James 1:19-20, June 28, 2014

June 28, 2014   James  1:19-20           

James 1:19-22 NKJV  

(19)  So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;  (20)  for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  (21)  Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.  (22)  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  

We are in the book of James.   

The focus of the chapter now turns from trials to temptation.

Last time we came to the conclusion of the introduction of James (vv. 2-18).

This next section , since this is the case, the believer in the midst of a trial needs to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

It really is not a popular book or even one of my favorite books to read because of the reason on what it does to me.  It does show me where I am failing.  We do not like that.  It corrects me. 

We see where James does not pull any punches.  And where he does not want to see what our thoughts are, but to see some action in our lives, fruits we covered.  How James calls me to give an account in my way of life and how it impacts me personally.  

James 1:19 NKJV  So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 

Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath or anger; This can be viewed as a measure of maturity.  I ask myself, how mature am I compared to this verse.  Have I mastered this.  No. 

Vs. 19 by many works said this verse can be considered the theme verse or subject-matter for this letter. 

Being swift to hear: We should always be open and listening to others, for example for children, work, home, friends, etc.  We should be gathering information and learning in whatever situation we are in.  We need to be listeners. 

I have taken many classes through the City of Dallas, the one class, Communication, always started with listening to what is said, not what you think they said.  This is the same with the Scriptures, we need to understand what it says, not what we were told or think, what it says.  We all want to make what it says to fit what we want it to say.  Don’t believe what I say, prove it yourself, from the Scriptures.  

We are to be receivers.   (As we know, Receivers don’t work well when the transmitter is on.) If my transmitter is on, that means I probably am not listening.  How many times have we been talking to someone and you can tell they are already thinking ahead of how they will respond.  

We can think off personal examples of individuals who are always being a receiver, asking questions of others, showing they are sincerely interested, what we say.  Individuals, who are good listeners, will have individuals coming to them to ask questions and for help and are considered friendly. 

Pro 18:24 NKJV  A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

Slow to speak. Oh, if we learn to engage our minds before we let out the clutch. A pause for reflection could spare us so much embarrassment and damage. We need to control our mouths.  A constant talker will not hear what is really being said, between the lines. 

Pro 17:28 ISV  Even a fool is thought to be wise when he remains silent; he is thought to be prudent when he keeps his mouth shut. 

Ecc 5:2 NKJV  Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 

The reason for this is we need be careful to properly represent the One to whom we owe so much.  By our conduct and by the one part that stands out, our tongue.  James talks a lot about our tongue. 

We are often grieved for saying too much, seldom for saying too little.  We will condemn ourselves by talking to much.  How many times have we ask a question, the answer we received is far more than what we wanted to hear.  This is Something I will do, give too much information on something. 

Exo 20:7 NKJV  "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. 

To me, this is more than just swearing, but how I live my life according to the Scriptures. 

In fact, we are ambassadors, we represents Jesus to others and many time we do not do what as we should do. 

Eph 6:20 ISV  for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare the gospel as boldly as I should. 

2Cor 5:20 NKJV  Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 

An ambassador is one who represents someone else. 

Slow to wrath or anger,  

This wrath or anger is not directed toward God, but directed toward other individuals and especially religious arguments or debate (we can also add politics to this). 

We are to govern and restrain our temper; we are not to give in to excited and angry passions. 

Pro 16:32 NKJV  He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 

We should lay aside all anger and wrath, and should come to the investigation of truth with a calm mind.  An investigation of truth demands a calm spirit to see the value of truth, or to weigh the evidence for it. 

Three things, James tells us, swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 

Wrath or anger of Man, James covers this in the next verse. 

James 1:19 NKJV  So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 

James 1:20 NKJV  for the wrath (anger) of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 

This is so hard:  If we as a believer gets angry in difficult circumstances, the practical righteousness of God will not be evident in our life. When someone wrongs us, our natural reaction is to retaliate, at least verbally. But this response does not glorify God. Holding one's tongue, trying to understand the other person's position, show godly love to the individual. 

Do not get me wrong, we have to handle the situation, but in a Godly way.

Can you imagine the impact of this verse if were actually applied? 

We tend to get angry, self-righteously angry. 

