Teaching Library
The Message of the Church
As witnesses of Christ, our message is Jesus. But what forms the essence and vehicle of our message? What is its power, context, content, and effect?
A Message Breathed by Holy Spirit People
The Spirit Fills the House
The Holy Spirit came like a mighty rushing wind, filling the entire house—an Old Testament image of God's powerful presence moving with creative glory.
The Spirit Rests on Each Person
Tongues of fire appeared and rested on each believer, signifying God's personal touch and ownership of His people.
The Spirit Indwells Believers
They were filled with the Holy Spirit, describing union with God that only comes through the righteousness of Christ.
The Spirit Empowers Witness
The Spirit gifted them with power to speak God's message—not just information, but truth delivered on Spirit-sealed lips.
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:1–4
A Message that Meets the Nations with a Knowable God
Breaking Language Barriers
The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in the native languages of people from many nations—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and many others. This wasn't gibberish but clear communication in known languages.
The Greek words used—"dialectos" (dialect) and "glossa" (tongue)—unequivocally indicate these were understandable languages, not unknown tongues.
Reversing Babel
Where Babel was God's judgment that separated humanity through language confusion, Pentecost begins to reverse this division. In Christ, people are united not by ethnicity or nationality, but under the banner of Jesus.
The Spirit brings clarity and understanding, not confusion. The Tongues in Acts 2 are not gibberish but languages bringing clarity about Jesus to the nations.
A Message Ancient, Consistent, and For Today
Prophesied by Joel
Peter quotes Joel 2, showing how the outpouring of the Spirit fulfills ancient prophecy: "I will pour out my spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy."
Foretold by David
David spoke of a descendant on the throne who would not be abandoned to Hades or see corruption—a resurrection hint pointing to Christ.
Promised in Ezekiel
God promised: "I will put my spirit within you" (Ezekiel 36) and "My dwelling place shall be with them" (Ezekiel 37).
Fulfilled in Christ
The Scriptures are central to the message. God's promises are not new but ancient, consistent across Scripture, and now fulfilled in Jesus.
A Message of Divine Providence That Defeats Death by Death

God's Definite Plan
Jesus was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God"
Death by Human Hands
"You crucified and killed [him] by the hands of lawless men"
Resurrection Power
"God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it"
The message focuses on the cross, where Jesus' death accomplished atonement, substitution, propitiation, reconciliation, and satisfaction. Unlike the insufficient sacrifices of old that needed repetition, Christ's sacrifice was once for all who believe.
A Message of Jesus Alive and Exalted

Ruling at God's Right Hand
"Being exalted at the right hand of God"
Pouring Out the Spirit
"Having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit"
Made Lord and Christ
"God has made him both Lord and Christ"
Witnessed by Disciples
"This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses"
The resurrection and ascension are core to the gospel message. Jesus is not just a historical figure who died—He is alive, ruling, and has sent His Spirit as promised. The next redemptive event on God's calendar is Jesus' return.
A Message That Convicts and Calls for Response
Conviction
"When they heard this, they were cut to the heart"
Inquiry
"Brothers, what shall we do?"
Repentance
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ"
Reception
"You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"
The gospel message confronts us with truth about who God is and what we are. It's meant to leave us discomforted in our rebellion but comfort those who confess Christ as Lord. True faith is always marked by repentance, and the gift received is not just spiritual abilities but God Himself dwelling within us.
A Message That Transforms Lives
Community Formation
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Radical Generosity
"All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need."
Joyful Worship
"Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God."
Continuous Growth
"And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
The church is not merely a social gathering or a place for inspirational talks—it's a hospital for sinners and a staging point for spiritual warfare. When people come face to face with Christ through the Spirit-empowered message, lives are transformed, and the community reflects God's kingdom values.