Tag: Luke 24:49-53
Power to be Christ’s witness!
Scripture reading for November 5: Acts 1-4
I was saved as a 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 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 mid-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. We even heard them singing in other languages as they worshiped 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)
On the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4, the disciples were all together when suddenly the wind began to blow inside their upper 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 empowered to speak in other languages telling the wonderful works of God to those in the temple. Peter stood up and preached and 3000 repented, were saved, baptized and told to receive this Gift of the Father! (Acts 2:38-41) The church was born and powerful witnesses are still spreading 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 empower you with the Gift of His Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 5:18)