Category: Christian Living

“In Between” Times

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:2-3, ESV) Launching on the first missionary journey in the history of the Christian faith, Saul and Barnabas set out from the church in Antioch to spread the gospel to the ends of the known Roman empire in the first of three missionary journeys.

“It has been 12 years since Paul’s conversion (Acts 9), and his ministry begins at last. For 12 years he has been in the background, preparing for the work God had called him to.”1  Often, when we’re reading Scripture, we move from one event to the next without realizing how much time has elapsed between them. This is easy to do when in just one chapter (Acts 13) Saul and Barnabas strike an evil magician with temporary blindness, bring a powerful proconsul to faith in Jesus, share the gospel and see many believe in a synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia, and shake the dust off their feet as they’re persecuted and driven out of town.

Reading one amazing occurrence after another might tempt us to overlook the “in between” times. But those action-packed events were preceded by long, slow processes the Lord used to deepen Saul’s faith, lead him to spiritual maturity, and equip him to be God’s chosen instrument.

Seeing that twelve years elapsed between Saul’s conversion and his first missionary journey prompted me to consider what I was doing twelve years ago. Looking back, I see how the Lord used that time to prepare me for what’s happening in my life today. Combing through old photos, files on my computer, and Bible studies I’ve completed, I’m astounded to realize how much I’ve learned, experienced, and grown since then. Some pictures brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.

One photo captures my ten and twelve-year-old sons and my mom. With fresh crew cuts, they’re beaming as their grandmother holds an umbrella over them during a sudden cloudburst on a family trip to Washington D.C.

My sons aren’t old enough in the photo to have any trace of the teenage angst that we’d contend with later. My mom is healthy and vibrant with no signs of the physical decline that would plague her over the subsequent nine years. When that photo was taken, some of my most difficult experiences hadn’t happened yet. And while I didn’t enjoy the hard moments that would come to pass, I do see how God used them to teach me greater dependence upon Him. 

Twelve years ago, a Barnabas in my life gave me my first opportunity to write a blog. I almost said “no” because I was overwhelmed with a house remodel that was going terribly wrong. I didn’t know God would use that mess to expose some ugly aspects of my character He wanted to refine. Twelve years ago, I hadn’t yet attended a writer’s conference and had no idea that I’d be given the opportunity to write two Bible studies or be invited to serve as a leader in Women’s Ministries. I hadn’t started teaching women at church and wouldn’t have guessed I’d be leading the group of gifted speakers that I serve with today. Twelve years ago, I didn’t know a friend would ask me to lead a Bible study with her, inviting acquaintances from school and the sidelines of youth sports into her home to discover the truth of the gospel. I see now that the Lord used many different encouragers to draw out gifts and knowledge He’d placed in me to impact others.

So many rich, challenging, and rewarding experiences have come to pass in a little over a decade. I can see how God used each one to open my spiritual eyes and deepen my understanding of Him. It happened slowly, though, one step of obedience at a time.

As I was walking down memory lane, I found some notes I’d written tucked in an old Bible study book that I worked through with a friend one summer. I am amazed at the list of things I wanted to remember from it. Here are a few that stand out to me:

  • Anyone who takes the time to enter an intimate relationship with God can see Him do extraordinary things in his or her life.
  • God never asks people to dream up something to do for Him—He already has a plan.
  • God develops my character to match the assignment He has for me. This takes time!
  • Give yourself to an obedient love relationship with God. He will impact those around you. 
  • Blessing others is a byproduct of my obedience and experience with God.
  • When the Spirit speaks, I need to respond right away.
  • How I do something is as important to God as what I do.
  • The Holy Spirit prepares us for things to come.
  • God will let you know what He is doing in your life when and if you need to know.
  • When God gets ready for you to take a new step or direction in His activity, it will always be in sequence with what He has already been doing in your life. Every act of God builds on the past with a view toward the future.
  • God builds your character in an orderly fashion with a divine purpose in mind.2

Statements that resonated with me eleven years ago have jumped off the page and into my life since then– giving me firsthand experiences proving they are true. I’ve learned over and over that what we do with the “in between times” matters. Every moment we invest in studying Scripture, praying, worshipping, serving, discovering and using our spiritual gifts, and building Christian community lays a foundation for what the Lord has in store next.

Why not spend a few moments looking back at your spiritual history? How has the Lord prepared you for what He’s doing through you today? Whether you have an abundance of examples or only a few, right now is the perfect time to pray and invite the Spirit to deepen your faith and lead you to whatever He’s preparing you for next.

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1. Acts Part 2: The Gospel Goes Out, Kelsey Hency, Elizabeth Woodson, Nathan Campbell, Jenni Hamm, Krystal Brummitt, The Village Church 2020, 17.

2. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King, Lifeway Press, 2007.

Expansion and Opposition

Moving at a steady clip through significant events, the book of Acts continues to show us our roots in the Christian faith. While it helps us to understand church history, it also spurs us on to follow in the footsteps of Spirit-filled believers who have gone before us. Let’s explore some key events that give context and inspiration for us today.

