Tag: Spirit poured out
The promise for all!
Scripture reading for June 4th: Acts 2:1-47
The apostles and a total of 120 believers were waiting on the promise of the Father. They were gathered together in one place on the day of Pentecost. This was one of the three times that Jewish men were required by the Law of God to come to the temple and worship. It was at this feast a year earlier that Jesus had stood up and and invited anyone who was thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising the release of ‘rivers of living water’ from within them. (John 7:37-39) Luke recorded this prayer meeting and the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise!
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:1-4) Those gathered for the Feast that day were curious as they heard these 120 praising God, many in their own languages. Some thought that these were drunk and others questioned what this meant.
Peter stood up, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and explained prophetically what was happening. He quoted from the prophet Joel, stating that this was a fulfillment of Joel’s word from God about the last days outpouring of the Spirit of God. (Acts 2:14-21) Peter then spoke to them about Jesus of Nazareth and who He was. He explained God’s plan to put Him to death and then raise Him from the dead. “Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36)
When these people, many who participated in the crucifixion, heard the message they cried out for help, asking Peter and the other what they should do. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39) Peter’s instructions opened the door for 3000 to become believers and is still doing that today!
Sunday Rest and Reflection:Dreams and Visions!
Dear Friends,
We are living in the exciting times of the last days mentioned often in Scripture. These are days of great trials and troubles. Earthquakes and wars are common news. There are signs of the coming of the Lord in the news and we can feel an urgency in our hearts to be ready and help others get prepared. The greatest event of history is the coming of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and it could happen any day!
In the last week’s readings, the prophet Joel had much to say in his short book. He initially saw the destruction of the land by a swarm of locusts that represented the army of Assyria. Later, he was given a vision of the restoration of Israel after its destruction and judgment. The autumn rains would come and abundant showers would restore the parched and barren land. God would repay His people for the years that the locusts had eaten! (Joel 2:23-25)
This rain was really a picture of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Last days! (Joel 2:28-32) (Acts 2:16-21) God was planning a Holy Spirit outpouring that would cause men and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They would prophesy, dream dreams and see visions. God would do miracles, signs and wonders and everyone who called on the name of the Lord would be saved! There would be a great deliverance for Jerusalem and Mount Zion.
We are living in these very days! There is deliverance for all who will call on the Name of Jesus Christ! We who know Him are filled with the Holy Spirit and have power to share the Gospel; the Lord can use us to bring healing and miraculous acts of His grace to those who are being witnessed to. Let’s allow the Lord to use us daily and expect Him to confirm His word with supernatural signs! We serve an awesome God! The best is yet to come!
In His Love,
Pastor John