LORD, DO IT AGAIN!!!
1991 Annual Council Sabbath Sermon
By: R S Folkenberg

It was an unforgettable time. A time marked by flames of fire, rustling winds, new languages. A dramatic time, throbbing with excitement, vibrant with spontaneity, bubbling with an irrepressible gladness that filled all of life and made it thrillingly new.

It was a time of clear fulfillment of the last promise, the promise spoken by Christ just before his visible presence was withdrawn from the earth.

Acts 1:8  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

But as time has passed, things have changed. The enthusiasm has clearly diminished. The commitment has lessened. First love has been lost. Yes, things have changed. But it should be dramatically underscored that the changes have all occurred in us, not in God. He has not changed. The last promise before His ascension has not changed.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses...." (Acts 1:8)

The promise has not changed. Their promise is our promise. Their needs are our needs.

We can see many of the weaknesses and controversies of the early church in the church of today, such as:

The Devil is using many of his old, tried and trusted tricks today, and using them successfully. There is only one way his grand strategy can be defeated.

WE NEED ANOTHER PENTECOST!!

A man visiting the study of General Wm Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, looked at the humble surroundings and thought of the powerful spiritual force released by the Holy Spirit in the life of Booth. Then dropping to his knees with a sense of his own deep need, he cried out... "O God, do it again, do it again."

Today, on this closing Sabbath of the 1991 Annual Council, challenged by our theme "Turning the World Upside Down," every one of us should have this deep desire in our heart:

"O God, do it again, do it again!"

My brothers and sisters we need another Pentecost for...

I. PENTECOST GAVE THEM A FOCUSED MISSION

Acts 1:8  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; [and you will be my witnesses] in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Jesus last words were both a gift and an obligation. It was a gift of "power" but with the gift came the obligation to "be my witnesses."

The power of the spirit received, made them Christ's witnesses. Their witness was to operate in an ever-extending series of concentric circles..,

This is the mission of the church. Just as Jesus was sent to be the great expression of God's mission to the world, so the church of today is to participate in God's mission. So like Christ, we are sent.

Our mission is to witness to the world

Our mission includes witness in word.

The witness that Jesus Christ is Saviour and Lord of history, fully human and fully divine. Our mission is to proclaim His death, resurrection, ascension, and soon return. To announce the good news of liberating gospel to a sin-imprisoned world.

However, the mission also includes witness in deed.

We don't just have something to say. We have something to do. Our proclamation must be matched by our practice.

We cannot forget there were two great commissions.

Usually we remember the one to evangelize. The import of that one is recorded in Jesus final words to ,"go into all the world and preach the gospel.

We tend to forget the other described in the picture of the last judgement.

Matt. 25:31-46 tells us the great commission also includes caring for the distressed, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, entertaining strangers, clothing the naked, and looking after those who are sick or in prison.

Somewhere, somehow we have lost a compelling, forceful, sense of mission. There can be no false dichotomy, no separation of social and spiritual. No imbalance that emphasizes one to the neglect of the other. It's not either/or -- it's both. For the church is the extension of the incarnation, and Jesus ministered to man's total needs.

We need, desperately need, to reclaim, to recommit ourselves to the full mission for which we exist.

O God, we need another pentecost...Do it again! For pentecost gave them

II. PENTECOST GAVE THEM A LOVING BROTHERHOOD

Outwardly the twelve were one. Inwardly they were far from being united. How distressing and depressing it must have been when even at the last meal they were spitting heated words, wrangling over who would be the greatest.

But for pentecost, this small group would have been lost in the sands of history. Aah!! But instead, after the upper room experience, Luke could say:

Acts 4:32  "Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common."

No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements battling for representation, rights or their own interests. They were of "one accord," "of one heart and of one soul."

And this was Jesus' purpose, to establish a unified church.

"These men differing in natural characteristics and in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action...To this end he sought to bring them into unity with himself." [AA p. 20]

This led the pagan world to marvel, "how these Christians love each other." Nothing is more impressive even today, than a united church, where everyone is a true brother or sister.

John 13:35  "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

How strange that among His disciples He would lift up the theme of love. It almost seems out of place.

Surely the people of hate were circling like wolves in the darkness. But Christ was speaking to His disciples! Yet in unmistakable words, almost frightening in their directness, our Saviour said:

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if..."

"As all the different members of the human system unite to form the body, and each performs its office in obedience to the intelligence that governs the whole, so the members of the church of Christ should be united in one symmetrical whole. If the world sees a perfect harmony existing in the church, it will be a powerful evidence to them in favor of the Christian religion." [Signs of Times, 9/01/88 "The Unity of The Church, Par.6]

Sadly, nothing more grossly misrepresents our Lord than a church torn by division and discord, by tension and turmoil.

I was recently told of a new SDA who after her baptism, though fully persuaded of the truth of our message, felt such a tension among arguing members that she continued attending church on Sabbath, for that was right. But she also attended church on Sunday, so she could sense some love and fellowship.