In Acts 10 we saw the Holy Spirit fall on Gentile believers in the household of Cornelius. This event affirmed that the gospel is for everyone. We first saw this with the Samaritans who believed in Christ and received the Spirit when Philip preached the gospel to them in Acts 8. It continued with the Ethiopian eunuch who met Philip as he was reading Isaiah 53 traveling in his chariot. Thus far, every person who has received the gospel has either had some Jewish heritage (Samaritans were partly Jewish) or has taken initiative to follow the Lord (the Ethiopian and Cornelius). In Acts 11:19, however, the believers go a step further by intentionally taking the gospel to uncircumcised Greeks—full Gentiles with no history or connection to Jewish beliefs or faith in the God of the Jews.1

Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 8 sparks the scattering of Jesus’ followers and the spread of the gospel to Gentile lands. Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus venture to the cosmopolitan city of Antioch, the capital of Syria and the third-largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria. (Now part of modern-day Turkey).2 “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21, ESV) This vibrant commercial center filled with “gross immorality and ritual prostitution as part of its temple worship”3 would become the base of operations for Paul’s missionary journeys. (Paul’s Hebrew name, Saul, is used in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Luke starts referring to Saul by his Roman name, Paul, in Acts 13:13.)

Antioch becomes the location of the first Gentile church and is the place followers of Jesus were first called “Christians.” “It was common for the Greeks to give satirical nicknames to particular groups…it was all a fun word game and a verbally dismissive gesture. Then a new group cropped up in Antioch; since they were characterized by behavior and speech centered on Christ, the Greeks called them ‘Christians,’ or ‘those of the party of Christ’… Both the Bible and history suggest that the term Christian was probably meant as a mocking insult when it was first coined.”4 

Note that the expansion of the Christian faith and opposition to it were happening simultaneously. Followers of Jesus were so impassioned about sharing the gospel that they continued to spread it in a city bent on sin and filled with cynics and mockers of the faith. It doesn’t sound so different from today, does it? On top of this, the term “Christian” that had been used to make fun of Jesus followers showed that “people recognized Christians as a distinct group. The church was more and more being separated from Judaism.”5

Personal application: Before continuing, let’s stop and make this personal. How are Christians known today? What part are you playing in coloring the way non-believers view followers of Jesus?

Back in Jerusalem, news about large number Gentiles coming to faith in Antioch prompts the church leaders to send Barnabas there. “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (11:23-4, ESV) Likely seeking more help to teach and equip the growing number of new believers, Barnabas goes to Tarsus to retrieve Saul. Together, the two spend a year in Antioch teaching the new believers. 

Note that the church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas, a faithful and wise servant of Jesus. He, in turn, seeks reinforcements by bringing back Saul to help him when the numbers grow too large for him to manage on his own. 

Personal application: Let’s stop again and consider. Where can you be a Barnabas to someone who is a few steps behind you on the journey of faith? Who could use your wisdom, support, and encouragement? Or, are you in need of a partner to provide reinforcements for a ministry you’re serving? Is there a gifted and knowledgeable Saul that you could ask to serve alongside you?

Now let’s look at another portion of this action-packed chapter. While Barnabas and Saul nurture the growing church in Antioch, back in Jerusalem Herod curries favor with the Jews by using his power against followers of Jesus. (This is Herod Agrippa 1, the grandson of Herod the Great who was in power when Jesus was born.) Herod orders the execution of James, one of the original twelve disciples, and imprisons Peter, likely intending to put him to death next. Probably remembering Peter’s previous prison break at the hands of the Lord (Acts 5), Herod orders four soldiers to stand guard around the clock in six hour shifts.6  “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” (Acts 12:5, NIV) 

Rather than losing hope after the death of James, the believers seek the Lord in prayer on behalf of Peter. And while they’re praying, the Lord moves powerfully—freeing Peter from prison despite his being chained to two soldiers and having two more guarding the cell. The Lord answers the believers’ prayers so quickly that they’re in disbelief when a servant girl tells them Peter is at the door, “They said to her, ‘You are out of your mind’…But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.” (Acts 12:15a-16, ESV) Even in the act of praying, the believers struggle with unbelief. How reassuring to see that God amazes those who seek Him, even when they’re not anticipating a positive outcome.

Personal application: In the face of discouraging circumstances, do you fall into despair or fall on your knees and seek the Lord in prayer? Do you believe the Lord can work in seemingly impossible circumstances and wait expectantly for His answers? 

This action-packed chapter closes with a short description of the death of Herod Agrippa 1: “an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory…but the word of God increased and multiplied.” (Acts 12:23a-24, ESV) God’s justice prevails in His perfect (and often mysterious) timing. We can take heart and follow the example of Jesus followers in Acts who persevered in the face of opposition and saw the gospel continue to spread. In our polarized culture with increasing disdain for the Christian faith, this is an encouraging reminder. 

If you skimmed through the personal application questions, consider circling back now reading them again. Spend time praying through them and waiting to see what the Lord reveals.