Eph 4:26 NKJV  "BE ANGRY, AND DO NOT SIN": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 

What does the Scriptures tell us:  Vengeance is mine says the Lord: 

Deu 32:41 NKJV  If I whet (sharpen) My glittering sword, And My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, And repay those who hate Me. 

Rom 12:19 NKJV  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 

Heb 10:30-31 NKJV  For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE."  (31)  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

It is not for us to right the wrong individually, but is the Lord’s issue.  He will take care of it. 

Even if we were wrong, justified or not justified, as we been told before, the temptation toward revenge will yield more damage to us (physical and or mental) than whatever was done to us.   

Especially, in our society today and what we see happening. 

James will spend a good part of his letter—in Chapters 3 & 4—on the connection between sinful speech and selfish anger. 

We see James is always referring to the Sermon on the Mount.  James is never distant from those who “hunger and thirst after righteous ness,” “the pure in heart,” “the peacemakers,” and “those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Mt 5:6-10).  

Jesus applied God’s commandment against murder as a commandment also against hating, cursing or insulting—specifically being angry. 

Mat 5:21-22 NKJV  "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'  (22)  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' (means worthless) shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' (morally blockhead) shall be in danger of hell fire. 

The righteous life is the contrasting alternative. When the Lord appeared to Abram in Gen 17:1  

Gen 17:1 NKJV  When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 

Blameless does not mean you will not have sin, just don’t indulge in sin.

 

I know this all sounds good in our mind, but do we understand what it says,  

What do you do when things are going wrong, people are hurting you, etc.?

What do we really do when these things happen to us? 

A good answer, not the only answer, but Have our quiet time. Find a corner somewhere and talk it over in prayer and meditation, with our Father in Heaven. 

Again the goal - the righteousness of God requires MATURITY!

 

 

 

 

James 1:13-8, June 21, 2014

June 21, 2014                James  1:13-8

 

Reminder, what we are doing is group study. We are here to help each other learn. We all have different experiences and backgrounds.  We can share with each other to build Godly character.  I think Proverbs covers this. 

Pro 27:17 ISV  Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens a friend's character.      (learn more from group study than someone preaching at me - Personal feeling, not right or wrong) 

James 1:13-18 NKJV  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  (14)  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  (15)  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  (16)  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  (17)  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  (18)  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.  

We are in the book of Jacob or as we know it, James.  James was very Jewish.  He was an unbeliever until after the resurrection, as we found out, he was the half-brother of Jesus, as was Jude.  He was a leader in Jerusalem.  We found out James was martyrs after 62 AD.  James emphasis Faith as the starting point of the Christian, but it should reflect itself in Deeds, a life of whole hearted obedience to the law as we have faith in Jesus.  And that leads to maturity, goal of perfection and wholeness of Christian Character. 

We covered 5 specific crowns last time and these are some of the rewards Christian will receive.  

Jesus said in:  

Rev 22:12 NKJV  "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 

Can we lose our crowns?  Christ said this to the Church of Philadelphia. 

Rev 3:11 NKJV  Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 

We should not just carry away a list of do’s and don’ts from the book of James. The most precious thing from this Book of James is to guide us in the attitude towards or the way of regarding these lessons of life and the principles to live by. A whole new point of view, a different paradigm.   Let’s be sensitive to the real lessons here. 

Something I have observed is how James is an encourager. We all should be encourager.  He gives encouragement throughout this Epistle. James gives us instruction how to live, and then gives encouragement.  Watch for this as we go through these Scriptures. 

Example,  Jas vs 5  lacks wisdom, ask, will be given to you.

Jas vs. 12 endures temptation, receive crown of life. 

The focus of the chapter now turns from trials to temptation.        

James 1:13 NKJV  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 

The word, tempted, refers to temptations that test one’s moral strength to resist sin. 

God will never deliberately lead a person to commit sin because that would not only go against His nature, but it would be opposed to His purpose of molding His creation into His holy image. Yet God does sometimes place His people in adverse circumstances for the purpose of building godly character. 

Isa 64:8 NKJV  But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.

1Co 10:13 NKJV  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

When I am feeling fear or sorrow or pain, and a friend asks, “What danger or threat is there in your life, that I may pray for you?” I would probably answer, “Pray for my illness, or my financial needs to be met, or that people might stop doing the things they are doing to me,” etc.

