So last night I was in the Word with my friend and we read thoroughly through Acts chapter two…. powerful stuff, and definitely even more convicting after what my squad experienced together and learned at training camp. My Bible just got royally marked up while reading this chapter. I highly encourage you to read this. Below are verses that stood out to me, both in wording and message.
4″ALL OF THEM WERE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak in other tongues AS THE SPIRIT ENABLED THEM.”
… There’s some humor for the skeptics in verses 14&15 – God makes it clear for those who like to try and rationalize/make sense of the way He moves His Spirit in us, (ahem, me). I’m learning to be more comfortable with the more supernatural/mysterious aspects of God’s infinite and indescribable character.
17″In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams… 19 “I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below…(keep reading through to 21).
22″Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man ACCREDITED BY GOD TO YOU BY MIRACLES , WONDERS, AND SIGSN, WHICH GOD DID AMONG YOU THROUGH HIM, AS YOU YOURSELVES KNOW. 23This man was handed over to you by God’s DELIBERATE PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE; and you with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was IMPOSSIBLE for death to keep it’s hold on him.”
28″You have MADE KNOWN to me the paths of life; YOU WILL FILL ME WITH JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE.”
37″When the people heard this, THEY WERE CUT TO THE HEART and said to Peter and the other apostles, “BROTHER’S WHAT SHALL WE DO?” (convicted to action). 38″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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – FOR ALL WHOM GOD WILL CALL.”
(The Fellowship of the Believers): 42-47″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 GATHER 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.”
Although it is a lot to take in and process word by word, I just felt the need to share this with all of you, brothers and sisters….even as I wrote this, my friend asked me – “Why are you writing and sharing all of this with them, will any of them actually read it?” My response, “Yes, they will; what we experienced this last week has united us, strengthened us in faith, and set a fire down in our hearts that we can’t contain, that we can’t control. We’re Jesus freaks, seeking out constant Christian community, ministering to each other and others.” (paraphrased conversation).
Love you all immensely! – Get in His Word, soak up His heart for you today! Make movements in your life and in your fellowship to draw you closer to your Savior. HE IS MOVING IN OUR LIVES!
