Inaugurating a Righteous Generation (Acts 2)

Last week, we read a large section from Acts 2 about Pentecost, the speech that Peter gave, and his concluding line:

“Let God rescue you from this wicked[1] generation!”

Last week we focused on how God called the geographical nation of His people to be holy, to be separated, from the wickedness found in the nations around them. We then applied it to the church, which Peter describes as a “holy nation” that is intended to “proclaim the praises of Him who called you.”

In addition, Paul had something to say about generations,

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2)

We are going to keep talking this morning about how we proclaim the praises of God (“shine like stars”) through the community we create as a church. Of course, the church is made up of individuals, so have a church that proclaims the praises of God with our lives means having churches that are filled with individuals who proclaim the praises of God with their lives.

To do this, I want to offer a contrast we see in Scripture. Let’s look first at Matthew 23, the infamous chapter of “woes” Jesus proclaims to the Pharisees. The religious leaders were doing things that made them part of a warped and crooked generation. In doing so, Jesus sounds a lot like an OT prophet.

Harshness: “They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads (of the Law) and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” This echoes the OT theme of oppressing the vulnerable through religious or legal systems (see Micah 6:8; Zech. 7:9-10).

Pride: “Everything they do is done for people to see.” This matches OT critiques of arrogant rulers and false piety (see Isaiah 58, where the people fasted to be seen, not to seek justice).

Gatekeeping: “You do not enter [the Kingdom], nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” This parallels the OT call against arrogance and national elitism but not it’s religious elitism, drawing the boundaries for who was allowed in to the community of God’s people (see Jonah, Isaiah 56).

Corruption: “You make [converts] twice as much a child of hell as you are.” Another place Jesus said they were children of their father, the devil, meaning they were like him. (John 8) They didn’t disciple people into the kingdom; they either push them away or turn them into disciples of the devil. This echoes Malachi 2:8, “You have caused many to stumble…”

Oath-breaking. “You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’ You blind fools!” In other words, they are finding ways to break their word. This links with OT themes of corrupt courts and false covenants (Amos 2; Isaiah 1:23). The Law had become a tool for lies.

Confused Priorities. “You give a tenth of your spices…you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” This is the justice neglect theme again (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8). Do both, of course, but never ignore the weightier matters, the ones that involve people.

Hypocrisy: “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence…on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), not the outward appearance.

Violence: “You build tombs for the prophets… (but)… complete what your ancestors started!” They prove Jesus to be true when they get him crucified.

Jesus seems to be echoing the Old Testament prophets. In other places we see the Old Testament warning emerge in line with what we talked about last week. Meanwhile, a new vision of what it looks like to be a holy and righteous generation emerges.

Idolatry & Detestable Practices vs True Worship[2]

- Idolatry (Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:5) 
- Trusting in created things (Rom. 1) 
- Sorcery and occult (Gal. 5:20)

- Worship God alone (Rom. 12:1) 
- Serve the Creator, not creation (Rom. 1:25)

Religious Hypocrisy vs. Religious Integrity[3]

- “Having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5) 
- Saying but not doing (Matt. 23) 
- Pretending righteousness (Matt. 23)

- Genuine faith/obedience (James 1:22) 
- Pure religion: caring for the vulnerable (James 1:27)

Oppression of the Vulnerable vs Care and Generosity[4]

- Exploiting the weak (James 5:4) 
- Favoritism (James 2:1–9) 
- Greed (Eph. 5:3; 1 Tim. 6:10)

- Care for the poor (Rom. 12:13) 
- Generosity and justice (1 Tim. 6:18; 2 Cor. 8:13–15)

Violence and Bloodshed vs Peacemaking[5]

- Murder, rage (Matt. 15:19) 
- Hatred, fits of rage (Gal. 5:20)

- Peacemaking (Rom. 12:18) 
- Kindness and forgiveness (Eph. 4:32)

Greed and Materialism vs Contentment and Generosity[6]

- Covetousness (Col. 3:5) 
- Greed (Eph. 5:3) 
- Love of money (1 Tim. 6:10)