I would think of the injuries being inflicted by the trial, and my foremost thought is for the trial to be stopped. 

But here James is insisting on a radical change in our attitude or thinking. Where are the real dangers in our life? The most serious danger is not what is being done to me, but the wrong that may be done “by” me.  Pray for me that I do not fail in this trial. 

Jesus said:

Mat 7:12 NKJV  Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 

Temptation is here in the sense of testing or trial. It is never correct to attribute temptation to the Father or to Jesus, who has called us to holiness of life. Jesus would rather for us to flee from temptation and take the path of His instruction, the Way of Life.  

Notice how James asserts the facts of God’s nature and God’s will, and answers the questions these facts raise about the temptation. 

Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.”  

Mat 6:13 NKJV  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 

That is, don’t leave us to go our own dangerous way which would expose us to pressures from the enemy of our souls, which is Satan way of death. 

We know God cannot be the author of evil behavior in us, since Jesus does not desire evil behavior.  

Here James  answers the question about temptation. 

James 1:14 NKJV  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 

James tells us we are tempted by our own desires and enticed. 

We find the concept of testing or temptation is expressed in both the OT and NT, also by the words rendered: provoke, entice, snare, etc.  

We are tempted, not by God, but by the strength of our own lustful desires, which comes from within ourselves. We are deceived by our craving for self-gratification and allows our strong desire to take control.  

“Drawn away”: a hunting term, as dragged away by an enemy. There is real danger in a temptation. The real effect of the temptation is a sin leading to death. 

Paul tells us:  

Romans 6:11-12 NKJV  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (12)  Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.  

What is the Bible definition of sin 

1John 3:4 KJV  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 

Lust dwelt upon brings forth sin; 

Pro 23:7 NKJV  For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 

Having a thought isn’t the problem, it’s what you do with it. 

James 1:15 NKJV  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 

James speaks of sin in general, whether in the heart or in the life. Sin may be developed in the heart as well as in the conduct. 

The idea here is that sin has reached its maturity and has possessed the very character of the individual. Death here refers to physical death

Pro 11:19 NKJV  As righteousness leads to life, So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death. 

How much do we hate sin.  

Sin indulged upon leads to death, we see this in 

Ezekiel 18:4 NKJV  "Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die. 

The principle being established here is the minding of the flesh (“carnally minded”) is death. 

Rom 8:6 NKJV  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 

Rom 6:23 NKJV  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

It is never safe to fool around with sin.  We need to pray for protection from sin and keep me pure.  We do not think that way. 

James 1:16 NKJV  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 

Be not deceived in this matter, in supposing that temptation to evil comes from God. 

A warning given to Christians.  Who is trying to deceive us. 

1Peter 5:8-9 NKJV  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  (9)  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 

John 8:44 NKJV  You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 

2Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV  And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,  (25)  in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,  (26)  and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 

2Corinthians 11:13-15 NKJV  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  (14)  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  (15)  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 

Don’t be deceived about temptation; but don’t be deceived about good gifts either. 

Good and Perfect Gifts 

James 1:17 NKJV  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 

Notice the word “every”—not just some, or most. But every perfect gift to fit each of us.  The grateful heart receives all as from God.  God sends only good and perfect gifts to those who He has called. 

Father of lights — Creator of the lights in heaven 

As “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” 

1John 1:5-7 NKJV  This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  (6)  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  (7)  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

He cannot in any way be the Author of sin, which is darkness 

John 3:19 NKJV  And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

No variation or shadow of turning. 

James uses this as a metaphor: for the sun by his many and various kinds of turning, makes hours, days, months, years, light and darkness.  Shadow of turning means the dark “shadow-mark” cast from one of the heavenly bodies, arising from its “turning” or revolution, for example, when the moon is eclipsed by the shadow of the earth, and the sun by the body of the moon.  These things change, God does not. 

God is constant, dependable and not double minded as we discussed before.  God is unchangeable.  We do not talk about it much, but we should.  God does not change. 

Mal 3:6 NKJV  "For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. 

The God of the Old Testament makes and keeps His promises and is faithful, otherwise we would be most miserable individuals. 

Deut 7:9 NKJV  "Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; 

1Cor 1:9 NKJV  God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

1Th 5:24 NKJV  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 

2Ti 2:13 NKJV  If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 

God regards faithfulness as one of His characteristics throughout the Scriptures.  

