Ps. 138: 1, 2									Rev. S de Marie
Ps. 33: 1, 2
Ps. 133: 1, 2, 3						Reading:		Acts 2: 29-47
Hymn 36: 2, 3									Acts 4: 32-35
     Hymn 41: 1, 4						Text:			Acts 2:41, 42

Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ
What a special day it was for the Church at Pentecost! A holiday, on which three thousand people came to faith and were baptized. They had celebrated the annual Feast of Ingathering with a huge crowd in Jerusalem. Then suddenly there were those signs: that sound of a mighty rushing wind, those tongues as of fire which sat on each one of the people and the miracle of speaking in other languages. It confused them. They didn't understand at first.
But then comes Simon Peter's sermon. He speaks to them very penetratingly. They hear that this day heralds a new phase. They hear of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, of judgement and justice, but especially of salvation, of salvation from that judgement.
In his sermon, Peter says that the Holy Spirit comes from Jesus who is the Christ. He definitely was crucified by the Jews, but He was also raised from the dead and ascended to heaven. And now He sits as Lord and King at the right hand of God. It is this exalted Jesus who is now pouring out the Holy Spirit on the church members, young and old. That is what all those signs point to.
Peter therefore speaks to those Jews who are there, of their crime, that they crucified Jesus. Then some of them  shout: what shall we do? Peter then calls them to repentance. To receive Jesus as their Savior, their Lord and King. Then they will be baptized in His name. Then they will receive forgiveness of their sins. Also from the sins pertaining to the crucifixion. They will also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those promises are there even for their children and for all those whom God will call to His covenant.
Congregation, that is how wonderful the Feast on Ingathering of the Church was at Pentecost. The Word of redemption was proclaimed in the power of His out-poured Spirit. It was supported by miracles. Not only did this amaze people, it even led many to faith and true repentance! You can be jealous of that today. What a mighty working of the Holy Spirit! What a joy then for the Church! But what do we see of that today? What is happening in Christ's Church nowadays? No more signs like then. Not a miracle of language. Not a mass of curious people. What can we expect from the Spirit of Christ today? What does He give us as a church?
I may proclaim God's Word to you regarding Acts. 2: 41 and 42:

The Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, continues to increase and preserve the Church of Jesus Christ:
1. Through Word and Sacrament
2. Through the communion of the saints
3. Through constant prayer

1. Congregation, we live at the end of the ages. We are on our way to the Second Coming. Pentecost was the beginning of that. Henceforth, the Spirit will guide and build the Church of Christ on the way to the Second Coming. That Pentecost was very special. But the Spirit has now moved on to dwell in Christ's church to make her prepared.
We cannot appreciate the Day of Pentecost enough. But each new day, on which the Lord Christ continues to work with His Spirit towards His return, is more than the last! Because Christ is advancing every day. And so you, as His church, continue to advance every day.
There is progress in Christ's work, in His church-gathering work. Progress in the completion of all things.
If we only look at the church here, we say: how small it is! How weak we are! What should it be? But when we look to Christ, Who rules us through His Word and Spirit, we see things very differently. Then every baptized child is another child of God added into the covenant. Incorporated into the Church of all times and places. Then every believer who joins the church is a member who can help build the church. Then every new professing member is again a living member in the one Catholic Church of heaven and earth.
At Pentecost everything had to be built up, on which Christ is now building. In verse 41 we read as a result of Peter's speech:
Then those who gladly received his word with joy were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
This is now the work of the Holy Spirit. He makes Peter speak his Word and He works its acceptance. Three thousand people believe!
What makes Peter's word so special, so that it brought joy?
Verse 40, says regarding Peter:
And with many other word he testified and exhorted them, 
 Testified and exhorted. Let us take a look at these words.
Peter testified of the Lord Jesus Christ. He shows that Jesus is the promised Christ. He gives the essence of what Jesus did: His work on Good Friday with his atoning sacrifice on the cross. His work on Easter with His victory over death. His Ascension with His glorification, as Lord. And now, his work at Pentecost with the outpouring of His Spirit upon his church. His church praising the Lord God for his great deeds.
