's Supper
    The Word
    Time With God
    Transfiguration
    Trapped
    Trinity
    True Heart
    Trust
    #TrustGod
    Truth
    Unfaithfulness
    Unity
    Urgency
    Valentine's Day
    Value
    Victory
    Visions Of The End
    Voting
    Walking Together
    Wisdom
    Work
    Worship

    RSS Feed

Gethsemane Lutheran Church
1100 Newton Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 539-2218
pastor@gathertothegarden.com
  • About Us
    • Our COVID-19 Plan
    • Our Vision
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our Calendar
    • Our Staff
    • Our Missions
    • Keep in Touch
  • Grow
  • Bloom
  • Worship
    • Online Worship
    • Messages
    • Pastor's Blog
  • Members
    • Member Portal
    • Directory
  • Give
  • Precious Lambs