Neal continued our series looking at Acts, looking at the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Readings:
Acts 2 vs 36-41
Acts 3 vs 1-19
This morning we continued in out study of Acts and looked at the beginnings of the early Church and its foundations.
We looked at how Peter had denied Christ three times as he was arrested and yet now in Acts was preaching with great power, conviction and no fear – so what had changed?
These were ordinary fishermen changed by the power of the Holy Spirit into men with power and authority. How did this happen?
Acts 1 vs 4-5 – Jesus advises the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit and reminds them that John Baptised with water but in a few days you will be baptised in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1 vs 8 – You will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit come upon you….
Acts 2 vs 1-14 – The Day of Pentecost comes and baptises them in the Holy Spirit giving them both power and authority which is what Peter demonstrates as he preaches! 3000 people saved is the result!
Acts 3 vs 1-11 – The lame man from birth is healed by Peter and John – Silver and Gold have I none but what I have I give to you – stand up and walk in the name of Jesus! This mans life was normal – every day he went to the gate to beg and it would have been like that forever had not Peter walked by on that day – a divine appointment and his life is transformed for ever! Peter had no money but what he had was far more valuable and it was possible because Peter had been given power and authority which he used – This is so wonderful and where we want to be individually and as a Church. The power of the spirit in operation and changing peoples lives to dramatic effect!
We looked at how these transformations in us are not by our own efforts but by the power of God working in us – as Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones writes “ The world was turned upside down not because of what they did,but because of what God did to them,in them and through them”
We looked at the importance of the presence of God in our meetings and how we must hold onto that and encourage seeking after the Holy Spirit and his presence not only in Church but also in Community Groups and in our individual times with God – this is so important for us and for the Church.
The message has not changed since Jesus was commissioned – good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, release the oppressed and to proclaim the favourable year of the Lord – 2016 is still the favourable year of the Lord and it still needs to be declared – with power and authority!
Let’s seek after the Holy Spirit and his anointing in everything we do and see the results – Power and authority is given to each of us – lets use it for his glory!
Questions:
1. Phil Moore says the following “ Ours is still a world where Jesus vision looks like its completely mismatched to his ragged bunch of followers, yet Acts gives ordinary Christians his blueprint for success. If you feel lie a very ordinary Christian , this should strike you as good news. The book was written about ordinary Christians in the past , to encourage and equip ordinary Christians in the present!’
Does this help us understand that we may feel ordinary but with the power of God we can become extraordinary! Just like Peter!
2. What our reaction when we see need? Can we be bold like Peter and John and say silver and gold have I none but what I have I give to you? What do we have to give and how do we get more!!
3. We need to be continually filled with the spirit to be powerful and effective – Peter was filled on the day of Pentecost and again in Acts 4 vs 8 and again in Acts 4 vs 31 – This is very important for us all – How can we ensure this happens and give it priority in out busy lives?