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No Partiality

Continuing to break new ground in the early church, the Holy Spirit reveals the next stage of God’s unfolding plan in Acts 10.  This chapter pivots from Saul back to Peter, who has an unusual meeting with a Roman Centurion named Cornelius that heralds a significant shift in the early Church. When the Jewish apostle and the God-fearing Gentile meet face to face, there’s no doubt it’s been divinely ordained. Recognizing God’s hand at work, Peter explains what the Lord has shown him: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34b-35, NIV)

Luke’s narrative continues, “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” (Acts 10:44-46, NIV)

“With one simple act, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter shows that in the kingdom of God there is no favoritism—the gospel is for everyone.”1 While we may see this story as a significant turning point in our Church history, it also has relevant application for believers today. Jesus’ brother James writes: “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” (James 2:8-9, NIV)

The call to love our neighbors as ourselves appears nine times in Scripture. However, there are moments when we opt out of this command and rationalize our choice to do so. While we may not like admitting it, none of us is without blind spots and unconscious biases. Rather than denying this, we can honor the Lord by asking Him to show us attitudes that dishonor Him and discount others. 

If we’re honest, there are certain people we avoid because of behaviors, attitudes, and lifestyles that we dislike, disagree with, or find distasteful. Beyond obvious differences in race, socioeconomic status, or education, we also make more subtle judgements about others.

It’s natural for people to be drawn to those who are similar and to keep their distance from individuals who cause them to feel awkward, threatened, or uncomfortable. But when partiality shows up in those who follow Jesus, we must admit it and invite the Spirit’s guidance on making healthy changes. While it differs from person to person, here are a few examples that come to mind:

-People who hold different political views. That person who proudly supports a candidate, party, or issue that makes your blood boil is still worthy of God’s love. Jesus’ original twelve disciples included two who were polar opposites politically: “Jesus chose Simon the Zealot, a man who likely desired to forcibly remove the Roman government, and He also chose Matthew, a tax collector working for the Roman government. Both Simon and Matthew, though natural enemies, were part of the Twelve.”2 Two men with opposite political stances put aside their differences through a shared love of Jesus. Like them, we must keep our strong opinions in check and love people regardless of their political affiliations.

-People contending with issues that you don’t understand or haven’t experienced. Maybe it’s the parent of a child with a severe disability. Perhaps it’s a parent with a child struggling with sexual identity or gender dysphoria. Maybe it’s someone with an addiction or mental illness. Often people who are anxious, depressed, or in distress don’t have the energy for good social skills. Sometimes we find it easier to avoid those who have struggles that make us uncomfortable rather than listening, showing kindness, and seeking understanding. 

-People who seem shallow or disinterested in spiritual life. Perhaps there’s someone in your circle of acquaintances who prioritizes fun and socializing above all else. Maybe it’s a person who is always the life of the party or seems to lack depth of character. They hide their hurts and needs behind a broad smile, a boisterous laugh, and deflecting humor. When we judge and dismiss them, we’re keeping the Lord from using us to show them His love. 

-People who have made choices we don’t understand. Maybe it’s someone who leaves a spouse. Rather than reaching out to offer support, we hold back with subtle disapproval. Without knowing the story, we’ve already decided they are doing wrong. Instead of showing compassion or seeking understanding, our avoidance compounds feelings of loneliness or rejection they’re already experiencing; we alienate them from the supportive community of faith they need most.

When we’re quick to judge and draw conclusions based on what we see on the outside of another person, we’re displaying partiality. Maybe, like me, you fear that showing support communicates approval of sins. Perhaps you think withholding affection and warmth equates with maintaining high moral standards. Doing this means missing the opportunity to show God’s love when a person is struggling and feeling alone.

Although not everything described above equates with sin, most of us find certain sins more acceptable than others. But it’s important to remember that God sees all sin as worthy of death (Romans 6:23). We magnify other’s shortcomings and forget that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV). This makes us prideful, condescending, and judgmental, overlooking Scripture’s assertion that “mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13b, NIV) We must humbly remember “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV) So, we’d be wise to take off the judge’s robes and leave that job to the Lord (Luke 6:37). God’s kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4) so, our passion should be to share His kindness without partiality. He doesn’t show favoritism, so let’s pray for eyes to see those we may be discounting that the Lord is calling us to love.

  • 1. Acts Part One: The Gospel Goes Out, The Village Church, 2019, 92.
  • 2. https://www.gotquestions.org/Zealots-Bible.html

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Saul’s Transformation

With his dying breath, Stephen prayed for his executioners. And as he was being stoned to death “witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.” (Acts 7:58b, NIV) Just a few chapters later, Saul resurfaces. Now he’s traveling to Damascus in pursuit of disciples of Jesus who have fled Jerusalem. He’s bent on squelching the spread of the gospel that he believes is tainting the purity of Judaism. 

On the road, Saul encounters a blinding light and a voice from heaven saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Cowering on his knees and shielding his eyes, he stammers, “Who are you, Lord?” and receives a stunning reply: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:4-6, NIV)

Saul finds himself humbled and helpless–led by the hand, rather than storming into Damascus with power and authority.  Then, “For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” (Acts 9:9, NIV). Being a devout Jewish man, Saul would’ve been familiar with the practice of fasting. The Hebrew scriptures he’d studied all his life contained numerous examples of men and women of faith who had fasted and prayed to mourn, repent, worship, seek direction, exhibit humility, or understand visions they’d received from the Lord.

This encounter with the risen Christ was the catalyst for a complete re-set of his life. Perhaps those three days of blindness and fasting began softening his heart. Shrouded in darkness, maybe he recalled the Lord’s words in Ezekiel with a fresh and personal understanding: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NIV) In the quiet, maybe he also thought of Stephen’s speech and began to recognize how all the ancient prophecies in the scriptures had been fulfilled by Jesus.

