Tag: Acts 1-4
Power to be a witness for Christ!
Scripture reading for November 6th: Acts 1-4
I was saved as a young teenager in a country Methodist Church in Iowa. I gave my life to Jesus but did not know about the Holy Spirit or His work on my behalf. I grew up, went to college, got married and began to build a family and farming business, still unaware of His presence and power. I rededicated my life and my wife got saved in our late twenty’s and we began to hear about the Holy Spirit. The people we were studying the Bible with were different. They had power in their lives and were full of joy. The talked about being filled with the Holy Spirit and we heard some of them praying in a different language!
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
As Jesus ascended into heaven and two men dressed in white told the disciples that this same Jesus would come back in the same manner as He left. They were to wait for the promise of the Father as Jesus had instructed them! (Luke 24:49-53) This power from on high was sent from the Father to bless the disciples and enable them to do the work of God.
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were all together in the upper room and suddenly, the wind began to blow! Tongues of fire entered and rested on each one and they all began to speak with other tongues and glorify God. They went out from that room speaking in other languages telling the wonderful works of God. Peter stood up and preached and three thousand repented, were saved, baptized and told to receive this gift of the Father for power! (Acts 2:38-41)
Let me encourage you to ask the Lord for this power. (Luke 11:9-13) The Holy Spirit is our “helper” sent from the Father to live in those who believe on Jesus Christ. (John 16:7-15) He takes the Word of God and reveals it to us. He is our Counselor. He is our “baptizer” and fills us with the power we need to be effective witnesses for our Lord Jesus!
Pleaded and Warned:Save Yourselves!
Scripture reading for November 6th: Acts 1-4
Luke wrote the Book of Acts to record the work of the early church following the ascension of Jesus to Heaven. Luke tells us how these first disciples waited and then received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and how they they then took the Gospel from Jerusalem to Samaria and then to the ends of the earth. In general, the first 12 chapters focus on Peter, the Apostle and the last 16 chapter focus on Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Peter’s preaching on the Day of Pentecost is an impressive example of Gospel presentation in this early church. Peter was in Jesus’ inner circle and had proclaimed that he would remain true to Jesus no matter what the others did. Peter denied Jesus three times as Jesus had predicted and he wept bitterly at his own failure. After the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter and Peter became the spokesman for the Apostles. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter stood to answer the crowd and the mockers that thought they were all drunk. (Acts 2:12-21) He told them that this was the fulfillment of the prophesy given by Joel concerning the last days. He told them about Jesus, the one who was shown to be the Son of God by signs and wonders, the one that they had crucified and put to death. He also told them of the resurrection of Jesus and the many witnesses of this truth. (Acts 2:22-36) Jesus Christ was both Lord and Christ!
This preaching brought great conviction on those who heard and they asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For this promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off.” (Acts 2:38-39a) Peter pleaded with them and warned them with many more words to be saved from this corrupt generation that they were living in. About 3000 were saved that day!
Good preachers care about their flock. They want all to be saved. They preach a clear Gospel message and give direct invitations to those who desire salvation. They warn and plead those who are wavering or unsure. Jesus will save all who call on Him, but we must save ourselves by calling out in faith!
Power to Be a Witness
Scripture reading for November 6th: Acts 1-4
I was saved as a young teenager in a little country Methodist Church in rural Iowa. I gave my life to Jesus but did not know about the Holy Spirit or His work on my behalf. I grew up, went to college, got married and began to build a family and farming business, still unaware of His presence and power. I rededicated my life and my wife got saved in our late twenty’s and we began to hear about the Holy Spirit. The people we were studying the Bible with were different. They had power in their lives and were full of joy. The talked about being filled with the Holy Spirit and we heard some of them praying in a different language. When we visited their church, we heard a message in a different language and then an interpretation! This was fascinating! We even heard them singing in other languages and it sounded like heaven!
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
This experience began with a promise and command from Jesus right before He ascended into heaven. He ascended into heaven and two men dressed in white told the disciples that this same Jesus would come back in the same manner as He left them. They were to wait for the promise of the father as Jesus had told them! (Luke 24:49-53) This power from on high was sent from the Father to bless the disciples and enable them to do the work of God.
We all know what happened on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4. The disciples were all together in the upper room and suddenly, the wind began to blow inside their room! Tongues of fire entered and rested on each one and they all began to speak with other tongues and glorify God. They went out from that room speaking in other languages telling the wonderful works of God. Peter stood up and preached and 3000 repented, were saved, baptized and told to receive this gift of the Father for power! (Acts 2:38-41) The church was born and powerful witnesses spread the Gospel throughout the world!
Let me encourage you to seek the Lord for this power. Simply ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:9-13) The Holy Spirit is our “helper” sent from the Father to live in those who believe on Jesus Christ. (John 16:7-15) He takes the Word of God and reveals it to us. He is our Counselor. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He is with us to strengthen us and enable to be a witness. We receive Him when we repent and are born again. We are filled with Him when we seek the Lord Jesus for that power. May God fill you with His Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 5:18)