In the beginning…
They were in one accord, gathered for prayer…
Waiting for the promise…
Waiting…upon Him!
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:13 -14
In one day…
Everything changed!
The time was fully come…
Power from heaven rained upon them…
Like fire….
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1 -4
In that moment of time…
Prophecy was fulfilled…
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: Acts 2:16-18
His promise was fulfilled…
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
And His people were filled…
with the very presence and power of the Living God!
Immediately, there arose a stir in the city…
Confusion. Astonishment. Amazement. Wonder.
A multitude of people…
From every nation of the earth…
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Acts 2:5-8
Looking for the answers…
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Acts 2:12
One man stood up…
And lifted up his voice to the multitude…
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: Acts 2:14
And preached…
Captivating. Powerful. Penetrating. Truth.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37
Deprived. Convicted. Searching. Dead.
Then Peter imparted the words of LIFE…
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Acts 2:38-40
And thousands were saved…
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41
And they continued steadfastly…
In doctrine…
In fellowship…
In breaking of bread…
In prayers…
And in fear.
And God confirmed them with many signs and wonders…
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. Acts 2:44 -47
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Behold! The founding of the church.
Transformed. Empowered. Ignited…
With fire from heaven…
Aflame with His fear…
Enkindled with His love…
Ablaze with His TRUTH.
A brightly shining light…
For the whole world to see!
Are you shining brightly for Him?
LOVE this post! I'm studying Acts right now (about half way through)-- it is SO exciting to learn about the original church.
ReplyDeleteToday I was looking at the beginning of chapter 13. Barnabas and Saul (or Paul) were sharing the Gospel message with the deputy of the country they were at. But a sorcerer named Elymas tried to prevent the deputy's turn to Christ. Instead-- the opposite happened. The Lord blinded Elymas, and the deputy was astonished by the sign and turned to God.
So what was meant to do harm, to do evil-- God turned to good. And I believe He still does that today as long as we continue to share His gospel and let our lights shine!!
Excellent post! Looking forward to the next one. :)