Perhaps Saul also needed time to reconcile what he’d done—to grieve the lives he’d destroyed, to repent and seek forgiveness from the Lord. Maybe that’s why he later wrote: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Tim 1:15b, NIV)

Ultimately, those three days prepared him for what the Lord had in store next: “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.” (Acts 9:17-19, NIV)

No doubt Saul had participated in many ritual cleansings in the past, as all devout Jews did. However, this baptism represented the death of his old life as a legalistic pharisee and the birth of his new life as a follower of Jesus. In the span of three days his murderous zeal for destroying the church transformed into a passionate ardor for building it: “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’ Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Excerpts from Acts 9:20-22, NIV.) 

Typically we see the change in Saul as immediate because we skip over those three days of hunger and darkness as he waited on the Lord. Let’s stop and consider what we can learn from Saul’s example:

1. After encountering Jesus, Saul waits. He goes to the city and stands by for further instructions. I wonder how often we miss the ways the Lord wants to work in us because we’re perpetually in motion. The noise and busyness of our culture leave no time for reflection and contemplation. We’re constantly receiving input and ignoring the importance of margin. The Lord moves and speaks in times of stillness and silence. Can we truly be His witnesses if we’re never stopping long enough to be still in His presence and listen? 

2. After encountering Jesus, Saul fasts. Likely a familiar practice from his past experience, fasting was a key element in the transforming work the Lord was doing in his life. Although many people now equate fasting with weight loss, its true purpose is to create a focused time of prayer for a specific reason. Hunger pangs are a powerful reminder of our need for food. But rather than urging us to eat, they can prompt us to pray. If you want to learn more about this powerful practice, you may be interested in the attached articles: 

3. After encountering Jesus, Saul’s physical and spiritual eyes are opened. In our western culture we value what we can see; it’s challenging to view life through a spiritual lens. We are constantly busy and over-stimulated or we’re too exhausted to engage in anything that requires focus and deep thought. We anesthetize ourselves with mindless entertainment, but claim we are too busy to slow down, read our Bibles, pray, and spend time enjoying the presence of the Lord. We give our attention to shiny objects rather than fixing our gaze on what has eternal value.

If you’d like to improve your spiritual vision, add Paul’s prayer from Ephesians to your daily rhythm: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:17-19a, NIV)

If you’re ready to learn more about the value of slowing down and learning spiritual practices that help you to see and hear the Lord more consistently, consider reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer.

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The Gospel Spreads

Strolling down the beach, I took in the usual sights—waves lapping at the shore, sea gulls soaring, children frolicking in the surf, and people relaxing on the sand. However, there was one unusual feature that caught my eye—a narrow indentation in the cliff wall adorned with stones in small stacks spanning the length of it. I later learned a group of rocks intentionally balanced together like this is known as a cairn. It is a human-made pile (or stack) of stones raised for a purpose, usually as a marker, memorial, or burial monument.1 I like to imagine that one person built a cairn on that stone shelf and that, over time, it inspired others to add their own until they filled the entire span.

I’d love to know the stories of those cairns on the beach that mark tributes to people’s private memories. As I envision them, the stacks make me think of Stephen, the first martyr who was stoned to death (Acts 7).  Like the cairns, Stephen’s tragic death became a beautiful marker of the spread of the gospel. What the enemy meant for evil God used for good. Persecuted believers fled Jerusalem but continued to follow Stephen’s example by sharing the gospel boldly wherever they went. Since the beginning of the church, Christians have gathered to grow and scattered to share. 

After recounting Stephen’s horrific death, Acts 8 continues with the story of Philip as he travels beyond the walls of Jerusalem. Luke describes Philip and his fellow deacons as “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” (Acts 6:3, ESV) Earlier in Acts we learned that Philip and six other Greek, Jewish believers had been commissioned to serve neglected widows so the apostles could continue devoting themselves to prayer and preaching the gospel (Acts 6).

However, fulfilling the call to serve the needy jolts to a stop when Philip and the rest of the believers flee Jerusalem. Perhaps he felt a bit unsure of himself at first out on the road. He had a clear calling in Jerusalem—the apostles had even laid hands on him to commission him as a deacon. Maybe Philip fretted about the widows he’d served and wondered what would become of them. Perhaps he lamented that he could no longer use his gift of hospitality once the flock of believers had scattered. While he may have felt confused and sad, it’s clear from reading further that Philip recognized that serving tables was only one of the ways the Lord would use him.

Traveling through Samaria, Philip begins preaching the gospel to those who the Jews considered outcasts, half-breeds, and idol worshipers. The former table server begins casting out demons, healing the sick, and preaching the name of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Philip’s ministry has such impact that news of the incredible wonders the Spirit performs through him reaches the apostles in Jerusalem. Peter and John come to see the spiritual awakening in Samaria and pray for the people formerly detested by the Jews to receive the Holy Spirit. This moment highlights a key theme from Scripture: those we exclude, God includes because the gospel is for everyone.2

Meanwhile, Philip, the former deacon, shows that he’s game for anything the Spirit wants to do through him. After performing signs and wonders in Samaria, an angel appears and instructs him, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (Acts 8:26, ESV) On the road, Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading the prophet Isaiah as he travels in his chariot. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Philip asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:29b, ESV) The eunuch invites Philip to ride along with him and a divinely appointed conversation ensues: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35, ESV) 

Philip’s explanation of the gospel prompts an immediate response and the Ethiopian stops the chariot to be baptized at the last watering place before the desert road through Egypt.2 Just after this joyful encounter, “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:39B, ESV) That one conversation enabled the joy-filled Ethiopian to bring the gospel back to his people. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Ethiopia later became one of the first regions in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 333 A.D.

