Summary of dr. Péter Hack’s sermon on 2023-05-28
A new era began on Pentecost, which will continue until the great day of the Lord comes. God broke through the barrier between Heaven and Earth. The Bible refers to this as the hand of the Lord, the heavenly power. Several stories in the Old Testament can be mentioned to support this, where God’s supernatural power manifested.
One such instance was when the king of Judah and Israel sought a prophet’s advice in a crisis involving Moab, and they were searching for God’s counsel. The Spirit of the Lord descended upon the prophet Elisha, who received a revelation. This story also demonstrates the role of praise.
THE PROPHET REQUESTED A SINGER, AND WHILE THE SINGER WAS SINGING, GOD REVEALED HIS PLAN TO HIM.
The revealed plan did not seem logical at first—they had to dig ditches that would fill with water—but the two kings accepted the revelation, resulting in victory for the Israelite-Judean coalition. The water turning red at sunrise was mistaken as blood in the enemy’s camp. They thought that Israel and Judah had turned against each other and launched an attack to their detriment. The king of Moab also sought supernatural power to secure victory, but he wanted to avert the siege by offering a human sacrifice. Outraged, the Jewish troops left the scene.
During the time of captivity, the prophet Ezekiel, who was far away from his homeland and Jerusalem, also experienced the Spirit of God descending upon him and received a vision that provided insight into the spiritual realm. The Holy Spirit lifted him from earthly reality to heavenly existence. No human can adequately describe the spiritual beings present there; only the Holy Spirit can reveal it.
LET US PREPARE FOR HEAVENLY LIFE. THE LIFE THERE WILL NEVER BE BORING BECAUSE HEAVEN HAS TREMENDOUS RENEWAL CAPACITY. LET US BE STRONGHEARTED LIKE MOSES, WHO SAW THE INVISIBLE! LET US SPEAK GOD’S WORD BOLDLY!
The Spirit of prophecy came so that we may call the unbeliever to repentance and the straying believer to return, lest they forget the truths they once experienced. Every believer has people in their surroundings whom God wants to use them to influence, and they will be held accountable for whether they have warned them. The Spirit of God wants to reach people for repentance, and we must work together with Him in this.
THE HOLY SPIRIT: REVELATIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE. Ezekiel also had to prophesy, so that the Spirit could breathe life into the dry bones, and they stood up like a great army. This symbolizes the resurrection of Israel at the end of times.
IN THE CASE OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL, GOD REVEALED 2600 YEARS AHEAD, AND IT REQUIRED HIS PEOPLE TO SPEAK THE WORD OF THE LORD. WITHOUT THIS, STAGNATION CAN OCCUR.
Proclaiming the Gospel requires strength, which is conveyed by the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit descended upon only a few individuals, but in the New Testament, everyone has the opportunity for this. The Spirit of God descends upon those in whom Jesus Christ dwells. Before Pentecost, the disciples were in unity, praying together, and as Jesus commanded them, they were waiting to receive power. The prophetic revelations were spoken afterward. They were not drunk; instead, what Joel the prophet spoke was fulfilled: God exalted Jesus Christ to heaven, and He poured out His Holy Spirit so that His sons could prophesy.
IT IS VISIBLE IN THE BIBLE THAT THERE ARE EXTERNAL SIGNS OF THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. THIS HAPPENED ON PENTECOST AS WELL, WHEN THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT WERE THOUGHT TO BE DRUNK. GOD WANTS TO USE THOSE PEOPLE WHOM HE TOUCHES IN THIS WAY.
Seeking God’s will, we must receive revelations regarding the most important decisions in our lives. God wants to anoint us in connection with the talents we have received, so that we can effectively use His gifts. The consequence of this will be that we will overcome the crisis times victoriously.
We must tell people that they cannot be born into the Church but can only enter through repentance. We must make people understand that after the end of earthly life, no one automatically enters Heaven; it is only made possible by accepting the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
„ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
(Acts 2:38-39)
THE SCRIPTURE READINGS:
- Acts 2:1-21, 2:38-39
- 2 Kings 3:15-27
- Ezekiel 1:3-28, 3:14-27, 37:1-14