Welcome!
Today: When the Holy Spirit comes
Passage: Acts 1-2
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1, NIV84)–emphasis added
The resurrection of Jesus Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost are two marked the two important events that marked the beginning of the Church. The Church was launched in the Power of the Holy Spirit. She continues the work of the bridegroom in the same power, even today
In the Old Testament times, God dealt primarily with a person who was appointed by God to be the leader/prophet. But the church started differently, in the N.T time. It started with a group of 120 people. That is work of the Holy Spirit in the past-resurrection era!
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1, NIV84 )
The power of Holy Spirit came on a day when there were so many people in the area, who came to attend the festival of Pentecost. 3000 people were added to the church on the inaugural day itself. Church has been growing/multiplying from that day, at a rate that alarmed its opponents
The world looks at Jesus Christ very differently
I couldn’t believe how they named a very poisonous lizard they found out there
Check “national geographic” site. They say, “people” named it J…C…. Lizard!
So, that is how people see Jesus Christ?!
Jesus came to deliver you and me from the venom/poison of the serpent, the devil
While Jesus is the savior for many, He is savor to many others!
The value of the church will be known to the world only when she is gone from here
The power of God is no secret; it is public. But it becomes “personal” only to those who believe. One can go all the way to the moon and say “I didn’t see God anywhere”; that does not mean God is not there. God is a reality and He makes himself known to those who seek Him earnestly
9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; (2 Chronicles 16, NKJV)
God shows His power to those who wait upon Him
If you have time for Him, He (always) has time for you
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40, NKJV)
Why not separate some time for the Lord this week? If you can, fast at least one meal a day and pray. Read the word
See how it helps. It helped me a lot
Have a blessed day
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me with real love from the depth of your heart. Help me to live that love out so that many others can experience your love. I pray that you will heal and revive the church where it is sick and “dead”. Amen
“When you have Christ in you, you live, not just exist”