Philip next appears later in Acts 21:8, where he’s labelled “Philip the evangelist.” His example inspires me. He lived out his calling to be a witness for Jesus in whatever he did—whether serving tables, casting out demons, healing the sick, or preaching the gospel. Philip shows “God’s plan is to make his invisible presence and his invisible grace visible through his people, who incarnate his presence and carry that grace to others…The body of Christ is designed by God to be an organic, consistently ministering community.”3

Philip’s example also convicts me. He demonstrates willingness for the Lord to use him in whatever ways are best. Rather than pigeon-holing himself to serve in only one way, he’s adaptable and continually open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to let the Lord expand our comfort zones to use us in different ways like Philip?

This reminds me of a friend from a Bible study who moved away a few years ago. She sent a text message to our group recently that read: “Miss you ladies—Prayers for my new Bible group this evening. Nine ladies God brought to my home to dive in to the study that changed my life.” What a joy to watch the Lord transform a spiritually hungry participant into a leader filled with the Spirit and equipped to share the good news of Jesus with others. She’s stacking memory stones from her time with our group, sharing what she learned with others through the power of the Holy Spirit. Trusting God, she’s stepping out in faith to lead and not letting fear hold her back from the new ways God wants to use her.

The Lord equips us with gifts to use at different times and in different seasons. Like Philip and my friend, we must continually seek the leading of the Spirit as He equips us and opens new opportunities to use us to spread the gospel and see lives transformed.

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  • 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairn
  • 2. Village Church teaching video “Week 7, Simon & Philip”
  • 3. Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies, Crossway, 2014, Oct. 11 entry.

The First Martyr

Studying the first six chapters of Acts, we’ve seen the highs and lows of the early church: Unschooled men preach with boldness and wisdom; people experience miraculous healing; thousands hear and receive the good news of Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, followers of Jesus are ridiculed, imprisoned, and beaten. But in Acts 7, we encounter the first person who dies for the sake of Jesus.

Scripture describes Stephen as a deacon “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” and “full of grace and power” whose adversaries “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” (6:5, 8, 10, ESV) Even the Jewish council that opposed him “saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”(6:15, ESV) After Stephen preaches the gospel with passion and conviction, enraged Jewish leaders drag him out of the city and stone him to death. 

Stephen heeds Jesus’ call to be a witness (Acts 1:8) and pays for it with his life. Did you know the Greek word “martyras” translates as both “witness” and “martyr”? In the early church, the two were synonymous: those who told others about what they experienced with Jesus knew their lives were at risk. 

After the angry crowd stones Stephen to death, a time of intense persecution begins for the new believers: “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him… Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:1,2,4, NIV)

Although persecution and hardship scattered the early church, the disciples’ passion for Jesus and the good news of the gospel couldn’t be squelched. This seems to go against conventional wisdom, but we can’t overlook the significance of their access to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Their courage and passion came from Him and made the spread of the gospel unstoppable.

While followers of Jesus today in the West don’t face martyrdom, we are confronted regularly with the option to follow the teachings of Jesus or the ideologies of our time. In other words, we daily choose between Jesus and the world. In most cases these two ways of thinking and living are inconsistent with one another.

Telling a non-believer you follow Jesus doesn’t always get a warm, fuzzy response. So, how do we preach the gospel when so many people today see it as bad news? Peter, who was no stranger to opposition, offers timeless wisdom to believers: “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12, NIV)

First, he reminds us our primary citizenship is in the kingdom of God. We base 0ur identity foremost on belonging to the family of God, not on our nationality, occupation, or even our family of origin. Next, Peter acknowledges our common struggle with sin and urges us to live with greater purpose than gratifying our flesh. He explains how our actions communicate the gospel before words ever come out of our mouths. As we turn from the fleeting pleasures of sin, we display the fruit of the Spirit produced by intimacy with God.

Peter explains that the way we live paints a picture of the Lord’s light and grace for our world that is shrouded in the ugly darkness of sin. He directs us to live such good lives among nonbelievers that they can see the beauty of walking with Jesus. In this way, we serve as witnesses not just by what we say, but also by what we do, how we serve others, and the ways we “quietly defy the brokenness of our age.”1

Peter echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16, ESV)

Pastor John Mark Comer urges believers to live in a way that begs people to question why we’re different. He explains that in the days of the early church, people were drawn to believers whose lives had been formed by following the way of Jesus. Pagans saw joy, generosity, service, peace, and wisdom and wanted to know why believers were so different. Followers of Jesus were living in a way that drew people to the goodness and beauty of their lives, not to moral perfection.