- Contentment (Heb. 13:5) 
- Generosity (1 Tim. 6:18)

Pride and Arrogance vs Humble Service[7]

- Pride (Mark 7:22; 2 Tim. 3:2) 
- Boastfulness, selfish ambition, slander (Phil. 2:3; Gal. 5:20)

- Humility (Phil. 2:3; 1 Pet. 5:5)

- servanthood (Gal. 5:13)

Injustice vs Justice (Righteousness) [8]

- Deceit (Mark 7:22; Col. 3:9) 
- Partiality in courts (James 2:6) 
- Slander and lying (Eph. 4:25; James 4:11)

- Honesty and fairness (Eph. 4:25; James 5:12) 
- Advocacy for justice (Matt. 23:23; James 5:1–6)

Sexual Immorality vs Purity and Honor[9]

- Sexual immorality, impurity, lust (Matt. 15:19; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3) 
- Fornication, adultery (Mark 7:21)

- Holiness, self-control (1 Thess. 4:3–5) 
- Honoring God with the body (1 Cor. 6:18–20)

Breaking Covenants vs. Keeping Covenants[10]

- Swearing deceitfully (James 5:12) 
- Lying and theft (Col. 3:9; Gal 5:20) 

- Truthfulness (Eph. 4:25) 
- Integrity even when it costs (Psalm 15:4; echoed in Matt. 5:37)

Trust in our own Strength vs Trusting in God[11]

- Trusting in riches (1 Tim. 6:17) 
- Boasting in power or wealth (James 4:13–16)

- Trust in God’s provision (Phil. 4:19; Matt. 6:33) 
- Strength in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9–10)

Other Sins of the Heart vs Inward Holiness

- Evil thoughts (Matt. 15:19) 
- Envy (Gal. 5:21; Mark 7:22) 
- Bitterness (Heb. 12:15) 
- Foolishness (Mark 7:22; Eph. 5:15–17)

- Renewed mind (Rom. 12:2) 
- Spiritual wisdom (Col. 1:9–10) 
- Joy and peace in the Spirit (Rom. 14:17; Gal. 5:22)

We are called out of that wickedness and into a Path of Life as a witness to the glory of God not just in what God can do in us, but what God can do in whole communities of people transformed by the cruciform love of Jesus. God, through His love, has shown us the path to life for our good and His glory.

Where the world is marked by cruelty, the church practices compassion.

We don’t burden others with shame or legalism; we gently lift the fallen and bear each other’s burdens. We embrace truth and boldness but we reject harshness in favor of mercy, reflecting the heart of the Shepherd who searches for His lost sheep until he finds it, and then carries it home.

Where the world celebrates image and performance, we embrace authenticity.

Our worship is not a show. Our prayers are not for attention. Our music is not for fame. My sermons are not to impress you. All of these things are a faithful response to the love of God. In God’s Kingdom, we don’t need to pretend to be more righteous than we are. In confession, accountability and vulnerability, we become well acquainted with the grace and love of God as we extend it and receive it from God’s people.

Where the world excludes, we open doors.

This church refuses to be gatekeepers of God’s grace, determining just how many of the “whosoever will” may come. (Revelation 22:17) We welcome the weary, the outsider, the sick, the sinner, the seeker. We welcome our neighbors – which the Parable of the Good Samaritan hints is everybody. We are not tribal or partial for any reason. We embody the radical hospitality of the Kingdom, where all who are weary and heavy laden, and need the rest that Jesus gives, are welcome.

Where the world is full of corruption, we are truthful and trustworthy.

We keep our word, even when it hurts. Our “yes” means “yes”. We don’t manipulate with spiritual language or power games. We don’t take advantage of anyone around us. We never use position, power or proximity to use people. We speak truth in love; we prove we are trustworthy by simply being worthy of trust over and over again. That kind of integrity is a light that chases away the darkness of deceit and duplicity.

Where the world neglects justice(righteousness), we champion it.