Peter testified of all these things from the Scriptures. He shows that all of this is now the work of Jesus Christ. To save people. And to establish his realm of peace and reconciliation. Peter calls himself an eyewitness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus in verse 32. He and others have seen it with their own eyes. It is not a fable, not just a story, but reality!
The scriptures testify and Peter testifies. With more words than what is stated here in Acts 2, according to verse 40. Do they now accept these testimonies? Do they now seek salvation in Christ to be saved from God's judgement?
Peter also exhorts them to accept this witness, he also admonishes them. He calls them to faith and repentance. He exhorts them to stop rejecting Jesus as the Christ. To turn from unbelief. For only in Jesus' name can there be salvation for them from God's punishment because of their sins, salvation from death. Yes, then there may be Eternal Life for them.
Through Peter's testimony and exhortation, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is brought to light on the first day of Pentecost. The light of truth and salvation. In Him there is real salvation, salvation and blessing.
Now, Congregation, this penetrating word from Peter, moved by the Holy Spirit, touches many hearers. Then the Spirit opens not only their ear but also their hearts. So that faith comes. A miracle of grace, a miracle of the Spirit!
The Spirit now also ensures that these three thousand give their 'yes' to the promises of God's Word. And in baptism they also receive from Christ His 'yes' to His promises. In this way all these people are thus incorporated into the church of Christ, into his body. What a rich harvest on this Feast of Ingathering.
They and their children share in all of God's promises. Thus the Spirit uses the Word and the administration of baptism to increase His church. The Spirit continues with that to this day. 
For He makes sure that the Word regarding Christ continues to sound as the testimony of Scriptures. That Word also continues to call for faith and repentance. Time and again, as often as the gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified is preached.
In this way the Spirit continues the work that He started at Pentecost. And continuously He adds souls to those He has already gathered. In this way the Spirit prepares the church further and further to the second coming of her Lord. Christ does not work through his Spirit from more to less, but from less to more!
If we only look at the church, we say, how small it gets. How weak we are. What should it be? But the Spirit continues to work with God's Word. He not only does increases his church, he also preserves it. Ever, through God's Word and through the sacraments.
We read that in verse 42:
And they remained steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers
The Spirit gives faith, but thus also works perseverance in that given faith. At Pentecost, the new members will also have experienced their struggles, they will also have suffered reproach, they will also have been mocked by those who stayed behind. But the Lord strengthens them through his Spirit and Word.
He does this immediately at Pentecost. But surely, the Spirit still does this, right? The teaching of the apostles to the church at Pentecost was no richer, no different from the Word of God, as you too may hear it. The Spirit still uses the proclamation of that same Word to give you also as His church perseverance in your faith. To keep you in the redemption of Christ.
The only difference is, Pentecost still had signs for the coming of the Spirit, and we do not. Also now there are no more extra gifts like in the early days of the Christian church. But on the other hand, we have a complete Bible given by the Spirit. The complete Word of God, with that, are we not richer rather than poorer? 
Congregation, the Holy Spirit still works in the church the same way He did at Pentecost. Even now, He will strengthen you in your faith through the Word and through the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper? If you have doubts in your beliefs or temptations, is it really true what I do believe? Or if you are afraid: I will not lose my faith, will I? Or maybe complain to the Lord that He does so little, when you are mocked by others; not fully considered, or meet downright hatred because of your faith or choice of church. Or if there is discontent in the church itself. Then remember that Christ is also with you today with His Spirit.  Remember that He still rules you as His church from heaven with His Word and Spirit. Remember that He wants to strengthen your faith in Him in the same way today, and to lead you further by His hand. By giving you perseverance in trials and troubles. So that you keep holding on to His lasting and firm promises.
Your Saviour wants to comfort you in sorrow and sadness even now. To give you preservation, salvation, peace and happiness.

2. The Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, increases and preserves the Church of Jesus Christ. First: Through Word and Sacrament; Second: Through the communion of the saints.
