“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…” Acts 2:3-4
The third activity recorded in the Bible for the growing body of believers is being filled with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised in Acts 1:8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” In these first two chapters of the book of Acts, God has laid out what we could call a power trinity for the Christian life—prayer, God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. These three gifts are the foundation of a powerful Christian life, but it is the Holy Spirit that breathes the miraculous into it.
This Holy Spirit filling resulted in the supernatural declaring of the wonders of God so that people from many nations each heard it in their native language and were “utterly amazed”. Throughout the gospel accounts and the book of Acts, Jesus and the apostles spoke powerfully and performed miracles so that people were amazed and asked questions, were cut to the heart and believed. But are we convinced that the Holy Spirit still wants to amaze people today? If we think this was only for the work and teaching of Jesus and His apostles, consider Jesus’ words in John 14:12. He said that anyone who had faith in Him would do the works He had done and even greater things. So when was the last time people were amazed, cut to the heart, praised God or believed in Jesus as a result of our words about Him or our service for Him? And how often do we serve out of our own strengths and abilities rather than the Spirit’s supernatural power?
While the Holy Spirit may manifest in different ways at different times, there is no doubt that He still speaks powerfully and supernaturally through those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is not just pastors and Bible teachers who are given this ability, yet how often do we rely on our spiritual leaders to carry that load? The Holy Spirit can give any believer words that are very personal and powerful for the intended receiver; words that have a supernatural impact for Christ beyond our understanding. Our own words and actions may be humanly impressive at times, but won’t change lives eternally. So let’s cry out to God to experience the Holy Spirit’s amazing power in our lives and the lives of our churches so that others will take notice and be saved.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for those in our churches who by the power of your Holy Spirit are bold witnesses for you in word and deed. Where we aren’t experiencing that power, would you reveal the reason for that absence, and help us to become your empowered servants. Forgive us when we are more enamored with our own abilities than amazed by your Holy Spirit’s powerful work. Renew in us a great dependence on your Spirit. Father cause us to speak boldly about Jesus so that others are amazed by Him, ask questions about Him and believe wholeheartedly in Him. In Jesus’ amazing, powerful name, the name above all names. Amen!
Click Joined In Prayer to read about the first recorded action of Jesus’ church.
Click Powered By the Risen Word to read about the second recorded action of Jesus’ church.