As witnesses of the gospel, we’re not merchants selling people on the good news of Jesus. We’re not politicians seizing power and forcing others into our way of life. We’re not judges condemning sinners to hell or saviors rescuing people from it. We’re just sharing the impact of Jesus on our lives in both word and in deed. Some people will be drawn to our witness; others will be repelled by it. We’re not responsible for outcomes, just for living differently because of the gospel.

As with the early church, we’re called to repent, believe, and reorder our lives around the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whether people join us with joy or reject us with cynicism, we remain securely planted in the family of God. This life is fleeting; eternity is what matters. May the Lord grant us the courage and strength to stay true to Jesus and to bear witness in word and deed, in private and public. Our call is to follow Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. Whatever comes, nothing compares to the joy of knowing Christ. 

1. John Mark Comer, “Live in a Way that Begs the Question,” Bridgetown Church, March 24, 2023. Please note that the second half of this post starting with the commentary on 1 Peter 2 includes ideas from this sermon.

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Against the Current

Part 1: Obeying God Rather Than Men

Gentle waves lapped at my ankles as I waded into the water clutching my boogie board. My two older brothers stood nearby cautioning me to let them test the conditions first. As a stubborn middle schooler, I was convinced this was a ploy to ditch me. They relented to prove me wrong and, with reluctance, beckoned me to join them. Within minutes we were caught in a powerful rip current, unable to paddle further out to the waves or to get back to the beach. Our only option was to swim toward a lava bed nearby. Within arms’ reach of our destination, a set of waves rolled in and heaved us onto the jagged shore. Gasping for air, I had no strength to fight the receding water pulling me back out. Had my brother not reached down and caught my wrist, I’m not sure I would have made it to safety. 

You probably know how difficult it is to swim counter to a strong current. Whether it’s literal or metaphorical, you understand how moving in opposition to an extreme force saps your strength and leaves you feeling helpless.

Maybe that’s why Peter and the other apostles inspire me so much in the book of Acts. Time and time again, they choose to paddle against the current of their culture for the sake of the gospel. One of the best examples is their reply to the Jewish elders who order them to cease preaching about Jesus. With boldness, they respond: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29b, ESV) Their confident and unwavering stance sets the tone for all followers of Jesus to remain steadfast in obedience to God despite persecution, ridicule, and rejection.

So how do we know when God is calling us to swim against the current? This can be a bit confusing since in most cases, Scripture calls followers of Jesus to obey human authorities (Romans 13:1–2; 1 Peter 2:13–14; Titus 3:1; Hebrews 13:17). We’re also urged to pray for those in power (1 Timothy 2:1–2; Romans 13:6–7). However, there are situations when human law or current culture contradicts God’s clear commands in the Bible. In those instances, we need to align with the Lord, even when following people or laws with lower standards would be easier.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” Rather than defaulting to the path of least resistance in our culture, followers of Jesus need to seek understanding in challenging and confusing issues. John, who paddled against the current throughout Acts later wrote: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17, ESV)

Like Peter and the other apostles in Acts 5, we need to know and apply God’s Word when the world pressures us to affirm what the Bible condemns. It’s vital that we learn about thorny issues that make us uncomfortable by exploring the Bible, praying, and seeking wisdom from the Spirit—especially when the godly response isn’t clear cut. Peter explains this when he writes: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:15-17, ESV italics added for emphasis) 

Swimming against the current requires strength, wisdom and trustworthy companions. Consider where you may be prone to letting the current of our culture determine your views and responses. Ask the Lord to show you anywhere that you’re compromising with the world. Invite Him to give you greater understanding so you can align with His will. Then pray for the courage to take action on what He shows you. 

Part 2: Applying Truth Wisely

One word of caution: swimming against the current of the mainstream doesn’t automatically mean we’re aligned with Scripture. There are several mindsets that can lead us into faulty thinking–damaging our credibility as witnesses and hurting others. Here are several perspectives we’d be wise to avoid:

Falling into legalism. Webster’s Dictionary defines legalism as “strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.” Relying primarily on opinions of one specific person, taking random Bible verses out of context, or automatically applying one principle to multiple situations veers us towards legalism. Legalism is a shortcut that limits deep thinking, overlooks prayer, fosters self-righteousness, and squelches spiritual discernment. These practices tend to make us harsh, judgmental, and insensitive. They lead us to focus on condemning others instead of discerning godly responses to them. We can avoid being legalistic by maintaining a teachable spirit, seeking wisdom in prayer, and examining Scripture thoroughly. Legalism often eliminates love and excuses bad behavior. Peter counters this saying: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7-8, ESV)

Following false teachers. Believers must be knowledgeable about Scripture so they can recognize faulty teaching. There are many leaders and influencers who swim against the current in unbiblical ways. They mix a little bit of Scripture with a lot of worldly wisdom. False teachers use Christian language we recognize in ways that it was never intended. Often, they are funny, relatable, winsome, and compassionate. If you hear a wildly different interpretation of Scripture that seems to affirm ideas contrary to anything else you’ve learned, it’s time to do some research. Peter writes an entire chapter about this: “there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.” (2 Peter 2:1b-2, NIV)

Forgetting the real enemy. Swimming against the current sometimes fosters an “us versus them” mentality. It’s easy to slip into this mindset when we encounter people who think and act differently from us. Rather than drawing lines and becoming offended or condemning, we need to remember that people aren’t the true enemy, Satan is: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV) The apostle Paul gives clear wisdom for how to respond to those who differ from us: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  (Romans 12:14-18, ESV)

Our culture today stands divided on many issues that are destroying families, ending friendships, and causing deep hurt. As followers of Jesus, our obedience to God matters more than anything else—but that shouldn’t be an excuse for poor behavior. We’ve received the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus’ work in our lives. We’re called to a higher standard, so let’s swim against the current while avoiding these common pitfalls. Instead, let’s strive to reveal God’s love to a world that desperately needs hope that only the gospel can give.