"Here is a lesson to the followers of Christ, that they should take every proper precaution to avoid disagreement; for in every division of interest, resulting in disputation and unhappy differences in the church, souls are lost that might have been saved in the kingdom of Heaven."[SP VOL 2, P. 139,140]

At times we seem to be a collection of many "special interest groups," looking out for themselves regardless of the impact on others or the world-wide mission of the church!

When the interests of a group, tribe, congregation, or institution are placed above the world-wide evangelistic mission of the church, we have fallen into the trap of collective selfishness.

It is possible for a group of dedicated people to do wonderful, necessary things to an excess or for the wrong reasons. For example, building a church is a good thing. However, building a luxurious church can demonstrate collective selfishness for it deprives those in greater need of these resources.

God invites us individually to return tithes and offerings not only to accomplish a noble purpose but also as heaven's antidote to the cancer of selfishness. The same way God tests us collectively to see if we will balance our own desires at home with the needs in places where He does not yet have those through whom He can accomplish His mission.

Collective selfishness provides subtle approval for individual selfishness and contributes to the loss of souls, not only the loss of those deprived of resources who otherwise might have been won for Christ, but also the loss of individuals who lose sight of their personal dependence on God.

The question for us as a people is, "Will they know we are Christians by our love?"

Yes!!! We need another pentecost...

"Oh God, do it again, do it again!"

For pentecost gave them

III. PENTECOST GAVE THEM A COURAGEOUS WITNESS OF THE TRUTHS RECEIVED

Acts 4:7-12  "When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" {8} Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, {9} if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, {10} let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. {11} This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' {12} There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."

Acts 4:13  "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus."

Why? They were filled with the Holy Spirit. No policy, program, or promotion can substitute for the power of the Holy Spirit. We are too busy trying to push the church into action. It won't work any more than pushing a soggy rope. God designed the Good News to empower the church. Its strength comes from the balanced message of Assurance in Christ and Victory over Sin! We've got Good News to share. God Knew that Good News is the only sincere motivation on which and through which the Holy Spirit can work. Any substitute is bound to fail.

Two Sabbaths ago I attended church in Albany, West Australia. I was blessed as I visited with a young lady, Jacqueline Murray, during the delicious fellowship lunch our members prepared. Her heart was bubbling over with the assurance of salvation she enjoys by faith in Jesus.

Then she told me of her friend who was involved in the pagan, New Age movement. They came to an agreement. Jacqueline agreed to listen one night to her friend as she shared her philosophy. Then, her friend agreed to listen another night as Jacqueline shared her joy in Christ. Jacqueline faithfully listened to her friend share her philosophy. At the end Jacqueline simply said, "You may not know it but what you have described is very close to Hinduism."

Then came the night when Jacqueline could share the hope, joy, and peace that she had found in Jesus. As they concluded their visit, Jacqueline invited her friend to accept Jesus as her personal Savior. Her friend asked how she might do this. Jacqueline said, "I'll help you and let's just kneel down and you tell God that you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and ask Him to forgive your sins." For thirty minutes her friend struggled to say the name of Jesus. The name she had used easily and so often in blasphemy now seemed to catch in her throat. Finally, she called on Jesus as her Savior and claimed His promise of salvation. Today Jacqueline's friend is studying the truths of God's word in preparation for baptism. She is a testimony to God's ability to work, like the disciples, through those who have Joy in Christ and, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, are willing to share that joy with others.

India is one of Global Mission's greatest challenges. In the face of growing religious militancy, it takes vision and courage to give the Good News of salvation to the millions that have never heard the name of Christ. Already this year the Southern Asia Division has sent out 87 teams of young people to work, two by two, in unentered areas. A second group of the same size will be sent out before the end of the year. Praise God, we have already seen the first fruits of the work of these valiant young men and women.

Akhel and Franklin were two young people assigned to the village of Thongsonyu, in Nagaland, near the Burma border. They had to travel by bus and foot for six days to reach their destination. Much of this was through thick forest, and they faced an acute food shortage during their trip.

On arriving at Thongsonyu they found most of the villagers were illiterate, so they started a literacy program using Bible stories. This soon led to regular Bible studies. As a result they began to face severe opposition and threats from some village leaders. Nevertheless, Akhel and Franklin carried on their work. After two months of work, these youth had prepared seven candidates for baptism. Just this last August these seven were baptized. They were the first fruits of the Global Mission in Southern Asia. These villagers have now donated a piece of land to build a church at Thongsonyu. Praise God. Now, with $5,000, we can build our first Global Mission church project in India.

Under the leadership of Brother Sanchia, who is attending this Annual Council as a lay representative from India, a group of laymen from Aijawl in the state of Mizoram in northeast India decided to share their faith with the inmates of the Central Prison. After securing the necessary permission, in March they started daily meetings which were attended by about 300 prisoners. When they wanted to give some inmates personal Bible studies in their cells, they were required to sign statements saying that if anything happened to them while in the cells the government would not be responsible. So, two by two they went into the cells. Each day at 6:30 p.m. they were let into the cells and the door was locked behind them until 9:30, when they were released. As a result, 61 inmates have been baptized and a church organized inside the prison walls.