We don’t tithe scrupulously while ignoring the cries of the oppressed. We do both the little things and the big things because we know that God has called us to do so, and in His way is the Path of Abundant Life. (John 10:10) We speak for those who have no voice, or whose voices are being drowned out by injustice and corruption whether that is outside the church or inside the church. We advocate for those who are overlooked or left behind. We ask for true justice – for things to be made right - when people are hurt by others. We ask for a wise application of mercy be part of the process.

God willing, the church will be the loudest voice defending the cause of the sick, the exploited, the poor, the powerless and voiceless in our community, our nation, and around the world.

Where the world focuses on appearance, we tend to the heart.

We know that holiness is not a façade or a costume. We examine our motives, not just our actions. We repent sincerely when needed, because we want to live in the blessing of righteous community (one where we are right with God and each other); we forgive freely, even when it’s hard – and it probably will be, because there is something to forgive that hurt us. We don’t want to just look righteous; we want to be righteous. We know that God judges the thoughts and intents of the heart, and we surrender our heart to Him for his purification.

Where the world is shaped by violence, anger, and revenge, we are peacemakers.

We refuse to repay evil for evil, but insist on overcoming evil with good. (Romans 12:21) We love our enemies; we bless those who curse us; pray for those who mistreat us. (Luke 6:27-28) We don’t avenge ourselves; we trust that God will take care of it. (Romans 12:19) We “give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18) Lamech was going to avenge 70 times (Genesis 4:24); we follow Jesus and forgive 70x7.

Where the world flaunts wealth and conspicuous consumption, we practice generosity and simplicity.

We are not lazy or irresponsible, but we are content because we are free from the love of money, which is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) We find financial peace by trusting God. (Hebrews 13:5) We are not driven by consumerism or competition. We know that life is not about an abundance of possessions. (Luke 12:15) We look forward to “giving as we are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you." (Deuteronomy 16:17) We see our possessions as tools of blessing rather than markers of status. We take care of our neighbors in the church and the community as God provides us the means.

Where the world is full of pride, we are clothed in humility.

We don’t seek titles or positions; we serve joyfully in hidden places. Applause is nice – and we ought to find excuses to give it freely to others! – but we don’t need it. It is enough when God is pleased. We celebrate others’ gifts without jealousy and delight in their success. We don’t brag; we are content to simply be ourselves and let that speak for itself. Once again, we repent when we have hurt others, because we aren’t too proud to do that. We know we aren’t perfect, and that doesn’t fill us with shame. It just makes us aware that there might be times we will have make things right when we have done something wrong, and we do it.

Where the world is ruled by lust and selfish desire, we honor bodies, boundaries, and covenants.

Our love is patient and kind, never coercive or exploitative. It always protects. (1 Corinthians 13) Our relationships are marked by faithfulness, self-control, and deep respect. In a world where desire is often detached from dignity, where “consent” is the only ethic, and commitment is optional, the Church offers a better story. We proclaim that every body is sacred, every person made in the image of God. Sex is not just a transaction—it’s a covenantal act meant to reflect divine faithfulness. Our love sees others not as objects of gratification but as treasures to be protected. We are called to the kind of love that takes responsibility for the emotional, spiritual, and even physical well-being of others. The Church must be a place where the bodies of others are never tools for gratification because they are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Responsive Reading: A People Set Apart

(based on Acts 2, Matthew 23, Galatians 5, and the teachings of Jesus)

Leader: In a world darkened by cruelty and power,
People: We will walk in compassion, clothed with mercy and kindness.
Leader: Where hearts grow cold and violence reigns,
People: We will be peacemakers, bringing hope in the midst of strife.[12]

Leader: In an age obsessed with image and outward appearances,
People: We will value righteousness and purity of heart.
Leader: Where hypocrisy and performance deceive,
People: We will live with authenticity and grace.[13]

Leader: In a culture that rejects with unrighteous judgement,
People: We will move toward others in the name of Christ.
Leader: When others say, “We don’t want you here,”
People: We say, “Come to God’s table, there is room at the feast for all.”[14]

Leader: In a generation that calls evil good and good evil,
People: We will hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Leader: Where injustice is ignored and the weak are crushed,
People: We will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.[15]

