trying to find His way
“Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him.” (Acts 2:22) Many Christians think of Jesus as a miracle worker.They assume that miracles were easy for Him because He was God.Like superman with superpowers hidden by Clark Kent’s normal clothes.I affirm that…
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Acts 2:17) Peter quotes the prophet Joel, who is speaking about a time of national crisis.Joel calls everyone together – the old, young, even nursing babies (Joel 2:15-17).In that moment a radical blessing of God’s Spirit will come on all of them.This represents the fullness of God’s presence,…
“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own to languages!” (Acts 2:11) Jesus sends us to make disciples of all nations.But how can we communicate with people with think and speak differently?How can we overcome the confusion and division of Babel?On this day the Spirit of Jesus gives them the words to speak.on…
“Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen…” (Acts 1:24) The disciples had seen Jesus leave. But still they are confident that He is present and active. The miracle of the resurrection has emboldened them.The mission must go on, and a twelfth is needed to it.They use the lots (like…
“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us.” (Acts 1:20) Peter is addressing the symbolic leadership role of the twelve.He is not just replacing a leader, but restoring ‘the twelve.Many more leaders will be needed, but ‘the twelve’ is…
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (Acts 1:14) Jesus is gone, but He is still with them (Matthew 28:20).He is still gathering His disciples together.Two or three or more, gathered and praying in His Name.What unites this diverse group of people is…
“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven,will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) What will Jesus be like when He returns?In Revelation 19:11-16, Jesus is described as coming as a warrior king.Blazing eyes, waging war, sword from His mouth striking down the nations.Treading the…
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Jesus commissions His disciples multiple times (Matthew 28:16-20, John 20:21-23).He says it in different ways, but they are essentially the same task.The Spirit empowers them to make disciples by witness to Jesus in word and deed.In…
“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” (Acts 1:7) The disciples want to know when God’s kingdom will be restored.But Jesus makes it clear the timing is not for us to know.To focus on the times and dates is to miss the point.Our task…