Jas 1:18 NKJV  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

(Encouragement)  

Here Jesus is talking about the Father. about the Word is truth. 

John 17:17 NKJV  Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Our new birth itself was the expression of His grace and goodwill. He brought the Word of truth to bear upon our consciences, leading to confess our sins and trust the Savior He provided.  

Remember:   

Eph 2:8-9 NKJV  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  (9)  not of works, lest anyone should boast. 

The faith that saves us is a gift, so not anyone should boast. 

So we become an offering of First Fruits, the pledge of the great harvest to be reaped in due time.  Jesus was our Firstfruits, the First of the Firstfruits and we are to be his Firstfruits.  We just celebrated this during Passover and Pentecost. 

His creatures, a new creation: 

Rom 8:21 NKJV  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 

This is the conclusion of the introduction of James (vv. 2-18) is that enduring trials leads to a crown of life (v. 12) and yielding to temptation can lead to physical death (v. 15). The next section , since this is the case, the believer in the midst of a trial needs to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

 

Pentecost Sermon, June 8, 2014

Pentecost Sermon – June 8, 2014    

We are here to celebrate the New Testament Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) and the start of the New Testament Church as a body.  This Feast Day is for us directly, the Firstfruits. 

Let’s turn to where we should always start, to the Feasts of the Lord or Jesus Feasts. 

Lev 23:2 NKJV  "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts. 

Lev 23:15 NKJV  'And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed.   

We covered this when we talked about the wave sheaf offering during the days of Unleavened Bread about the (first of the firstfruits,) which is our Lord and Creator, Jesus, the Messiah. 

(16)  Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD.  (17)  You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD. 

Did you notice, baked with leaven or yeast, yeast is used in this feast day.  Two wave loaves, firstfruits?  Leaven!  This is the only case where leavend bread is specified!  This gives the feast a non-Jewish or Israelite flavor, or coloration…Does this mean All nations? Gentiles!?  will be part of the family of God.  

Yes, we realize this at the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost at the Jews and Israelites and to the Gentiles with Cornelius through the Apostle Peter.    We will discuss a little later.   

Lev 23:20-21 NKJV  The priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.  (21)  And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You shall do no customary work on it. It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. 

Convocation - something called out, that is, a public meeting, also a rehearsal: - assembly, reading. 

Exo 23:16 NKJV  and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field. 

Exo 34:22 NKJV  "And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the year's end. 

Num 28:26 NKJV  'Also on the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new grain offering to the LORD at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work.   

Barley Harvest = time of Passover (we covered this)

Wheat Harvest = about 50 days after the Barley harvest  = Shavout, Pentecost. 

The name, Feast of Weeks was given this festival in light of Moses’ command to count off seven weeks from the time they began to harvest the grain in March-April. This would mean the Feast of Weeks was in late May or early June. It was also known as the “Feast of Harvest” and the “day of firstfruits” which we just read. Later it was given the title “Pentecost” based on the translation of the “50 days.” 

This feast was to be a time of joy and sharing. Since the Lord had been “generous” with the Nation, they were to be generous with others, especially with the lower income of their nation. Appropriately the Holy Spirit was given to New Testament Saints during the Feast of Pentecost. This for us, symbolized the end of the Old Testament system of worship and the beginning of the New Testament system of worship. 

Pentecost points to the fact that God’s blessings for the Christian’s daily living and life is the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Let’s look at when the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost. 

Let’s break and move to the living room.  A video leading up to Pentecost using the NIV Version. Be sure to listen to Peter first sermon and what he covers on Pentecost. 

Act 1:3-4 NKJV  to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.  (4)  And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; 

Act 1:5 NKJV  for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 

We notice that Pentecost is 50 days after the day after the weekly Sabbath or Wave sheaf offering. That puts Pentecost 50 days after the Resurrection.  Pentecost is then measured from and relates to, not the Lord’s death, but His Resurrection.  Was it by faith, they had to wait 10 days for the Promise of the Father to be fulfilled with the Holy Spirit. 

Act 2:1-4 NKJV  When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  (2)  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  (3)  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  (4)  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Act 2:5-8 NKJV  And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.  (6)  And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.  (7)  Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?  (8)  And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 

Act 2:9-13 NKJV  Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,  (10)  Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,  (11)  Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."  (12)  So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"  (13)  Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine." 

