ACTS 2:5-21

Teaching Notes

In a world filled with noise, hype, and empty promises, Acts 2:5–21 reminds us that the Church doesn’t need gimmicks—it needs the power of the Holy Spirit. In this powerful teaching, Pastor Craig takes us into the heart of Pentecost, where the Spirit of God was poured out not as a show, but as a sovereign move of God to empower ordinary people for extraordinary purpose.

With Jerusalem overflowing with travelers for the Feast of Pentecost, God chose this moment to birth His Church through the supernatural gift of tongues—real languages spoken by uneducated Galileans, declaring the glory of God to a global audience. Some marveled, others mocked, but Peter stood up, filled with the Spirit, and boldly proclaimed: This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.

This message explores the danger of trading Spirit-led ministry for man-made gimmicks and calls the Church back to the simplicity and power of the gospel—Christ crucified and risen. It challenges believers to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, not to impress, but to witness. We are reminded that the Spirit empowers not the strong, but the surrendered; not the polished, but the available.

And at the heart of Peter’s sermon is the invitation that still stands today: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

This teaching isn’t just about a moment in history—it’s about the Church today, and the Spirit who still fills, empowers, and sends.