In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; he worked alongside Paul, preaching the gospel. Somewhere along the way, Demas’ story takes a turn. Something shifted in Demas, and his focus turned toward the things of the world. The bible does not tell us why Demus fell away. Maybe it was one big thing that changed his direction, but more likely, it was a series of small decisions and events that extinguished the fire he once had. Somewhere along the way, Demas forgot to buy the truth and sell it not. If we become too wrapped up in the work rather than the purpose of the work, we risk losing focus of the prize and falling away.

In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; he worked alongside Paul, preaching the gospel. Somewhere along the way, Demas’ story takes a turn. Something shifted in Demas, and his focus turned toward the things of the world. The bible does not tell us why Demus fell away. Maybe it was one big thing that changed his direction, but more likely, it was a series of small decisions and events that extinguished the fire he once had. Somewhere along the way, Demas forgot to buy the truth and sell it not. If we become too wrapped up in the work rather than the purpose of the work, we risk losing focus of the prize and falling away.

In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; he worked alongside Paul, preaching the gospel. Somewhere along the way, Demas’ story takes a turn. Something shifted in Demas, and his focus turned toward the things of the world. The bible does not tell us why Demus fell away. Maybe it was one big thing that changed his direction, but more likely, it was a series of small decisions and events that extinguished the fire he once had. Somewhere along the way, Demas forgot to buy the truth and sell it not. If we become too wrapped up in the work rather than the purpose of the work, we risk losing focus of the prize and falling away.

Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship.

Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship.

Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship.

The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all different, with different backgrounds. We have other talents and abilities; the only requirement is that we are willing to be filled by God. To make room for what God has, we have to empty ourselves at the altar. But we cannot stay empty. We are only useful to God if we are filled with His spirit.

The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all different, with different backgrounds. We have other talents and abilities; the only requirement is that we are willing to be filled by God. To make room for what God has, we have to empty ourselves at the altar. But we cannot stay empty. We are only useful to God if we are filled with His spirit.

The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all different, with different backgrounds. We have other talents and abilities; the only requirement is that we are willing to be filled by God. To make room for what God has, we have to empty ourselves at the altar. But we cannot stay empty. We are only useful to God if we are filled with His spirit.

The day of Pentecost is not the beginning of a denomination. Pentecost celebrated the end of harvest and thanked God for that provision. It had been part of the fabric of Jewish life for generations. This particular Pentecost marked the beginning of a moving of God’s spirit that had never been seen before. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy promised for generations. Those who experienced the first day of Pentecost had been his disciples, heard his teaching, and saw him after the resurrection, but none of that was enough. They all needed the infilling of God’s Holy Spirit to fulfill the fullness of what God promised.

The message of Pentecost is for everyone. God wants an experience with every one of us. They were all together in unity, and God poured His spirit out on them. There were not some more deserving than others; God filled all of them. Pentecost challenges the division that exists in our world. God wants to bless everyone.

The onlookers heard each in the upper room speaking their own language, but they understood. God understands our language and can talk to us in a way we know.

The story of Acts 2 is that if you put yourself in the right place and the correct posture, God will speak to you and provide you with what you need.