“A sign“ versus “THE sign“
It is not about the “signs”, it is a about the eternal reality indicated by the signs.
Examples of salvation with and without outward signs…
Act 2:1 (ESV)
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
God‘s Spirit is being deposited in men!
Act 2:41 (ESV)
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
Men are indicating their commitment to change, to be transformed to a new life style.
Act 4:4 (ESV)
4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
A commitment to a different course in life.
Act 8:12 (ESV)
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
Outward sign of an inward change of heart motivation – starting on the course of transformation by renewing their minds.
Act 8:14-17 (ESV)
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,
15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
SAMARITANS can be included in God‘s kingdom!
Act 9:18 (ESV)
18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
Outward sign of his N-word commitment to a new life!
Look for the indications but don’t worship them.
Baptism equals obedience
Fruit of the spirit indicate transformation from the old to the new
Outward signs are just that… Signs. They can be different but they serve the purpose of pointing to something God wants known.
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
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Read Act 10:44-48
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Act 10:44 (ESV) While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.
What is God indicating with this?
HE is indicating these are ones to be included in the Body.
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Act 10:45 (ESV) And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
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Act 10:46 (ESV) For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
Signs are NOT the destination!
What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?
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Act 10:47 (ESV) “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
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Act 10:48 (ESV) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
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