The Holy Spirit works and strengthens faith. But He does not want you to remain independent on your own. When you believe in Christ, you belong to His body, His Church. Then you cannot separate yourself from His church. Nowadays a way of believing is defended in which you do not need a church. And with the internet it becomes tempting to start meeting your own needs yourself. But then you don't serve the Lord as He wants. He wants a people, a church, a community where His Spirit lives and works.
The Lord Jesus took care of that fellowship of church members right after Easter, even as they still looked forward to the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. We read in chapter 1:14 that all of the apostles in one accord, with others, continued in prayer and supplication. Later, 120 are gathered when a new apostle was chosen to replace Judas. They are also with one accord in one house on the day of Pentecost. So there was already the apostolic church awaiting the outpouring of the Spirit of Christ. When the Spirit cames, He came to the church of Christ. You can see that in the tongues as of fire that sat on each church member.
The three thousand who come to believe are then also added to them, says verse 41. Added to the already existing church. Their baptism means being incorporated into, and thus becoming a part of the Church of Christ.
So they did not become a believer as a separate person only. But they immediately share their faith with all those whom the Spirit gathers. Verse 44 confirms this:
Now all who believed were together.
Congregation, we should not overlook that. The church is the gathering of true believers. Gathered by the Spirit of Christ out of the human race. Called by His Word. They have been allowed to repent and have come to Him as their Lord, and they have therefore joined His church, His flock. That too is the work of the Spirit.
They may be where God's Word is preached purely and where the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper are purely administered. There they receive, in communion with Christ their Lord, His gifts, His salvation. There they are addressed, exhorted, comforted and strengthened by the voice of the Good Shepherd. There the Holy Spirit works through the apostolic Word for their salvation.
And now verse 42 says that they will “continue steadfastly in fellowship”. What does this mean? Well, in the first place, after that first day of their confession and baptism, these new members stay together, are joined together with the existing church. They join themselves together with the others under the one preaching of the apostles, they pray together and partake of the Lord's Supper together. And they continue in that way. Thus the Holy Spirit in the Church of Christ strengthens their common faith.
Communion with Christ is shared and maintained together in His Church. In verse 42 we hear, as it were, enumerated by Luke the characteristics of the true church. The pure teaching of the apostles, and the pure administration of the sacraments.
But even more is said of that communion. Very important for us today. For there is also mutual communion inseparably linked with communion with Christ. This mutual communion in harmony is also a characteristic of the church. A characteristic exemplified precisely in this early Christian congregation. Verse 44:
Now all who believed were together and had all things in common.
Yes, congregation, that is now the true communion of the saints: people really care about each other and for each other. Not only in words, but also in deed! They give the other person what he or she needs for his or her service to the Lord. They use the gifts given by God for the benefit and for the salvation of the neighbour in the church,  the brothers and sisters. And not grudgingly. For time and again there are members who sell their possessions and goods to use that money to help the brothers and sisters in need (verse 45). Everyone gets what he or she needs. Whatever is needed.
The believers do not regard their property, such as houses or plots of land, as their personal property, which should be kept away from anyone else. But only as gifts from the Lord that you may give to others on behalf of Christ. They had all things in common: They see, that along with their faith, the other material gifts are now also given to be used within the church of Christ. Thus, every member of the church can be without worry in the Lord. There are none that are poor anymore... Yes, then the Lord can be thanked by everyone for the gifts that He gives to His church and which thus benefits His church.
In our time of “each for himself”, this is a very important lesson from the Holy Spirit. If we really want to be of one mind in faith, unity in truth, brotherly love among us must not be limited to sharing in going to church. Also not limited to only spiritual matters of faith. Yes, the spiritual building up is the most important thing. To help each other to be able to stand in temptation or tribulation. In strife and sorrow. We will even have to correct each other if necessary. Mutual discipline is also very important in the communion of the saints for its benefit and salvation. But in the matter of physical or financial or other material need, we will also have to shape our mutual love by helping in deeds. That is also looking after each other. This is not a finding of a lower order, as long as it comes from sincere love for God and neighbour.