Leader: When the world chases wealth and self-exaltation,
People: We will pursue contentment, generosity, and humility.
Leader: Where pride builds thrones and hoards treasure,
People: We will follow the crucified King who gave himself for all.[16]

Leader: When people trade love for lust and covenant for convenience,
People: We will honor one another with boundaries and sacred trust.
Leader: Where others use and discard,
People: We will protect, cherish, and remain faithful.[17]

Leader: When others stir up hatred and division,
People: We will walk by the Spirit with love, peace, and self-control.
Leader: In the face of a crooked generation,
People: We will shine like stars by following in the footsteps of Jesus.[18]

________________________________________________________________________

[1] Or crooked, bent, or warped.

[2] Other passages: Rom 1:18–25; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:5

[3] Other passages: Matt. 23; Mark 7:6; 2 Tim. 3:5; James 1:22, 27

[4] Other passages: James 2:1–9; 5:4; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 6:18

[5] Other passages: Gal. 5:20; Matt. 15:19; Eph. 4:32; Rom. 12:18

[6] Other passages: Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:3; 1 Tim. 6:10, 18; Heb. 13:5

[7] Other passages: Mark 7:22; 2 Tim. 3:2; Phil. 2:3; 1 Pet. 5:5

[8] Other passages: Mark 7:22; Eph. 4:25; James 2:6; Col. 3:9

[9] Other passages: Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21; Gal. 5:19; 1 Thess. 4:3–5; 1 Cor. 6:18–20

[10] Other passages: James 5:12; Col. 3:9; Eph. 4:25; Psalm 15; Matt. 5:37

[11] Other passages: 1 Tim. 6:17; James 4:13–16; Phil. 4:19; 2 Cor. 12:9–10

[12] "Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."  (Colossians 3:12)

[13] "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Matthew 15:8)

[14] "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7)

[15] "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:24)

[16] "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
(Philippians 2:3)

[17] "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality… that each one know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

[18] "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." ( Galatians 5:22-23)

Pentecost: Leaving A Wicked Generation (Acts 2: 1-41)

When the Day of Pentecost[1] had finally arrived, they were all[2] together in the same place. 

The Day of Pentecost comes 50 days after Passover, so this is 50 days after Jesus’ death.

Suddenly there came from heaven a noise like the sound of a strong, blowing wind,[3] and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then tongues, seemingly made of fire, appeared to them, moving apart and coming to rest on each one of them.[4] They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the spirit gave them the words to say.

This fulfills the prophecy of John the Baptist that Christ would “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). Similar to wind, “fire” in Scripture often indicates God’s presence(Exodus 3:2; 19:18; Isaiah. 4:5).[5]

There were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem at that time. When they heard this noise they gathered in a crowd.[6]They were deeply puzzled, because every single one of them could hear them speaking in his or her own native language. They were astonished and amazed.[7]

These are the same groups separated at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9). [8]This is one of the most obvious examples of what the folks at the Bible Project like to say: “the Bible tells a unified story.” Genesis 10 and 11 describe the nations moving apart as God scatters them to temper them. Acts 2 describes people moving inward toward Jerusalem, with the Holy Spirit then gathering nations to unify them. At Babel, people had tried to make a name for themselves. Now they are uniting around the name of Jesus.

This also prefigures the image of the life to come in Revelation, when every tribe and nation (Revelation 5:9 and 7:9) gather around the throne in unity. The Holy Spirit of God the Father, gifted by the Son, intends to bring righteous unity to our beautiful human diversity. Whenever tribes and nations live together in harmony, it’s a foretaste of heaven.

“These men who are doing the speaking are all Galileans,[9] aren’t they?” they said. “So how is it that each of us can hear them in our own mother tongues? There are [people from everywhere]. We can hear them speaking about the powerful things God has done—in our own languages!”

Everyone was astonished and perplexed. “What does it all mean?” they were asking each other. 1But some sneered. “They’re full of new wine!” they said. Then Peter got up, with the eleven. He spoke to them in a loud voice.

