They Want What the Church Has

This week we’ll consider the text of Acts 8:9-24. Through Simon’s experience we will gain insight into God’s power and the way in which He longs to display it in the life of His people. May we all be challenged and grow as we consider this marvelous gift of the Holy Spirit.

Aloha,
Allen

Thoughts
Though I’m certainly not into it, I’ve noticed there has been a bit of a stir over the new move Paranormal Activity. From what I understand it’s another low-budget ($15,000 total I believe), single camera horror movie similar to The Blair Witch Project, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. But the stir is not limited to the paranormal movie. There are a myriad of television shows, series, and documentaries fixated on ghosts, ‘supernatural’, and ‘paranormal’ activity.

To underline this phenomenon: recognizing my role as a pastor, I was recently probed about whether or not I had ever been involved in a ‘deliverance’. I must tell you, I was shocked about the words coming from this particular individual. My mind began to race, “How does this individual know about deliverances? Has he seen one? Been involved in one?” So I returned his question with a question. Thus we began a dialogue about a ‘deliverance’ he had seen on a ‘paranormal’ television show. While there’s not enough details to explain how we got there, the gist of the conversation led to his semi-interest in becoming involved in doing ‘deliverances’.

I can hear the voices in some of your heads now: “This world is falling apart!”, “Look how far we are away from God!”, etc. But before we push our Christianesse too far, let’s recall that the power of the Holy Spirit has always spawned the interest of people, even unbelievers. Jesus challenges that on the day of judgment many will argue, “‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’” (Mt. 7:22b) Yet, Jesus does not recognize them as His own (Mt. 7:23).

One of the greatest examples of hunger for the Spirit’s power is found in Acts 8:9-24. Simon, a famous magician, had attracted a large following due to his magical abilities. Yet, when he witnessed the Spirit’s manifestations at the hands of Philip and Peter and John, he wanted the power they had. Indeed, he even offered money for it. Surely, Simon must have recognized that the power of the Holy Spirit was greater than any magical ability he had. Therefore, there was no cost too great for the ability to lay hands on people and allow them to receive the Holy Spirit.

I cannot imagine how God must feel at times. It seems that the ‘unbelieving’ world has a greater understanding of spirituality than the Church does. Perhaps, we do not properly recognize the power that God has given us through His Spirit. In a world of ‘seekers’ may the Church arise with a firm faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a bold confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit and display the victory that Christ has secured for us!

Application
How recognizable is the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Are others spawned with interest at the spiritual authority you live with in your life?

How would you rate your understanding of the Spirit’s presence and power in life as a whole?

Prayer
Father,

Open my eyes to the see the magnificent power that You have placed within me through Your Holy Spirit. The world around me seems to be expressing an interest in a power that supersedes that which we can create with our hands. You, oh Lord, are the all powerful One. Teach me to become a vessel through which You can display Your glory and power. I yield myself to You and You alone. Fill me with ALL of You!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This Is That

It has taken me some time to get the following words on paper this morning. I genuinely feel that these words were inspired for those who do not feel that they are capable of speaking for God. Truly, the Holy Spirit wants to use YOU where you are today to reach others with His truth. Please pay close attention to the Application and Prayer section. I firmly believe God is going to allow someone to lead someone to Christ today! Are you willing to be used by Him?

Thoughts
It seems a bit odd that this could be that. But it was true! That which the prophet Joel had prophesied had become this which the people in Jerusalem were experiencing (Acts 2:16). Indeed, the “the age of the prophethood of all believers” had dawned (Stronstad “Influence,” p.46).

When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers at Pentecost, the Scripture declares they “began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance” (Acts 2:4b). Those who were gathered around, from various regions, each heard the believers “speaking of the mighty deeds of God” (Acts 2:11) in their own language. It was a phenomenon that both intrigued and instigated those in the crowd. There were both mockers and seekers gathered to hear Peter’s explanation for this rather odd event.

Still today there are skeptics, critics, and cynics that debate the events of Acts 2 and its continuation beyond the apostles. Nevertheless, Peter’s declaration that this, which the crowds were witnessing and the believers were experiencing, was that which had long ago been declared would come by the prophet Joel. Furthermore, this was that which the patriarch Moses longed for every believer to participate in (Numbers 11:24-29). It was both God’s desire and the desire of His people that ordinary individuals would be empowered by the Spirit to speak of the mighty deeds of God.

Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, supernatural occurrences have accompanied genuine moves of the Holy Spirit. Clearly, Peter believed that what took place on the day of Pentecost was only the beginning of an era which had both been predicted and was necessary for the fulfillment of the Church’s mission upon the earth. Suddenly, all barriers (race, class, gender, economic, etc.) were broken. It was God fulfilling His promise: “I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND” (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).

There is a supernatural, Holy Spirit anointing for the Church today. As it was in Acts 2, and throughout the Scriptures, it is accompanied with supernatural manifestations. But regardless of how it comes, or what it looks like, let us pray for and earnestly desire (1 Cor. 12:31) the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Church today in order that the function of the Holy Spirit might be fulfilled in our midst, namely being Christ’s witnesses on the earth.

As Spirit-filled believers, we have been charged by our Lord to re-present (intentional spelling) Him to others and to speak of His “mighty deeds.” When we do…real, broken, and desperate people will realize that Christ is a real and present Savior available to meet them at their point of need today. Three thousand people responded to Peter’s message. How many are responding to ours? Are we missing something? That powerful move of the Spirit is what has both been made available and is needed by this generation.

Application
Have you ever felt unqualified to speak on behalf of the Lord or of His reality? What makes you feel this way?

If prophesy is used to describe the believer’s Spirit-inspired proclamation of Christ, both from that which you have seen and heard, as well as that which has been revealed in dreams and visions (2:17), can you recall a time when God has used you to fulfill His promise of Acts 1:8 and 2:17-18?

Regardless of our age, ability, maturity, etc., God wants to use us to bring others into a relationship with Him. We are the greatest revelations the world can know. Who can you share Jesus with today?

Prayer
Father,

I am often overwhelmed when it comes to the word prophesy. I immediately think of other people who are so much better at sharing Jesus than I am. Their eloquent words, powerful experiences, and educational backgrounds make them so much more prepared than me. But today I understand that You are not looking for training, experience, or degrees. You simply want to give me Your spiritual strength, through the Holy Spirit, to tell others what what you have done for me and long to do for them. I can reach people that no one else can. Please give me the spiritual strength and the words to say simply what I have seen from and heard of You. When I do, I ask that You would show me the fruit of what I can do for You when I commit to simply obeying You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Moment They Had Been Waiting For

In my opinion, and I think others would agree, Acts 2 is one of the most influential passages in the New Testament. As Christ’s baptism and Spirit anointing was to His ministry, Acts 2 is to the Church. It is the initiation of a new era. An era where ordinary individuals are empowered to do the extraordinary works of God. Christ had promised it; Acts 2 is its fulfillment. This week we’ll march through this influential chapter. Let’s get started…

Thoughts
“And, the moment we’ve all been waiting for”….We’ve heard those words in a variety of contexts and seasons. From a sports venue to a social gathering, these words mark the moment that something which has been anticipated is about to be revealed, unveiled, and/or otherwise made public. At some point in time, someone had released information that led others to an expectation of the coming matter.

As it pertains to Acts 2, the Old Testament prophets had prophesied of a coming day when God would pour out His Spirit on all of humanity, both His sons and His daughters (Joel 2:28). In addition, Jesus had charged His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they would receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5, 8). It is apparent from Acts 2:16-21 that these two events were synonymous and that the day of Pentecost would be the revolutionary moment “the world had been waiting for.”

Nothing in scripture leads us to believe that the disciples knew when this moment would come. Through the Old Testament prophets and the words of Christ, they simply knew a moment would come when they would be “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Furthermore, they knew that this moment was going to be a special moment in the life of the Church. It would empower the believers to be Christ’s witnesses and proclaim His coming to the nations (Acts 1:8).

And, so it was…“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place…And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” (Acts 2:1,4). This was the moment the Christian community was waiting for. It truly marked the moment that declared every believer can do what Christ has said they can do. While it may not be readily seen from the first few verses of Acts 2, or the entire chapter for that matter, no one can read the New Testament and deny the fact that what happened in that room changed the world. Symbolically and spiritually, the believers had been tapped with the authority and power of Christ to fulfill His mission upon the earth.

