Acts chapter two covers some major ground. It can be summarized into three major sections. First, we read (Acts 2:1-13) the incredible account of the Holy Spirit's arrival on the day of Pentecost. It was truly an amazing work of God. Second, we read (Acts 2:14-40) how Peter addressed the crowd that had gathered. The Holy Spirit displayed himself in such a powerful way that a huge crowd of people had gathered in bewilderment. The text says there were Jews and visitors from at least fifteen different nations present in the crowd that day, and each one heard the message in his or her own language. Wow! Thirdly, we read (Acts 2:41-47) of the response of the crowd and fellowship of the believers.
There are two points from this chapter I would like to highlight at this time. Peter had just preached a powerful message through the power of the Holy Spirit. "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." (Acts 2:37-38)
The Holy Spirit was drawing them to God. He was working all around them revealing to them their need for Christ's forgiveness. When I read this I am encouraged because I know that the Holy Spirit is still working behind the scenes drawing men, women, boys, and girls to God. He is at work. I pray that we will be sensitive enough to see his work and join him.
The last thing I would like to point out is the beautiful picture of the fellowship of believers. "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 the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he 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." (Acts 2:41-47)
Look at the way the people responded to the message. Look at how the disciples welcomed the new believers. It is truly remarkable.
Today as an act of worship please join me in praying for the global body of Christ and the local body of Christ to be unified in all things. If there is something specific the Lord is leading you to do today to promote unity in the local congregation that you attend do it; please do not wait. We must learn from this passage and each do our part if the Lord is going to "add to [our] number daily those who are being saved."
1 comment:
It is so amazing that they shared everything they had. As a mother of two preschoolers, sharing is not an attitude of the flesh. Even though we are taught to share, we still usually don't want to. True sharing can only come from the Spirit of God.
Post a Comment