“People of Judaea!” he began. “All of you staying here in Jerusalem! There’s something you have to know! Listen to what I’m saying! These people aren’t drunk, as you imagine. It’s only nine o’clock in the morning! No, this is what the prophet Joel was talking about[10] when he said,

 In the last days,[11] declares God, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and your daughters[12] will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams; yes, even on slaves, men and women alike[13], will I pour out my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy.

 And I will give signs in the heavens above, and portents on earth beneath, blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and glorious day. And then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

“You people of Israel,” Peter continued, “listen to this. The man Jesus of Nazareth was marked out for you by God through the mighty works, signs and portents which God performed through him right here among you, as you all know.

Just a quick note: Peter says that the “signs and portents” of Joel were the “signs and portents” of Jesus ministry, death and resurrection. The blood, fire, clouds, smoke, darkness, moon turning into blood as part of the glorious day of the Lord. It’s a good reminder that biblical writers use wonderfully creative/apocalyptic language to describe things, and we need to be careful to appreciate the imagery without requiring it to be literal. #biblereadingtip 

 He was handed over in accordance with God’s determined purpose and foreknowledge—and you used people outside the law to nail him up and kill him. But God raised him from the dead! Death had its painful grip on him; but God released him from it, because it wasn’t possible for him to be mastered by it…[14]

My dear family, I can surely speak freely to you about the patriarch David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is here with us to this day.  He was of course a prophet, and he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to set one of his own physical offspring on his throne. He foresaw the Messiah’s resurrection, and spoke about him ‘not being left in Hades,’ and about his flesh ‘not seeing corruption.’

 This is the Jesus we’re talking about! God raised him from the dead, and all of us here are witnesses to the fact! Now he’s been exalted to God’s right hand; and what you see and hear is the result of the fact that he is pouring out the holy spirit,[15] which had been promised, and which he has received from the father…

“So the whole house of Israel must know this for a fact: God has made him Lord and Messiah—this Jesus, the one you crucified.” When they heard this, the people in the crowd were cut to the heart.

“Brothers,” they said to Peter and the other apostles, “what shall we do?” “Turn back!” replied Peter. “Be baptized—every single one of you—in the name of Jesus the Messiah, so that your sins can be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The promise is for you and for your children, and for everyone who is far away, as many as the Lord our God will call.” He carried on explaining things to them with many other words. “Let God rescue you,” he was urging them, “from this wicked generation!”

Those who welcomed his word were baptized. About three thousand people were added to the community that day.

I am going to get two, maybe three sermons out of this. Here’s Part One.

* * * * *

I mentioned last week that the call to repentance and invitation into life in Christ in the speeches in Acts often focused on the difference it would make right now. This is a great example. What will happen when people repent? God will rescue them from a wicked generation. The implication is that he will turn them into a righteous generation.

 This is not the only time we see this language in the Bible, so we have hyperlinks; we have context to know what Peter’s audience thought of when he said this.[16] As far as I can tell, here is the first mention in the OT.

“They (Israelites) are corrupt and not his children…. A perverse generation that is unfaithful… to their shame they are a wicked and perverse generation… (Deuteronomy 32: 5)

 Since we first find the language of a warped and crooked generations in the Old Testament, let’s start there.

I mentioned last week we will see two kinds of calls to repentance in Acts: national and individual. God called the physical, geographical nation of His people to be holy, set apart from the wicked and perverse people around them. They often were not. They would often embrace idolatry, and terrible practices always followed.

As the prophets speak in the Old Testament, we see patterns emerge of the sins God addresses when they show up in not just Israel but in the nations around them. I don’t believe that God holds people responsible for what they don’t know, so the fact that He held all the nations responsible to foundational moral standards tells me that God has put something in all people so that everyone knows foundational moral standards. Here’s what characterized wicked generations.

Idolatry[17]

Specifically, the “detestable practices” linked with it. The worship of idols is called out as foolish, but it’s the practices that follow that are the real problem.

Religious Hypocrisy[18]

This was specific to the Israelites. They were observing ceremonial law while ignoring justice, mercy, and righteousness. (Jesus called out the Pharisees on this.[19]) In the OT, the priests were taking bribes and getting rich from their ministry.

