I read Acts 1 and 2 in my devotions recently and was struck by the timing of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Read with me in Acts 2:1-4. What struck me was the timing. Why now?
The reason that struck a chord with me were the words right before the Holy Spirit suddenly came. Namely the words, “They were all together in one place.” This strikes me because they were called to be witnesses for Jesus across to the ends of the whole earth. How were they going to do this if they were all together in one place?
Church Alive by By Tyler van der Hoeven
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4
They couldn’t, they would have to be scattered, so the Holy Spirit came now to begin the spreading process, just as Jesus had said in chapter 1. After the Day of Pentecost however they continued to group and have everything in common and it took great persecution to spread them abroad, but it did happen and praise be for now we Gentiles have been grafted into this New Covenant.
This also has so much application for us today. Its so easy to get comfy in church, to gather our friends and just enjoy ourselves as we worship God.” What was true for the 120 disciples back then however is true for us today, we must spread His name by witness across the whole world, wherever He plants us. For me it may be overseas in unreached people groups, for you it may be in your workplace or other areas of influence. Regardless we are called to be witnesses and to utter the mighty works of God to the world.
We are not called to comfort and ease but to work, to witness, to hold the banner high in the strength and power of Christ alone for the His glory alone that the nations might come and worship at His feet and be, as we are, to the praise of His glorious grace. Join me and let us be a Church Alive!
One thought on “Keeping the Church Alive!”
One of the thing we miss, is that we are all under the same commission, to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. A great number of us become spectator Christians after accepting Christ. How much more effective the local churches would be if we take up the responsibility with the aid of the Holy Spirit and tell everyone about the great hope that is in Jesus Christ – without fear?