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Pouring Out the Spirit

Inspiring stories spill off the pages of the book of Acts. We see the lives of ordinary people transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, causing the message of the gospel to spread like a swollen river flooding the flatlands. Fishermen from sleepy villages perform miracles and speak to educated men with wisdom, courage, and authority.

This begins when Peter and John heal a man who had been unable to walk since birth. In Acts 3, an amazed crowd listens as Peter preaches about Jesus, the source of the healing power. Later, the Jewish authorities inquire, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit replies: “let it be known to all of you and all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else.” (Acts 4:7b, 10-12a ESV) The text describes the reaction of the Jewish leaders: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, ESV)

After threatening them, the Jewish authorities release Peter and John and they return to the other believers. Together, all of them pray with conviction, inviting God to do a mighty work in them: “`And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29-31, ESV)

While these events are inspiring, they may feel far-removed from life in the modern world. Perhaps you’re intrigued but doubt you’d ever experience God’s power like this. Or maybe the whole situation sounds intimidating, scary even. You probably know that if you were trying to find this kind of courage or power on your own strength, you wouldn’t get very far. But let’s not miss two key phrases describing Peter and John: “they had been with Jesus” (4:13) and they were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (4:8 & 31). They weren’t operating on their own power, wisdom, or authority, but on what they’d received from God through their relationship with Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

It may seem difficult to fathom, but the same courage, boldness, and authority flow through us when we abide with Jesus and tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, everyone who accepts Christ receives the Spirit: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13, ESV) We’re just empty vessels, all the power comes from Him: “We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)

The believers in Acts 4 already had the Spirit, yet after they prayed, the text says they were “all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31b, ESV) So, being filled with the Spirit is not just a single event, it is an ongoing process.

It’s normal for us to experience spiritual “leakage” in our daily lives—whether it’s through being distracted by the cares of the world, falling into sin, or becoming apathetic about prayer and Bible reading. Just like praying for our daily bread, we must continue drawing back to the Lord and asking for His Sprit to pour out on us again. Doing this affirms the prophetic words Peter quotes in Acts 2 “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Joel 2:28a, NIV)

The believers in Acts 4 spoke with authority and acted courageously because because they invited the Spirit’s filling so frequently. If we’re longing to experience more of the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives, all we have to do is follow their example and ask. Try praying something like this daily: “Lord, pour out your Spirit on me. Fill me until I’m overflowing and use me to do your will today.”

The Spirit moves when we’re consistently pursuing God one step of obedience at a time. Phil Wickham’s song “Heaven Fall Down” captures this idea of inviting the Spirit to fill us so we can expand God’s kingdom on earth. Let the lyrics become your prayer as you listen.

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Image courtesy of Pixabay.com.

Pentecost

Growing up, we had an old-school Children’s Bible with colorful illustrations splashed across the pages. It had a few pictures I’d pore over and examine with great interest. One that particularly intrigued me was a depiction of the disciples at Pentecost, each with a flame of fire dancing on top of his head. None of them appeared to be in pain, their hair wasn’t on fire, and they weren’t burning to death, so the illustration always seemed curious to me. It wasn’t until years later that I learned the significance of the scene that I’d found so fascinating. It was all about the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Probably the least understood and most overlooked aspect of the Triune God is the Holy Spirit. He hovered over the waters during creation and played an active role in bringing the earth into existence (Genesis 1:2). He’s been characterized as water (John 3:5 & 4:14), a fire (Luke 3:16), a wind (John 3:8), and a dove (Matt 3:16), but He is none of these things—they are simply manifestations that reveal different qualities about Him.

During the time of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon different people for fixed amounts of time to accomplish specific purposes, but He didn’t stay with them throughout their lives. We see this with Saul (Israel’s first king-see 1 Sam 16:14), Samson (the mighty man in the book of Judges- see Judges 16:20) and David (Israel’s best known and most beloved king-see Psalm 51:11).

In the New Testament, Jesus promised His disciples: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17a, NIV.) But it wasn’t until after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven that this promise was fulfilled. There was a distinct turning point when the Holy Spirit came to earth to stay. He began taking up residence in the hearts of those who believed in Jesus and trusted Him to be their Savior during Pentecost, a Jewish feast that had been celebrated since the time of Moses.

The story unfolds in the New Testament book of Acts. Faithful Jews from far and wide traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. Jesus’ disciples were there to participate in the festivities and were all gathered together in one place. “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:2-4, NIV)

Other Jews gathered in amazement when they heard the disciples from the backwater town of Galilee communicating in languages spoken around the world. People in the crowd from different nations and cultures heard unschooled men speaking in each of their native tongues as they proclaimed the name of Jesus and shared the good news of salvation offered through Him.