Oppression of the Poor and Vulnerable[20]

Exploiting the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners (Tim Keller’s Quarter of the Vulnerable); charging excessive interest; confiscating property.

Violence and Bloodshed[21]

A society marked by violence, murder, and warfare. This was Ninevah’s specific sin for which Jonah was sent. Violence against women and children stands out (see Amos 1)

Greed and Materialism[22]

Land grabbing, luxury at others' expense, unchecked consumption, and the economic injustice that follows greed. This wasn’t saying wealth was bad; it was the means by which it was gotten. When others get hurt by those getting rich, it’s not good.

Pride and Arrogance[23]

National arrogance; assuming invincibility; claiming god-like power like Pharoah did. If Israel started to believe they had god-like power, they had forgotten their God.

Injustice in Legal Systems[24]

Courts favoring the wealthy; weighted scales; bribery (which favors the wealthy yet again); corrupt judges; the silencing of truth-tellers.

Sexual Immorality Linked to Idolatry[25]

Ritual prostitution (which even the Israelites participated in at times, which meant they were worshiping idols); adultery, incest and assault.

Breaking Covenants and Agreements[26]

Wicked nations did not keep their word. They betrayed treaties and alliances and committed political treachery. Amos called this breaking the Treaty of Brotherhood which everyone seemed to understand.[27]We could add entering into bad treaties as well: Israel began to make alliances with their pagan neighbors to win battles rather than relying on God.

Trusting in Military or Economic Strength Instead of God[28]

This one was also particular to Israel. God’s admonished Israel that their kings should not gather chariots (a conquering army), gold (wealth) or wives (political alliances that brought in idolatry).[29]That was the way of Egypt, not God’s people. God’s people were not to trust in violence, wealthy, or other gods.

So as far as nations go, there were definitely things that characterized a wicked generation. If you are thinking, “But not every individual in that nation supported what was happening,” I hear you. It’s the same tension we feel when we hear people talk about “systemic injustice” and we think, “But I don’t do that and I’m in the system!” So let’s talk about that 

In the Ancient Near East, virtually all nations had a collectivist culture. This included Israel. People saw themselves primarily as part of a group. Identity, responsibility, and honor/shame were shared communally just as much as individually. The idea was that everyone was to some degree culpable, because it was happening on their watch. Three quick examples:

• Achan’s sin (Joshua 7) brings guilt on all Israel. Somebody – anybody - should have stopped him.

• Daniel confesses his people’s sins, saying “we have sinned,” even though he personally was righteous. (Daniel 9)

• Peter said to his Jewish audience in Acts 1, “You crucified Jesus” when they personally had nothing to do with the actual crucifixion of Jesus. It happened on their watch.

 We have been raised in a very individualistic culture, so this probably feels  unfair to us. But this is the biblical moral ecosystem. The prophets in the Old Testament would call for a national repentance, not just an individual one. Repentance, then, was everyone being committed to the opposite of all the things that got them in trouble.

• Worship of Yahweh

• Religious integrity; actually living within the covenant agreement.

• Protection of the vulnerable

• Peace instead of violence and bloodshed

• Generosity over greed and exploitation

• ·National humility over arrogance

• A just legal system that did not show favoritism

• Sexual purity; honoring, not using, those around them

• Keeping treaties and agreements; being people of their word

• Trusting in God to protect and provide.

Fast forward. In the New Testament, Peter tells us, the church:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you.” (1 Peter 2:9)

We, the church, are now a spiritual nation situated globally in the midst of all the physical nations in which we live. I’m going to try to modernize the previous list and apply it to the spiritual nation of church – our church, the church in America, and the church globally.

This isn’t a scolding or a scathing rebuke to any of you. This is like when I take my vehicle to the mechanic before a trip and ask him to run that diagnostic to see how my vehicle is doing. Think of this as a diagnostic check for the church: the American church, our church, ourselves.

What does it look like for us to be royal priesthood that proclaims the praises of God?

