The Spirit Poured Out
Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a noise came from heaven. It sounded like a strong wind blowing. This noise filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this.
You and I, we like things to be predictable; people to be predictable; God to be predictable. Problem is, God isn’t always all that predictable. And try as we might to shove Him into a box, He never quite seems to fit, have you noticed?
Man … I have to tell you that there has been more controversy, more division, more arguments and schisms in the church over people’s understanding of God the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, than pretty much any other issue or subject.
Truth is, some people just aren’t comfortable with what the New Testament says about the Holy Spirit, about the gifts of the Spirit, about the move of the Spirit.
Somehow it all seems to offend our cultural sensibilities – it doesn’t all make sense. So we’re okay hearing sermons about what happened back then in that upper room after Jesus ascended into heaven, but God forbid that something like that should happen in our church today.
Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a noise came from heaven. It sounded like a strong wind blowing. This noise filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this.
Now, I’m a simple kind of guy and so I read what the Bible says, and if that’s what God says, that’s how it is. And if He wants to pour His Spirit out on me, if He wants to drench me, transform me, baptise me with His Spirit, use the power He’s put in me for His glory, that’s just fine by me. How about you?
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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Rebecca Paige
Thank you for your fresh words each and everyday.
Thank you for your fresh words each and everyday.
John Venter
Great word. I like the simplicity of saying it like it is. The Holy Spirit is the best helper one can have in this ...
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Great word. I like the simplicity of saying it like it is. The Holy Spirit is the best helper one can have in this life.