I want some o' that!

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/fe96f006/i-want-some-o-...

What is sure? What is solid? Where is truth to be found--

that which represents reality and can be trusted? 

Most assuredly on the pages of Scripture, where we can unpack history, revelation of God and his ways, inspiration for right living, prophecies fulfilled and foretelling of things to come.  On the first of June, we finished walking through the pages of the gospel of Luke, being up close and personal with the Savior,

Jesus Christ, from birth to the Resurrection and His ascension into Heaven.  

(all available at www.pastorwoman.net, Morning Briefings—read or listen, there are thousands)

What happened next, after Jesus returns to Heaven? We followed Luke into his narrative called the Acts of the apostles, chronicling the work of the Holy Spirit and spread of the gospel.  Until the second century, the gospel of Luke and 'Acts' were one book. As I recount to you highlights of the amazing story so far, I will include several links of Morning Briefings from Acts - for all of you who are new!   

Often, in response to things going on in our culture, conversations had, questions received about God, truth, life, purpose and meaning, I departed from Acts for a bit. But now, I take you back to the New Testament book of Acts, where the historian Luke records the coming of the Holy Spirit in chapter 2, "Game changer: just in time, just what you need" https://conta.cc/3Tc1CYu  Remember, he came with visible tongues of fire and the sound of a rushing wind? For various reasons, so many of us are ignorant about the ways of the Holy Spirit - so may I ask, 'Do you know the Holy Spirit, my friend? Can you identify his work in your life?' Why, the Holy Spirit of God leads and guides us, assures us we belong to God, and empowers us to live well!  While the gospels clearly emphasize Jesus Christ, Acts records the work of the Holy Spirit.

In fact we get a first-row seat to see the Spirit-driven changes in the apostle Peter – you know, the thrice-denier of Jesus turned powerful preacher!  On that first day the Holy Spirit came on the scene, Peter was so empowered, he preached a gospel message that effectively changed the lives of 3000 people that day. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit, the church grew from 120 folks to more than 3000 believers in Jesus Christ. See "Commissioned" https://conta.cc/3SSZc0Y

It is valuable to note that the book of Acts covers about 30 years, and interestingly is neatly outlined in Jesus' own words: You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1.8

Chapters 1-7 cover about two years; church is established in Jerusalem.  

Chapters 8-12 about 12 years; the gospel spreading out into Judea. 

Chapters 13–28 cover 15 years; gospel to the ends of the earth. . .1

While I have oft wished I could have been part of that first church in Jerusalem, a closer look shows it was not easy from the start--there was pressure from the Jewish leaders and also from the heavy hand of Rome. And yet, the gathering together of those first believers was critical to their viability, so they could hear the Word, see the miraculous work of God in their midst, pray and take care of one another too. Christian community is invaluable. "Why it is so vital" https://conta.cc/3IxBUM5. Gathering today is just as important, just as vital to our lives.

As persecution of the believers heats up, one man looms large: Saul of Tarsus, who we mostly refer to as the apostle Paul.  His radical transformation happens on a road I can visualize, leading from the northeastern corner of Israel toward Damascus, Syria.  Acts chapter 9 tells the dramatic story, “Blinded so he could see” https://conta.cc/41s3VLy

The book of Acts is actually an unfinished book of the Bible that we are living out today! Just as Jesus charged those who stood on the Mt. of Olives (pictured below), telling them to be his witnesses--you know, a witness simply tells what they have seen and experienced--we too are called, we are sent. Hmmm...When Jesus mentioned taking the gospel to the 'ends of the earth,' do you think he envisioned the internet today, where the Word of God goes anywhere with the click of a button? hmmm...

We learn from the courageous people covered in the book, including Barnabas, the encourager. Note: encouraging others is something every single one of us can do. And we can ask God to give us both the courage and desire for knowledge to be more like Paul. Luke tells us that God showed Paul all he would endure for the cause of Christ,2 and yet, he never shied away, backed up or gave up.

Today I would like to encourage you to see what's possible with God. In the third chapter, we see Peter and John heading to the Temple to pray. They pass by a begging crippled man who had been that way since birth; he asks for money, content if they drop a couple shekels in his cup; but instead, Peter turns around and heals him in the name of Jesus Christ! "Your part...the Generosity of God," https://conta.cc/3Tdg8zn

Friends, we have a God who wants to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us!3

So, let us determine to seek God in prayer, and desire to know him better by making the time to read his revelation to us on the pages of Scripture. Amen! As for the book of Acts? Dang, I want some o 'that!

God of Wonders, Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOKaL3bee6I&list=RDbOKaL3bee6I&a...

Acts - the greatest adventure ever!

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 - Chuck Swindoll, Insight for Living

2 - Acts 9.16

3 - Ephesians 3.20