True Worship over idolatry. Tim Keller used to describe an idol as the things that “when they shake, we shake.” We might not have idols on our shelves, but we may entertain them in our hearts. Are we trusting in anything over God? Is there anything in our lives that when it starts to crumble, we start to crumble? Or do we trust that God is Good, that God loves and cares for us, and that God will provide? Can we rest in Jesus even in the midst of the worst trials? #trueworshipiswitness

Integrity over hypocrisy. Do we live guided by the covenant we have entered into with God? Do people around us know that the church practices what we preach? If we insist that God calls us to love others as Jesus loved us, are we displaying that love? If we call for generosity, are we generous? If we insist that a Christian sexual ethic is good for the culture, how are we doing in that area? If we want God’s Old Testament laws on classroom walls, are we modeling obedience in our own lives of not just those commandments, but of all the commands God gives to us that help us walk in righteous integrity? 

I just saw two stories yesterday where religious leaders of organizations promoting the implementation of Christian values in culture were arrested for the exploitation of children. The prophets would have something to say about that. Demanding a standard we don’t keep is hypocritical; modeling a standard others find compelling and life-giving is world-changing. The early church showed that. #integrityiswitness

Care for the vulnerable.  Are society’s “least of these” on the church’s radar? Are we looking out for them, starting in our family, then our church, then spreading into our community and nation? What practical things (within our means and opportunity) are we doing to ensure their well-being? We have a benevolence fund that can always use a boost; there are numerous non-profits in town that provide crucial services. There are global Christian organizations that care the vulnerable. It might be a personal gift to someone you know. #careiswitness

Meekness (“harnessed power”) over bullying. Is the church using power – whatever that looks like - to protect and not harm? Do people consistently get hurt by the church, or do they feel emotionally and relationally safe? (I don’t mean sheltered from hard and necessary truths; I mean that we aren’t putting stumbling blocks in their way through our words, attitudes, and actions). Does the church – and all of us in it – provide a welcoming presence that offers a compelling oasis to people desperate for safety and belonging? #meeknessiswitness

Contentment over greed[30]. Do those around us need to worry that money matters so much to us that it will be prioritized over people, or will they learn that followers of Jesus see wealth as a tool God gives us to further the Kingdom? Do we ever trample on others when we see the opportunity to make some money? Do we begrudgingly give as little as we can because it’s ridiculous that God thinks our money is His, or do we joyfully tithe/ share our resources as much as we can because generosity is really rewarding? Last week, a friend told me he hoped a business venture would yield a ton of money because, “I have so many places I want to support.” #contentmentiswitness[31]

Humility vs. pride. I think the modern application for the church might have to do with proudly declaring how good we are and how terrible the culture is. Meanwhile, scandal after scandal unfolds in the American church. It’s a discouraging news feed, and it’s crushing to our witness.

It turns out that sin crouches at everyone’s door, and we must “take heed, lest we fall.”[32] There is so much opportunity for humility and repentance. When there is sin in the institution of the church, it needs to be called out for the sake of those getting hurt and as a witness to the world.[33] We need to own it without excuses, repent, and learn from it to move into deeper righteousness and maturity is the way to go.  #humilityiswitness

Sexual Integrity. The world is full of exploitation, objectification and dehumanization. Is the church from top to bottom fighting against it and modeling a better way? Are we building a righteous view not just of sex but of people that is honoring of their imago dei? Are we building a community in which everyone knows they will not be exploited are used or ogled or lusted after, but will be loved with honor and integrity? #honoriswitness

A commitment to justice/righteousness (being right with God and others). It’s not just cultures that grant privilege to a few; the church can do that too. The letters in the New Testament make clear that was a problem right out of the gates. We tend to admire and prioritize some over others for all kinds of reasons. Do we ignore some who walk into our doors because we don’t think they are as important as others, or is everyone equally valued in our church community? God did not intend for there to be hierarchy of value in the Kingdom of God. Often, a huge way people experience the love of Jesus is through the love of the followers of Jesus. #justiceiswitness

Peter wrote that we are a holy nation to “proclaim the praises of Him who called you.” May our lives and communities we create sing His praises even louder than our voices.