Through the Holy Spirit, God empowered the early church for a courageous witness. God did it then and He will do it again.

For with

IV. PENTECOST GAVE THEM AN EXPECTANT FAITH

Theirs was the challenge of a dying world. Greece with its learning was gone. The Jews with their law were a refugee people. The Roman empire sprawled across the face of the earth like a giant vulture feeding on the carcasses of dead nations. This world was their legacy.

But theirs was an expectant faith. They believed this world would soon become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.

In expectant faith they faced stark impossibilities with holy laughter. They encountered deadly dangers unafraid.

When confronted by the visible power and prestige of the sanhedrin, their prayers were not for deliverance but for boldness.

Acts 4:29-30  "And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, {30} while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

Pray for Boldness? BOLDNESS had already gotten them into dire straits. But they had an expectant faith in the presence, power, and providence of God.

Like Martin Luther, who was threatened by the papal envoy and warned that in the end he would be deserted by all his supporters if he persisted in his course. "Where will you be then?" demanded the envoy. "Then as now," Luther answered, "in the hands of God."

We need an EXPECTANT FAITH. What ever the challenges, or the opposition, we are in the hands of God.

From the viewpoint of logic, the challenge confronting us is overwhelming. The mere weight of numbers is staggering to the human perspective. The mountains of needs to be met dwarfs the minuscule resources that seem to be available. The forces of principalities and powers are arrayed against us and are manifesting themselves through human agencies. As never before we need an expectant faith. As never before, we need another pentecost, for...

Pentecost gave them..

V. PENTECOST GAVE THEM HOLY GHOST POWER

Acts 2:43  "Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles."

This was dramatically confirmed at the temple gate.

Acts 3:3-8  "When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. {4} Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." {5} And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. {6} But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." {7} And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. {8} Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."

One New Year's Day, in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of gas. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of gas. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company. With its vast oil resources, its truck was out of gas. Often, Christians neglect their spiritual maintenance, and find themselves out of gas.

We need power, Holy Ghost power.

Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in ten gallons of gasoline, for instance, can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into the can. Or it can be channeled through the engine of my little Honda in a controlled burn and used to transport me 350 miles. Explosions are spectacular, but controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power. The Holy Spirit works BOTH ways! At Pentecost, He exploded on the scene, His presence was like "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Thousands were affected by one burst of God's power. But He also works through the church, the institution God began.. to tap the Holy Spirit's power for the long haul.

O God, do it again. He's waiting to do it again. He's eager to do it again. He's promised to do it again. The promise of the presence and the power is ours. It is ours as a church, and our corporate needs are many. But in naked honesty we know our corporate needs are but the lengthened shadows of our personal needs.

It is easy to describe the general needs of our church community. It is another matter to confront our own spiritual needs, such as:

Our prayer must be, in the words of that prayer in song..

Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on...me!
Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on...me!
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on...me!

In these waning days of this last age, God will fill His men and women, boys and girls, with the power of the Spirit as in the time of the early rain. But that power is not ours to use. Rather, it is Holy Ghost power that uses us.

A.J. Gordon, one of the founders of Gordon Conwell Divinity School, told of being out walking and looking across a field at a house. There beside the house was what looked like a man furiously pumping water. As Gordon watched, the man continued at a tremendous rate. He seemed absolutely tireless, pumping on and on, up and down, without ever slowing in the slightest. Gordon started walking toward this remarkable sight. As he got closer, he could see it was not a man at the pump, but a wooden figure painted to look like a man. The arm that was pumping so rapidly was hinged at the elbow, and the hand was wired to the pump handle. The water was pouring forth, but not because the figure was pumping it. You see, it was an artesian well, and the water was pumping the man! When you see a man producing results for God, recognize that it is the Holy Spirit working through him, not the man's efforts that are giving results. All he has to do - all you have to do - is keep your hand on the handle.

Individually and as a world church, we need to get our hands back on the handle. We need to let the Holy Spirit empower us - to use us. Somehow in our anxious arrogance we have placed our hands on plans and procedures of our own devising. But our success depends completely on the pentecostal power of God.

It depends on something within,

"Something within me that holdeth the rein,
something within me that banishes pain,
something within me I cannot explain."

Have you that something...
   that burning desire?
Have you that something...
   That never doth tire?

If not, then plead with Almighty God for His heavenly fire of pentecostal power.

Then, filled with joy for the assurance of our salvation in Jesus, and demonstrated to the world by victory and the character of our Lord living in and through us, dominated by the presence of the Holy Spirit...Let us go and turn the world upside down for Him.

Oh God, do it again, do it again

Copyright © 1991 by R S Folkenberg