Pentecost and Alexa
So what is the real difference between Pentecost THEN AND Pentecost NOW:
(This was a question I had been asking in a sermon)
I know let’s go to that electronic voice of wisdom that everyone seems to look to today, for their answers to everything!
Let’s ask Alexa voice control on the internet!
(Bob come over here and help me with this drama please. Come and ask all the right questions)
N: Alexa; How come Pentecost was so dynamic then:
A: WAY BACK THEN the disciples followed Jesus’ instructions. They WAITED on God and PREPARED themselves in order to receive the Holy Spirit. They PERSEVERED in prayer, in the temple AND at their lodgings. They were UNITED, they were of ONE mind, obedient, excited and expectant.
N; Alexa, what is this speaking in tongues?
A; It is a speech called Letters to Third World women by Gloria Infelger
N: Alexa STOP, I’m not getting anywhere here, I meant the languages the disciples were given at Pentecost which were understood by the crowd.
N: Alexa, what difference did the Holy Spirit make to the lives of the disciples?
A: The Holy Spirit empowered the church with new life, confidence, courage and boldness No longer did fear rule their hearts. The disciples were filled with a passionate desire to spread the news about Jesus Christ.
N; Alexa why don’t we see that kind of witnessing, and growth in numbers today?
A: In many parts of the world, miraculous things are happening and there IS tremendous growth of New Testament proportions, faith is being shared despite persecution.
In the West such a thirst for things of the Spirit is not such a priority and not all that much in evidence.
N: Alexa Why is this the case?
A: Hmmm Sorry I don’t know that one!
N: Alexa, why is it then, that Christians in the West seem either unwilling or fearful of sharing their faith?
A: There are a number of reasons:
· They may feel that they need to know their Bibles more or understand more about their faith first?
· They may fear being judged if they speak out because they may not be living up to the standard required?
· They may fear being reprimanded for forcing their beliefs on others?
· They may fear rejection or ridicule, or they may not see the need to share their faith with people who do not want to know? . . . What is YOUR reason?
N: Hmmm Sorry I don’t know that one! Hey I’m asking the questions!
N: Alexa, if I waited on God, prepared myself and prayed to be filled to overflowing, with the Holy Spirit, before I did anything else for God, what would happen to me?
A: God himself has promised to come and live within you, to continue the work of Jesus on earth through you. God has said, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh, and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit in you!”
N: Alexa what will be EXPECTED of me then?
A; You will be a channel of his saving grace to others.
N; Alexa How will I be able to tell if he is in me?
A By the fruit you bear in life!
N: Alexa, What kind of fruit?
A: Fruit may include apple, coconut, avocado, orange. For more check out the Alexa app:
N: Alexa STOP; not that kind of fruit. I think it may mean the fruit of the ‘Spirit’ . .
A: Hmmm. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
N; Alexa, tell me again how can the Holy Spirit enter into my life today?
A: In HIS time, as HE wills, and he WILL respond; It is said, ASK and it will be given, SEEK and you shall find, KNOCK and the door will be opened . .. Remember too it will be a different experience for everyone, you are not MASS PRODUCTIONS on an assembly line, as I have been!
N: O LORD BEGIN WITH ME! BREAK ME, MELT ME, MOULD ME, FILL ME EACH AND EVERY DAY TO OVERFLOWING.
A; That is not a question
N: I’m not talking to you Alexa, but it IS my prayer! (to congregation)
N . . .Will it be yours too? (pause)
N: Alexa play ‘From This moment on’ for me
See YOUTUBE LINK https://sites.google.com/site/sheilahamilmusic/music/giving-it-all-to-you/from-this-moment-on