The Acts in Acts
Acts 1:3-5 (NIV)
"After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'"
As we begin our series on the book of Acts, it’s essential to recognize that this book is often misnamed as the Acts of the Apostles. In reality, it should be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. The focus is not on what the apostles were doing, but on what the Holy Spirit was doing through them. This perspective shifts our understanding and highlights the divine empowerment behind their actions.
Yesterday was particularly significant because it was the day of Pentecost, originally known as the Feast of Weeks. This Jewish festival, occurring 50 days after Passover, was a time of gathering and celebration in Jerusalem. It was during this festival that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, marking the birth of the New Testament church. This event signaled a transition from Jesus performing physical works on earth to His Spirit empowering all believers to continue His mission.
Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial, especially regarding speaking in tongues and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These topics have been divisive, yet they are integral to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the world today. The miracles and acts recorded in Acts are not confined to the past; they demonstrate that the Holy Spirit’s power is still active and available to believers. Embracing this truth requires faith, especially when we encounter aspects of God’s work that we cannot fully explain.
Over the next several days, we will look at this gift and how it can impact our daily lives!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to recognize Your work in our lives and empower us to continue the mission of spreading Your love and truth. Fill us with Your Spirit, giving us the faith and boldness to embrace Your gifts, even when we do not fully understand them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
"After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'"
As we begin our series on the book of Acts, it’s essential to recognize that this book is often misnamed as the Acts of the Apostles. In reality, it should be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. The focus is not on what the apostles were doing, but on what the Holy Spirit was doing through them. This perspective shifts our understanding and highlights the divine empowerment behind their actions.
Yesterday was particularly significant because it was the day of Pentecost, originally known as the Feast of Weeks. This Jewish festival, occurring 50 days after Passover, was a time of gathering and celebration in Jerusalem. It was during this festival that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, marking the birth of the New Testament church. This event signaled a transition from Jesus performing physical works on earth to His Spirit empowering all believers to continue His mission.
Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial, especially regarding speaking in tongues and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These topics have been divisive, yet they are integral to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the world today. The miracles and acts recorded in Acts are not confined to the past; they demonstrate that the Holy Spirit’s power is still active and available to believers. Embracing this truth requires faith, especially when we encounter aspects of God’s work that we cannot fully explain.
Over the next several days, we will look at this gift and how it can impact our daily lives!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to recognize Your work in our lives and empower us to continue the mission of spreading Your love and truth. Fill us with Your Spirit, giving us the faith and boldness to embrace Your gifts, even when we do not fully understand them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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