The perseverance in the communion therefore expresses itself in the united thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, verse 47. That giving of thanks and praise of the communion of the saints is the culmination of the work of the Holy Spirit.  Together, as children of God, giving thanks to Him for His unspeakable gifts. In response to the undeserved grace in Christ.
Congregation. What a beautiful beginning of that first Christian congregation! There is true communion in word and deed. With heart and hand. Yes, as it is said in Acts 4:32:
...of one heart and one soul.
That is, one forms a close cordial unity in the one Spirit, with the one Word of the one Lord. In love to Christ, the head, and to each other. All of this is the work of the Holy Spirit that was poured out at Pentecost.
But congregation that is how the Spirit still works! Christ gives you His glorious gifts of His Word and Spirit. Also to persevere in communion, as it was in the first Christian congregation and as it should be today. He also gives you spiritual and material gifts, which you can use for the benefit of your brother and sister. To build the church of Christ and to honour God.
In our time it is so important to give shape to the dedication to unity of faith and brotherly love to one another. Let us not grieve the Spirit on this point.

3. The Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, increases and preserves the Church of Jesus Christ. First. Through Word and Sacrament; Second. Through the communion of the saints; Third. Through constant prayer.
Another very special thing has been given to the Church of Pentecost. That is the gift of prayer. This too is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The church of Jesus Christ turns out to be a praying church. A praying church through which she is connected in everything with her Lord and Savior and with God the Father. She knows herself to be dependent on Him in her prayer, and through her prayer has a confidential relationship with Him. She pours out her heart to Him in supplications and intercession. She intercedes for all people, for the oppressed brotherhood, and for Church members in need. This is how the church shows her living relationship with her Lord.
Everything is worked out in her by the Holy Spirit who dwells in Christ as the Head and them as his members.
In verse 42 it says they continued steadfastly in prayers. There is constant prayer. Prayer for the increase and preservation of the Church. Prayer for the conversion of the Jews and later also of the Gentiles. Prayer for harmony and mutual love. Prayer for relief. Prayer for gifts and powers for the apostles and later also for the office-bearers.
In 6: 4 we read that the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, lead this service of prayer, in addition to the service of the Word. There is also intensive and united prayers at special occasions:
- When the apostles Peter and John have been released from prison but are still under threat. Acts 4: 24b – 30
- In the confirmation of the seven deacons; Acts 6:6
- with the sending off of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 13:3
In this way the Church, moved by the Spirit, speaks with God and her Savior to implore and give thanks and praise. In this way the church lives close to her Lord. Connected and led by His Spirit, listening to His Word and responding in prayer.
Now, congregation, as verse 42 outlines the work of the Spirit so you receive an example of how He also wants to see you function as the church of Jesus Christ. And that is not an unattainable ideal. At that time the Spirit really did work it out. At that time, the Church was truly a dwelling place of God, a temple of the Holy Spirit. Wonderful to be there and to notice the fruits of the Spirit. No, even then the church was not perfect. The Church members were sinful people even then. This is also evident from what follows.
The church is of one heart and one soul, says Acts. 4, but Act 5 must also mention that there are also hypocrites such as Ananias and Sapphira. There is harmony, yet later on there are Pharisees who demand that Gentile Christians are to keep the law of Moses. Yet the Holy Spirit works so powerfully in His church that there is a thriving communion of saints living close to its Lord. Who holds the truth against the lie and causes the church to grows together, in love towards her Savior. The secret to all of this is the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, establishing His Church.
But congregation, what if you see this less positively in your congregation? Then start doing what the Spirit tells you here. Open yourself up to that. Listen to His Word and pray for the Spirit and then let Him guide you. Not to see the shortcomings of the others, but to give your contribution wholeheartedly.
You have the same privileges as the members of the church at Pentecost. It is the Spirit's will to continue His church-gathering work through you too. It is His will to give you faith, perseverance, and harmony. Encourage each other to do so. Then you may expect everything from your Lord Christ and His Spirit for now and for the future. Rejoice, then, in all that the Lord has already set in motion, and long that He will one day have brought everything to perfection.
Today is Pentecost. Praise and give thanks to the Holy Spirit!
Amen.