In the midst of the excitement and confusion, Peter stood to address the crowd with boldness and confidence. (This was the same Peter who was one of the twelve disciples, who had walked on water, and who had denied he knew Jesus during His trial). He explained that they were witnessing the fulfillment of a prophecy from the book of Joel in the Old Testament:

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people…And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” (Acts 2:17a & 21, NIV)

Peter told the crowd that Jesus was the Messiah, the long-awaited and much-anticipated Savior that had been promised to the Jews since the time of Abraham. He finished by challenging them to respond to the good news: “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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39, NIV)

This was a significant turning point for followers of Jesus. It was the start of the Christian faith when access to Almighty God opened to all people. This began a new era when God’s Holy Spirit would live permanently within the hearts of those who believed in Jesus and accepted Him as Savior. And what’s most exciting about this is that it’s not just a lesson about church history, but something that impacts us today. Scripture tells us, “you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13, NIV)

If you’re not sure if you’ve been “included in Christ” you can simply pray something like this:

 Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. I invite your Holy Spirit to take control of my life and to make me the kind of person You want me to be. 

Once you’ve received Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit resides within you–your body is His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Like an official document with a notary’s seal verifying its authenticity, you’ve been marked as “officially” belonging to God. That’s something to celebrate!

This gift of the Spirit is often underutilized and undervalued by believers today. As we study Acts together, consider joining me in praying daily for God to pour out His Spirit on you afresh. Ask Him to equip you and empower you as He did with the apostles in Acts and then be ready to experience Him moving in your life. (And if you prayed to receive Christ for the first time, be sure to tell somebody who can help you learn and grow in your faith!)

Listen to Keith Green’s classic song “Rushing Wind” and make it your prayer of invitation for the Holy Spirit today.

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Photo from The Children’s Bible, Golden Press, 1965

This is a revised version of “The Turning Point” originally posted on January 22, 2019.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

It was a sweet secret my husband and I kept for a short season. I’d smile thinking about it during my workday, reveling in the miracle taking place within my body that no one else could see. We were expecting our first child but had decided to keep the news to ourselves for a few months. My son’s presence in utero gave me a sense of quiet companionship as his body formed and grew. When I finally saw him face to face, it was like meeting an old friend.

Although it’s an imperfect analogy, that feeling of constant connectedness I experienced during pregnancy makes me think of the Holy Spirit. My baby physically resided within me for nine months, but the Spirit’s indwelling presence provides an unending, intimate connection between God and me. This is the miracle and the mystery Jesus described to His disciples before He ascended into heaven: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8a, ESV) 

Let’s rewind the story a bit to get a wider perspective. About two months earlier, Jesus was preparing His disciples for a time not far in the future when He would no longer be physically present with them. They didn’t understand what He was saying and, seeing their dismay, He reassured them: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7, ESV) The disciples grieved the news that Jesus would be leaving them because they didn’t realize the tremendous gift of the Holy Spirit they would receive. It was to their advantage for Him to leave so that the Spirit would come.

That promise Jesus made to the disciples long ago is one that we still benefit from today. Having the Spirit living inside us is both comforting and empowering. Let’s examine several unique qualities about Him revealed in Scripture that still bless us now:

Helper/ Counselor/ Comforter/ Advocate: These names used in different translations of John 14 and 16 come from the Greek word “parakletos” which means “one called to the side of another.” The Holy Spirit is a personal being who indwells followers of Jesus. When we’re weak or weary, we can ask Him for an infusion of His strength. When we’re struggling or unsure what to do, we can seek Him for wisdom. When we don’t know how to pray, we can rely on Him to advocate for us with the Father. When we’re grieving and sorrowful, we can cry out to Him for comfort.

Reminder: Jesus says the Holy Spirit will “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26, ESV) The Spirit often gives us gentle nudges, reminding us of truth we’ve studied in Scripture. He brings clarity to what we’re reading in the Bible and helps us to understand it. He enables us to discern how to apply His Word in specific situations. When we’re believing the enemy’s lies or misled by his deceit, the Spirit exposes him and reminds us of God’s truth.

Convicter: Jesus says the Holy Spirit will “convict the world concerning sin.” (John 16:8b, ESV) It’s humbling, but also comforting to recognize where our sinful thoughts, words, and actions have stunted our spiritual growth or damaged our relationships with God and others. Although it’s not fun to have the Spirit illuminate sin, we can be grateful for the opportunity to confess and repent to receive forgiveness, cleansing, and healing.

Guide: Jesus says “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13, ESV) When we’re at a crossroads and unsure how to proceed, the Holy Spirit serves as a good and reliable guide. The world is a confusing place full of contradictions and mixed messages but with the Spirit showing us the way, we can move forward with confidence and peace. 

Power Source: Just before His ascension, Jesus tells the disciples “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, ESV) As we continue studying Acts, we’re going to see the Spirit’s power move in the lives of many people. Let’s not forget that they’re only the beginning of the story. We also have that incredible gift; the same power and authority that raised Jesus from the grave and performed signs and wonders in Acts exists within all who follow Christ today!

Take a moment and let Francesca Battistelli’s song “Holy Spirit” become your prayer of celebration and invitation for the Holy Spirit.

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www.marybethmccullum.com: The Gift of the Holy Spirit