Acts 1-3
The Birth of the Church
The birth of the Church began with the giving of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised in John 14-16 and in Acts 1:4&5. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit.
It is clear, in Chapter 1, that Peter understood that the Word of God was inspired by the Holy Spirit and that it was accurate. He knew that every promise would be fulfilled, but at this point he is still trying to manage God’s plan by appointing a disciple to take the place of Judas; Matthias is chosen.
In Acts, Chapter 2, there is the sound of rushing wind and tongues of fire rest on the disciples. They begin to speak to the people in their native languages, but other people think they are drunk. At that time there were many synagogues in Jerusalem where people from other parts of the world could go and hear the teaching in their native language. Sixteen different groups are listed in verses 9-11 who heard the disciples speak in their native language. Peter, standing with the eleven and quoting the prophet Joel, tells the people that God has poured out His Spirit on all mankind. He then goes on to call the people to repent, 3000 do and are saved that day.
When Jesus gave His teaching in John 14-16 regarding the Holy Spirit He said, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgement;” John 16:8 NASB
In John 15:26&27 Jesus said the Holy Spirit will testify about Jesus but His disciples must also testify as well. This is exactly what is taking place in Chapter 2 of Acts. In Hebrews 8:8-13 we read that God was going to make a new covenant with the people. One of the things He says regarding the New Covenant is that no longer will the law be written on tablets of stone but it will be written on the hearts of the people. As Peter is calling the people to repentance the Holy Spirit is bringing conviction concerning sin and Acts 2:37 tell us that the people were pierced to the heart. Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant. He has given us the Holy Spirit.
It is important that we understand this because as we share our faith the Holy Spirit is bringing conviction in the heart as we speak. What the person does with that conviction is not up to us. Our job is to testify regarding Jesus Christ. Knowing that we have a partner as we minister I hope will free us from the fear of rejection or thinking we are not equipped for the task. A witness tells what they know. I hope and pray we can all share what Jesus has done in our life. We can also share the Word of God. As we share the Word of God know that the Holy Spirit can and will take the Word and pierce the heart as Hebrews 4:12 describes.
Don’t let fear stop you from sharing the gospel with people. I have been allowed to lead enough people to the Lord to know that it is always an inside job. I may have done my part but it was the Holy Spirit who touched the heart. There is power in the Word of God because the Holy Spirit has been given. He is our helper and counselor and the One who will remind us of the Words of Jesus when we need them.
Trust that the Holy Spirit is with you.
Pastor Dave