“Pentecost Ceased?”, Acts 2, Pastor Jim Davis, May 30, 2021

Notes & references:
Acts 2:1-21
I Cor 12:31
Luke 10:17
John 8:44
Matthew 12:26
Acts 4:31
Acts 8:14-17
Acts 10:44
Acts 11:15
Acts 19:4-7
I Corinthians 13:8
Acts 2:14-21
I Corinthians 12
I Corinthians 13
I Corinthians 14

Pentecost holiday was fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel.

Jesus said the Holy Spirit will come.

Holy Spirit = Powerful witness for Christ. We are strengthened by the power of God. An experience that changes our lives.

2 theologians for and 2 against:
John MacArthur
R.C. Sprole
Howard Irvin
Stanley Horton

Same Bible. Educated. Different interpretations.

Pentecost was the power of the Church (ecclesia = out)

Cessationists say this died with the apostles. (I Corinth. 13)

People’s experiences are not the determining factor for truth.

Some say, It was only for the 12 apostles and those they laid hands on.

Acts 4, 8, 10, 11, 19 does not agree.

Acts 11 - the Holy Spirit fell on them as on us in the beginning.

I Corinth. 13 - Paul exhorted them to understand it.
Prophecy will fail. Tongues will cease. Knowledge will vanish away.
The question is when?

Acts 2 - Gifts cause problems in the Church per Paul? Gifts = 9 specific manifestations (God making Himself known) of the Holy Spirit. All are given to every man to profit from.

Superior and inferior views of positions in the Church was the problem.
i.e. "I have no need of you."
"I am not part of the body."

Some interpret verse 31 that the best way is the gift of love.

Covet earnestly the best gifts.
This is a command.
Everything is a gift from God but love is classified as a fruit of the Spirit. Love flows as you mature as Christians.

Paul: a better way.

The Corinthians didn’t know how to handle gifts.

Hados = road
Ecc = out of

Exodus = Out of and on the way

Charismata = gratuity or endowment

Paul - there’s a better journey to take.

A better way. Not a better gift.