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[1] The Greek word pentekoste means “fiftieth”

[2] The 120 assembled in the upper room (1:15)?

[3] Wind is an image for the Holy Spirit’s presence in Ezekiel 37:9, 13 and John 3:8.(ESV Reformation Study Bible)

[4] “Also significant is Luke's statement that these tokens of the Spirit's presence "separated and came to rest on each of them." This seems to suggest that, though under the old covenant the divine presence rested on Israel as a corporate entity and upon many of its leaders for special purposes, under the new covenant, as established by Jesus and inaugurated at Pentecost, the Spirit now rests upon each believer individually.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

[5] ESV Global Study Bible

[6] Fun Fact: The crowd’s presence indicates that the setting is the temple grounds. This was the only Jewish space in Jerusalem that could accommodate this many people. (ESV Global Study Bible)

[7] “According to Jewish tradition, God spoke in 70 languages (voices/qolot)…The Book of Jubilees reinforces this by claiming there were 70 Gentile nations.” (NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible) “These ideas provide an interpretive backdrop for Pentecost (see Ac 2, which contains many parallels to the Sinai revelation. For the early Christian, God’s original intent to speak to all nations expanded in the book of Acts.” (NIV First Century Study Bible)

[8] See “Babel Reversed: Acts 2:9–12, redemptivehistorytheology.com

[9] “Galileans had difficulty pronouncing gutturals and had the habit of swallowing syllables when speaking; so they were looked down upon by the people of Jerusalem as being provincial (cf. Mk 14:70).” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

[10] The quotation is from the Greek Old Testament text of Joel 2:28–32.

[11] Apparently, the “last days” start at Pentecost 

[12] “The women in the upper room participated in the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost, further confirming Joel’s prophecy.” (ESV Global Study Bible)

[13] Last week, we talked about how the early church filled up with Empire outcasts!

“[14] Peter then quotes Psalms 16:8–11. I’m skipping it for the sake of time this morning. It’s the passage about God the Father not leaving Jesus in Sheol/Hades.

[15] “In the OT, only God could pour out God’s Spirit; Peter thus identifies Jesus as divine — God who pours out the Spirit in Joel 2:28 – 29.” (NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible)

[16] We see something similar in other New Testament passages. Paul wrote, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2) Jesus rebuked the Pharisees who keep demanding more miracles and signs: “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!” (Matthew 12)

[17] Isaiah 44, Jeremiah 10, Ezekiel 6, Amos 5:26, Hosea 4

[18] Isaiah 1, Amos 5, Micah 3 and 6, Ezekiel 22

[19] Matthew 23

[20] Amos 5; 3; 2:6–7, Isaiah 10:1–2, Ezekiel 16; 22:29, Zechariah 7:10, Psalm 12

[21] Micah 3:10, Hosea 4:2, Nahum 3:1; Ezekiel 22, Amos 1

[22] Isaiah 5:8, Amos 3, Micah 2

[23] Obadiah 1, Isaiah 14 (Babylon), Ezekiel 28 (Tyre)

[24] Amos 5, Isaiah 5, Micah 3

[25] Hosea 4, Isaiah 57, Ezekiel 22 and 23

[26] Ezekiel 17, Isaiah 33

[27] Amos 1

[28] Isaiah 31, Hosea 10,

[29] Deuteronomy 17

[30] Philippians 4:11-13

[31] On a personal note, this is why you will not hear us demand that you give/tithe to the church. We invite you to be generous as God moves you, as our announcement note  We need to pay the bills, but we would like to use funds God has inspired you to give joyfully.

[32] 1 Corinthians 10:12

[33] Historically, think of many churches that supported slavery, as well as the Doctrine of Discovery, (endorsed by both Catholic and Protestant institutions) which justified killing native Americans and taking their land because the native land was Canaan, and the conquerors were the new Israel. Currently, think of the child abuse/cover up scandal in the Catholic church, and the more recent sex abuse/cover-up scandal in the Southern Baptist Convention.