The Kingdom Grows
“The power of the Holy Spirit is just as accessible to us as it was to them.”
Acts 2:36-47 (NIV)
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “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 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.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Reflection
But suddenly, He was gone. Without Him, how could they possibly keep up the momentum? How could they ever accomplish this seemingly impossible task without Him to guide and lead them? I wonder if Jesus’ disciples let thoughts like these cross their minds. But Jesus had made them a promise (John 15:26-27). He promised to send a Helper and He delivered in a mighty way.
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples, and other devout believers, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and that changed everything for them. Think about how a fire starts. If you strike a match, but there is no kindling present, what happens? The small flame quickly burns out. Maybe you have a handful of kindling, so the fire burns a little longer, but, if the fire is not continually fed, it will soon extinguish. So it became the quest of these Holy Spirit-filled disciples and early converts to boldly gather fuel to keep the flame of Jesus burning. The Holy Spirit was in them and gave them the strength, courage, and insight to accomplish their work for God.
The most important question ever uttered by a human being is found in Acts 2:37: “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter’s response in Acts 2:38 set the stage for the birth of the very first Christian church. The followers who repented and were baptized in Jesus’ name also received the gift of the Holy Spirit. And what followed became the perfect model for all Christianity.
The people wanted to learn and to spend time together in fellowship.
The people understood the power of prayer and so they prayed together.
The people showed reverence to God.
The people were greatly affected by the apostles, who performed signs and wonders.
The people felt a responsibility for each other so they helped each other.
The people went about their tasks with joy and happiness.
And the people evangelized and added to their numbers.
If we, as modern-day Christians, follow the recipe provided by our bold and Holy Spirit-fed forefathers, there is no stopping us! The power of the Holy Spirit is just as accessible to us as it was to them. Let the Holy Spirit fill us with the same motivation, energy, and desire to keep the fire burning and to help others who may be asking the question, “What shall we do?”
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are so good to us. Thank You for providing us with everything we need to sustain a strong and vibrant relationship with You. Thank You for giving us a Helper to guide us and help us to keep spreading Your good news. Help us not to be shy, but bold to lead others into Your loving arms. Amen.
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “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 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.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Reflection
But suddenly, He was gone. Without Him, how could they possibly keep up the momentum? How could they ever accomplish this seemingly impossible task without Him to guide and lead them? I wonder if Jesus’ disciples let thoughts like these cross their minds. But Jesus had made them a promise (John 15:26-27). He promised to send a Helper and He delivered in a mighty way.
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples, and other devout believers, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and that changed everything for them. Think about how a fire starts. If you strike a match, but there is no kindling present, what happens? The small flame quickly burns out. Maybe you have a handful of kindling, so the fire burns a little longer, but, if the fire is not continually fed, it will soon extinguish. So it became the quest of these Holy Spirit-filled disciples and early converts to boldly gather fuel to keep the flame of Jesus burning. The Holy Spirit was in them and gave them the strength, courage, and insight to accomplish their work for God.
The most important question ever uttered by a human being is found in Acts 2:37: “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter’s response in Acts 2:38 set the stage for the birth of the very first Christian church. The followers who repented and were baptized in Jesus’ name also received the gift of the Holy Spirit. And what followed became the perfect model for all Christianity.
The people wanted to learn and to spend time together in fellowship.
The people understood the power of prayer and so they prayed together.
The people showed reverence to God.
The people were greatly affected by the apostles, who performed signs and wonders.
The people felt a responsibility for each other so they helped each other.
The people went about their tasks with joy and happiness.
And the people evangelized and added to their numbers.
If we, as modern-day Christians, follow the recipe provided by our bold and Holy Spirit-fed forefathers, there is no stopping us! The power of the Holy Spirit is just as accessible to us as it was to them. Let the Holy Spirit fill us with the same motivation, energy, and desire to keep the fire burning and to help others who may be asking the question, “What shall we do?”
Action Steps
- Read or listen to all of the Tree Church Daily devotions for this week. You will gain a better understanding that everything we accomplish in our lives is not by human effort alone.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you this week as you go about your daily tasks.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are so good to us. Thank You for providing us with everything we need to sustain a strong and vibrant relationship with You. Thank You for giving us a Helper to guide us and help us to keep spreading Your good news. Help us not to be shy, but bold to lead others into Your loving arms. Amen.
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