This is the Sunday sermon at Calvary Temple, India, delivered by Dr. P. Satish Kumar on October 6, 2024.
📖 Acts 2:41-42
Peter denied knowing Jesus. Later, when the disciples and some believers were praying together, the Holy Spirit descended upon them, and when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they achieved victory in the very places where they had once fallen, where they had been weak, and where they had lived dishonorably before God!
If the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we will live strong and victorious lives, particularly in the areas where we were once weak!
Every person who has Christ also has the Holy Spirit. At times, if someone asks you whether you have received the Holy Spirit or been filled with the Holy Spirit, there’s no need to be confused. When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, the Father in Heaven gives us the Holy Spirit as a gift. The Bible says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
“So those who accepted His word were baptized” (Acts 2:41).
In those days, the early church first accepted the word. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of the Word! After accepting Christ as their Savior, they were baptized.
👉 One should only be baptized after being saved! (⚠ Baptism should not be taken for salvation.)
Baptism means participating in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5).
God has forgiven my past sinful life and given me a new life. When I go into the water, I am burying my old life, and when I come out, I am a new person — this is the testimony baptism gives to the world!
👉 Some may say, “We are saved, but we want to take baptism together as a family.” But baptism is personal! Just as when we eat, everyone has their own plate, in the same way, after accepting Christ as a personal Savior, each individual must take their own baptism. Please do not delay baptism even after accepting Christ as your personal Savior because of your spouse, children, parents, or family members.
In the Bible, a eunuch who understood the truth about God and accepted Christ immediately went into the water and was baptized (Acts 8:34-38).
👉 Baptism must be done by immersion in water — that is the biblical baptism.
The prison guard and his entire household were taught the word of God, and they were immediately baptized (Acts 16:31-33).
👉 One should take baptism immediately after dying to sin!
Peter, who once denied knowing Jesus out of fear of being killed, boldly stood up in front of the same people in the same city of Jerusalem and proclaimed, “We are witnesses of this Christ, whom you crucified.” He had once been afraid, but after being filled with the Holy Spirit, he gained courage.
Dear brothers and sisters, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
Some may claim to be filled with the Holy Spirit but behave uncontrollably. The Bible says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
👉 If the Spirit of God is dwelling in you, you will be in control! Uncontrolled speaking, clapping, or behavior is not a characteristic of someone filled with the Holy Spirit.
The early church was first saved, then baptized, and then they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
🔵 There are four pillars of spiritual life:
- The Word!
- Fellowship!
- Breaking of Bread!
- Prayer!
👆 These four are essential for our spiritual lives!
🔴 1. The Word: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
Those who are saved and baptized are considered newborns in Christ! 👉 Newborns need the milk of the Word. The Bible emphasizes, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
👉 After being saved and baptized, in order to grow strong spiritually, you need the Word! Regardless of our age, we are still children in God’s sight! As His children, we require the spiritual milk of His Word! The more frequently you receive the Word, the more you will grow spiritually. Just as a plant thrives when it is watered regularly, your spiritual life will flourish when you attend God’s house and meditate on His Word regularly!
🔴 2. Fellowship: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer without ceasing” (Acts 2:42).
Fellowship is a critical aspect of spiritual growth. Engaging with fellow believers encourages mutual support, accountability, and shared worship. Being a part of a faith community enables you to build lasting relationships rooted in Christ and strengthens your spiritual journey.
🔴 3. Breaking of Bread: Breaking bread refers to participating in communion, a sacred act that Jesus instituted during the Last Supper. It represents remembering His sacrifice and uniting with fellow believers in His name. By regularly partaking in communion, we renew our connection to Christ’s redemptive work on the cross and our relationship with one another in the body of Christ.
🔴 4. Prayer: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
Prayer is an essential part of a believer’s life. The Bible says, “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Through prayer, we communicate with God, draw closer to Him, and receive His guidance and strength. In difficult times, prayer can bring peace and breakthrough. Are there challenges you are facing that seem insurmountable? Prayer can open doors that seem closed. Never cease praying, for through it, God works in miraculous ways.
By incorporating the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer into your daily life, your relationship with God will be strengthened, and your spiritual growth will thrive.