However, let us not forget that this moment of revelation was preceded by years when it remained unfulfilled, days of tarrying in Jerusalem, hours of prayer and praise, and, what I am sure seemed to be, seasons of silence. Nevertheless, “when the day of Pentecost had come…” they received what the Father had promised and the Church needed.

Application:
The outpouring of the Spirit was a remarkable moment in the life of the Church, but it was preceded by a season of tarrying. How do you fare at tarrying for what the Father has promised you?

While you are in a holding pattern, do you begin to doubt the promise? Do you ever doubt the purpose of the promise when it seems unfulfilled?

How are you preparing yourself for the moment you have been waiting for?

Prayer:
Father,

Through Your Word today, I have been challenged while I am waiting for the big moment of Your fulfillment. As You sent the needed power of the Holy Spirit to propel the Church forward, I know that You have spiritual resources that You have yet to release into my life and faith community. Resources that we need to fulfill Your mission for our church. In this season, may I resemble the disciples. May I maintain an attitude of prayer, a spirit of expectation, and a commitment that is unwavering. Help me to hold on for that moment we’ve all been waiting for!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Power with Purpose

This morning we take a look at the second element that characterized the early Church and kept their focus on fulfilling their mission upon the earth. In addition to be Gospel-Centered, the Church must endued with power from the Holy Spirit. The Church has and will move forward through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s take a closer look…

Thoughts:
Admittedly, I am not one to really be a judge of this subject, seeing that I have no qualifying physique to do so, but have you ever seen those bodybuilders on TV? Those people that when you look at them you feel like you’re sitting in a high school anatomy class learning the location and name of every major and minor muscle? It’s like they have trained every muscle within their body to spring into place and action on cue. Personally, I find it both disturbing and intriguing. It invokes both disgust and jealousy at the same time. (You know you’d like to look at least a little bit like that!)

Nevertheless, outside of the gym and off of the stage, most of this bulk is without purpose and function. It looks great, intimidates others, and incites jealousy, but has no real functionality in the real world. On the other hand, consider the wrestler or football player. Such an individual may or may not be able to call all of their muscles into an instant display of definition, but where it matters most they are able to access its power. Both individuals invest gym time, but each with a different intention.

As Jesus is preparing for His ascension into heaven, He gathers His disciples for last minute instructions. In Acts 1:4-8 we find that Christ concentrated His attention on making sure that the disciples did not leave Jerusalem before they were endued with the power of the Holy Spirit. This endowment of power was not a beauty pageant, stage performance power. Rather, it was a power that was for a purpose. In the coming days, years and centuries, the Holy Spirit was, and will continue to be, a necessity for completing the mission of Christ. It is a practical power.

Warren Wiersbe aptly states it this way, “The ministry of the Holy Spirit is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity” (Be Dynamic, ¶ 71). In the early Church the Holy Spirit was given in order that the believers might combat the spiritual forces of darkness that powerfully resisted them. Throughout the history of the Church this same power has been manifest to propel the Church forward. Unfortunately, some circles and eras have spent more time seeking to display this demonstration of power within the walls of a building. The intent and purpose of the Holy Spirit is not for pageantry. The Holy Spirit is given to us in order that we might be witnesses of Christ. His is a practical power that is needed more in this era of the Church than at any other time. Let’s spend time in the gym (in prayer, study, and seeking the infilling of the Spirit), so that we can fulfill our mission on the field (outside the walls of the church) and not just look good on the stage (the building of the church).

Application:
Often we picture the apostles as spiritual giants with greater attributes than us. Yet, is it possible that they could be as ordinary as you and me?

Have you ever witnessed someone with ‘power’ within the church, but with little practical ‘power’ outside of the church walls?

What kind of strength do you have: Stage or Service? Where does your workout attention need to be placed?

Prayer:
Father,

It is often times so tempting to have pageantry power; power that is reserved for within the community of faith. However, what I really need is a power that is practical, real, and able to combat the enemy. Souls are weighing in the balance. This is not a harmless error for me to commit. The faith and eternal destiny of others are depending on the Church to deliver the message of Jesus Christ with authority, conviction, and demonstration. May You fill You Church with the fullness of Your Spirit that we may work Your works in these days upon the earth.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.