Message Notes

Acts 1:3–5 NLT

3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with[a] water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:8 NLT

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… 

power in the Greek is: δύναμις (“DOO-nah-mis.”) 

Acts 1:8 NLT

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

witnesses in the Greek is: μάρτυς (“mar-toos” or “mar-tus”)

Acts 1:12-14 NLT

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile.[a] 13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

Acts 2:1-5 NLT

On the day of Pentecost[a] all the believers were meeting together in one place.2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,[b] as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

Acts 2:14–21 NLT

14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]

Acts 2:40-41 NLT

40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

WHAT STANDS OUT: HOW EXPECTANT THEY WERE FOR GOD TO MOVE

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MODERN CHURCH TODAY AND ACTS IS THE READINESS.

BECAUSE DISCIPLES WERE EXPECTANT, THEY WERE PREPARED AND READY FOR GOD TO MOVE.

 “OUR EXPECTATIONS OF GOD DETERMINE THE ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH WE LIVE.” - BILL JOHNSON

 “FAITH IS THE CONFIDENT EXPECTATION THAT GOD IS WILLING AND ABLE TO FULFILL HIS PROMISES.” - A. W. TOZER

 “EXPECTATION IS THE BREEDING GROUND FOR MIRACLES.” - EDWIN LOUIS COLE

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU TRULY EXPECTED GOD TO MOVE?

WHY HAVE OUR EXPECTATIONS BECOME SO SMALL?

MUCH OF THE CHURCH HAS SLOWLY DRIFTED FROM A BOLD FAITH INTO A CHRISTIANITY FOCUSED ON COMFORT, CONVENIENCE, AND PERSONAL FULFILLMENT.

Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

IT’S TIME WE RAISE OUR EXPECTATION OF GOD.

EXPECTANT PEOPLE POSITION THEMSELVES TO PARTICIPATE IN WHAT GOD IS DOING BUT PASSIVE PEOPLE OFTEN MISS IT.

1. EXPECTANCY PRODUCES DANGEROUS PRAYERS

Acts 4:29–31.29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

WHEN YOU TRULY BECOME EXPECTANT FOR GOD TO MOVE, YOUR PRAYERS STOP BEING ONLY ABOUT YOUR OWN COMFORT AND START BECOMING CONNECTED TO THE MISSION OF GOD.

2. EXPECTANCY PRODUCES RADICAL OBEDIENCE

WHEN YOU TRULY BELIEVE GOD IS GOING TO MOVE, OBEDIENCE STOPS BECOMING A BURDEN AND STARTS BECOMING A RESPONSE OF FAITH.

3. EXPECTANCY PRODUCES PERSISTENT HOPE

THE DISCIPLES HOPE WAS NOT ROOTED IN COMFORT. THEIR HOPE WAS ROOTED IN THE PROMISE OF GOD.

WE NEED BELIEVERS WHO ARE WILLING TO PRAY DANGEROUS PRAYERS AGAIN. - WHO ARE WILLING TO OBEY GOD NO MATTER THE COST. - WHO KEEP HOPING EVEN WHEN THE WORLD AROUND THEM GROWS DARKER.