24-0107p - Detailed Summary

The speaker welcomed the congregation, including those present in person and those listening via phone, noting the recent start of a new year.

The speaker reflects on the concept of beginnings, mentioning time, life, days, and years.

The sermon shifts focus to the biblical notion of beginnings with a discussion on Acts 11:15, where the Holy Ghost fell on Cornelius and his household as it did "at the beginning," referencing an earlier event.

Introduction of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion known for his devotion, charity, and prayer.

An angel instructed Cornelius to send for Simon Peter to hear the word of God.

Peter arrives at Cornelius' house after being divinely instructed to go, and he inquired about the reason for his summons.

As Peter was speaking, the Holy Ghost fell upon all who were listening, leading to controversy among the Jewish believers when they heard Gentiles received the word of God.

Peter explains his vision in Jopheth where he was told not to call what God has cleansed common or unclean, setting the stage for his interaction with Gentiles.

Detailed description of Peter’s vision involving various animals which he was instructed to eat, symbolizing the cleansing of all foods and people.

Peter recounts hearing a voice from heaven instructing him not to call anything unclean that God has cleansed, repeated three times.

Peter went with the men sent by Cornelius without hesitation, accompanied by six brethren, witnessing the angel’s message to Cornelius about salvation for his household.

The speaker highlights the phrase "at the beginning" when the Holy Ghost fell, prompting a reflection on what this beginning refers to.

Peter recalls Jesus' prophecy about the baptism of the Holy Ghost, linking it to the event at Pentecost.

Jesus instructs his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling a prophecy from John the Baptist.

The disciples gathered in an upper room, chose Matthias to replace Judas, and waited for the day of Pentecost.

Matthias was chosen by lot to join the eleven apostles, making them twelve again.

On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak in other languages as prophesied.

A sound like a rushing wind and flames of fire appearing on the apostles' heads were signs of the Holy Ghost’s arrival.

The crowd was amazed to hear the apostles speaking in their native languages, leading to curiosity and skepticism.

The languages spoken were understood by the diverse crowd, leading to questions and mockery about the apostles' sobriety.

Peter stands with the eleven to clarify the miraculous event, refuting accusations of drunkenness.

Peter explains that what they are witnessing fulfills Joel’s prophecy about the last days.

Peter preaches about Jesus of Nazareth, His miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and His position at the right hand of God.

Peter discusses how Jesus was raised from the dead, not left in Hades, and how David foresaw this in his writings.

Peter uses David’s prophecy to argue that Jesus is the Messiah, not left in the grave, and that His resurrection was foretold.

Jesus' ascension and the subsequent empowerment of the apostles through the Holy Spirit are seen as the fulfillment of the kingdom coming with power.

The speaker argues that the kingdom was established at Pentecost, not in an earthly future, using scriptural references to support this view.

Reference to Daniel’s prophecy about an eternal kingdom, equating it with the spiritual kingdom established through Christ.

The kingdom’s existence in the first century is affirmed, contrasting with views expecting a future earthly kingdom.

Jesus' promise to build His church upon Peter’s confession, suggesting continuity between the church and the kingdom.

Jesus promised to build His church, with the statement made in the future tense.

Jesus spoke to Peter about giving the keys of the kingdom, which would involve binding and loosing on earth and in heaven, but this promise extended to all the apostles.

On Pentecost, Peter preached that Jesus was made both Lord and Christ, leading the audience to ask what they should do.

Peter instructed them to repent, be baptized in Jesus' name for the remission of sins, and receive the Holy Ghost, emphasizing the promise was for everyone.

Approximately three thousand people were baptized and added to the church on that day.

The church began to grow as the Lord added to it daily those who were being saved.

The narrative confirms that the church was now in existence, with the apostles testifying to many with other words.

The apostles had the authority to open the kingdom of God to people, indicating the church and the kingdom are one and the same.

Jesus explained to Nicodemus the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God, which involves baptism.

Baptism is described as being buried with Christ into death and rising to walk in newness of life, symbolizing the beginning of a spiritual life in Christ.

The new life in Christ requires growth through the nourishment of the Word of God, both milk and meat.

The need for Christians to grow in faith and understanding by consuming the Word, likened to desiring milk as newborn babies.

The call to be faithful even unto death, referencing Revelation 2:10, where a crown of life is promised for such faithfulness.

Emphasizes remaining faithful even if it leads to death, correcting a common misinterpretation of the scripture.

Faithfulness unto death is reiterated, promising eternal life as a reward.

An invitation is extended for anyone to start a new life by obeying the gospel, highlighting the urgency of the present moment.

Encourages the congregation to live anew, grow in faith, and remain faithful, ending with an invitation for those who wish to respond to the gospel message to come forward.