Act 2:14-41 NKJV  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them,  

This was the first Pentecost Sermon given after the Holy Spirit was given. 

"Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.  (15)  For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.  (16)  But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel 2:28:  (17)  'AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAYS GOD, THAT I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH; YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS.  (18)  AND ON MY MENSERVANTS AND ON MY MAIDSERVANTS I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS; AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY.  (19)  I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN HEAVEN ABOVE AND SIGNS IN THE EARTH BENEATH: BLOOD AND FIRE AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.  (20)  THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND AWESOME DAY OF THE LORD.  (21)  AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.' 

(22)  "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— (23)  Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;  (24)  whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.   

(25)  For David (Psalms 16:8) says concerning Him: 'I FORESAW THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE MY FACE, FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, THAT I MAY NOT BE SHAKEN.  (26)  THEREFORE MY HEART REJOICED, AND MY TONGUE WAS GLAD; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL REST IN HOPE.  (27)  FOR YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HADES, NOR WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO SEE CORRUPTION.  (28)  YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE.'   

(29)  "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.  (30)  Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,  (31)  he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.   

(32)  This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.  (33)  Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.   

(34)  "For David (Psalms 110:1) did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,  (35)  TILL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL." '  

(36)  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."  (37)  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"   

(38)  Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (39)  For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."  (40)  And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."   

(41)  Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 

The Jewish and Israelites believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the Gentile believers in the home of Cornelius.  

Act 10:44-48 NKJV  While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.  (45)  And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.  (46)  For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,  (47)  "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"  (48)  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. 

This is the same thing that happen at Pentecost.  Peter was there for both “firsts.” 

Because at Pentecost and at Cornelius, the Holy Spirit baptized the believers and united them into one body.   Gentiles and Israelites into one body. 

1Co 12:13 NKJV  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 

We know the Church continue to observed Pentecost after when the Holy Spirit was given. 

Act 20:16 NKJV  For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. 

This was probably around spring, 56 A.D. when Luke wrote this.  Which is about 24 years after the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah.  

1Co 16:8 NKJV  But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 

This was probably around spring, 55 A.D. when Apostle Paul wrote this.  Which is about 23 years after the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah.  

The Holy Spirit had not yet been given to the masses because Jesus was not yet been glorified. The Holy Spirit did not come until the Day of Pentecost. Then The Holy Spirit came to indwell believers and to form them into one body. The coming of the Holy Spirit on that day assures us with proof that Jesus had arrived back at the Father’s throne. 

Let’s go back to Lev 23:17 again.

Lev 23:17 NKJV  You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD.  Think about this and what we covered. 

Three things that are very important in this verse that we covered, with the image or symbol of the two wave loaves, are the Israelites and Gentiles.  The offering bread was baked with leaven, meaning Gentiles and what is left, the firstfruits to the Lord.   

We covered this that Jesus the Messiah was the first of the firstfruits and firstborn from the dead.  Important, These next few verses is all about us, you and me and what we will become and how it will be done.  We will be the first fruits that have the Holy Spirit living in us. 

Col 1:15-18 NKJV  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  (16)  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  (17)  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  (18)  And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 

Heb 9:27-28 NKJV  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,  (28)  so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. 

Rom 8:23 NKJV  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 

1Co 15:20-24 NKJV  But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  (21)  For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  (22)  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  (23)  But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.  (24)  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 

1Co 15:25-27 NKJV  For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  (26)  The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  (27)  For "HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 

1Co 15:49-51 NKJV  And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.  (50)  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 

1Co 15:52-54 NKJV  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY." 

1Co 15:55-58 NKJV  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?"  (56)  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  (57)  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (58)  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

Jas 1:18 NKJV  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 

Rev 14:4-5 NKJV  These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.  (5)  And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. 

Rom 12:1-2 NKJV  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

1Jn 3:2 NKJV  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

Rev 1:5-6 NKJV  and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,  (6)  and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

Rev 5:10 NKJV  And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." 

Rev 19:6-8 NKJV  And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering’s, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  (7)  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready."  (8)  And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 

Rev 19:9 NKJV  Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."