The Ingredients of a Church Aflame

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 2:1-13In Acts 2, nearly a million Jews were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. However, 120 disciples of Jesus Christ were at the center of attention as they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They were a church aflame; an early Christian church that made an impact on their community in a mighty way. What are the ingredients of a church aflame?The first is Supernatural Power.God demonstrated the power He had promised the disciples in Acts 1:8. This power was visualized by wind and fire. John 3:8 explains that the wind symbolizes the Holy Spirit because it “bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth.” The sight of fire over each of the disciples’ heads also symbolizes the Holy Spirit, as fire spreads and consumes, just like our Lord wants to consume our lives for His glory. This power was vocalized by the speaking of tongues and vitalized by the Holy Spirit. When we become Christians, we are baptized by the Holy Ghost, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, and sealed into Christ. From there, we can choose to be filled with the Holy Spirit through surrender and faith. Then, there’s the anointing of the Spirit: the special touch for a specific task.The second ingredient of a church aflame is the spiritual preaching.Peter preached the Word of God to the disciples with boldness.The third ingredient of a church aflame is a saved people; those who understand what salvation truly is.Adrian Rogers says, “Real salvation is not merely a crisis act that you look back to, it is a present experience.”The last ingredient of a church aflame is the spiritual program.The church must study the Bible together in fellowship and worship as one Body. Each member must participate as they should.When each member is active in the church, the church will grow and catch the flame of the Spirit.Apply it to your lifeAre you an active member of a church aflame? Remember, as Adrian Rogers said, “God doesn’t want us to do anything for Him, He wants to do something through us.” Let Him use you in your local church.