ACTS 24 - CONVICTION WITHOUT CONVERSION

 

Acts 24

tells the story of Paul’s trial before Governor Felix after being accused by the Jewish leaders and how Felix reacted.

let us focus on Felix - v25

“As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.’”

THREE DEEP TRUTHS:

1.      The Gospel Confronts Sin

        Paul’s message wasn’t comfortable — he addressed moral integrity (righteousness), inner discipline (self-control), and accountability (judgment). The Holy Spirit used truth to pierce Felix’s heart.

John 16:8 – “The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.”

2.      Conviction Without Conversion

        Felix felt fear but didn’t repent. He postponed obedience — like many who hear God’s call but delay surrender. Yet conviction that isn’t acted upon hardens the heart. Conviction without repentance leads to spiritual paralysis.  (Hebrews 3:15).

Many feel sorry but never turn. Feelings don’t save — faith and repentance do.

3.      Missed opportunity

        Felix wanted to respond “when it’s convenient,” but spiritual opportunities don’t always return. Salvation is urgent —

“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”— 2                         Corinthians 6:2

But there is no convenient time to obey God — only now.

When the Word of God convicts you, don’t push it away.
Don’t say “later,” when God is saying “now.”
Felix delayed and missed his moment — don’t miss yours.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.” — Hebrews 3:15

 

ACTS 23 - GOD SHOWS UP UNDER TRIALS

Acts 23 shows us how Paul faced the trial before the  council. We clearly see that God was before Paul and was with him especially during this time of need. 

How do we see God's moves in this chapter?

1. Boldness and courage ( v.1-5)

- Paul faced the council and he was not moved before them for God was his confidence. 

- After all that he experienced, all the hardships, and the journeys he had, he developed this great faith from the Lord alone. 

- There is no fear and no more condemnations in Christ on every side. 

2. Wisdom (v. 6-10)

- Wisdom was most needed this time and it was given to him. 

- Paul brought up about the resurrections of Christ which caused conflict between Sadducees and Pharisees

- So the council was stirred and it caused the commander to keep Paul before the accusers seized him.

3. Instruction and Assurance (v. 11)

- Paul was instructed by God to also testify about Jesus in Rome

- This instruction really assured Paul that he has more assignments to do. Surely his life will be spared before the trial in Jerusalem because God already saw him in Rome. 

4. Protection (v. 16-22)

- The Jews plotted to assassinate Paul for the next trial. There were more than 40 of them who were ready to kill him. 

- But God used the nephew of Paul so that their conspiracy be made known to the commander and so they brought Paul to Rome instead. 

- God protected Paul until he reached Rome safely to continue the trials there. 

- When there's instruction, there's protection. 

5. Provision (v. 23-34)

- More than 40 Jews strictly bound themselves to an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill Paul

- But God prepared 200 hundred soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to protect Paul.

- God also provided mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to the Governor of Rome. 

6. Direction (v. 31-35)

- The Soldiers were led according to the instructions of God to Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris to the barracks with the horsemen with him. 

- God used the horsemen and soldiers to bring him to the place where He wants him to be. 

God made the way, Paul just obeyed. God was unstoppable to the life of Paul. 

When we are under trials, the same God that was with Paul is the same God that will intervene with us today. He is surely moving....

LET US REFLECT: 

Have we seen God even more  when we are under trials?

Have we experienced His moves during this time - the boldness and courage, the wisdom, the instructions and assurance, the protection, the provision, and the directions?

or

We tend to just overlook Him because we are more focused on the sufferings and pain of being in the circumstances?

A TRULY SURRENDERED AND OBEDIENT LIFE TO CHRIST WILL TRULY EXPERIENCE GOD IN HIS DIVINE NATURE AND INTERVENTION.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

 

ACTS 22 - OUR TESTIMONY, OUR MINISTRY

 

Acts 22

Paul gives his testimony. He shows that everything about his life is the result of God’s grace, not his own effort.

Your testimony is a witness of God’s grace, His power to transform, and His purpose in your life.

PAUL’S TESTIMONY:

1.      1. HIS PAST (V3-5) – religious but was spiritually blind

-          Was trained in the law, sincere, disciplined ad zealous.

-          Persecuted beleivers, destroyed churches and convinced he             was doing the right thing.

HIS ZEAL WITHOUT CHRIST LED TO HIS SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS BUT HIS SINFUL, BROKEN AND MISDIRECTED PAST IS NOT BEYOND GOD’S REACH.

 

2.      2. HIS ENCOUNTER (V 6-11) - a light from heaven meets him and spoke “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” and Paul fully surrendered.

 

A TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE BEGINS NOT WITH RELIGION BUT WITH ENCOUNTERING CHRIST.

 

3.      3. HIS MISSION (V17-21) – His mission beyond his comfort zone

-          Sent to gentiles – was rejected but remained obedient, that led his hardship but also to the fulfillment of God’s plan.

-        His calling led him to places of discomfort and sacrifice

 

OBEDIENCE IS MEASURED NOT BY EASE BUT BY SURRENDER

 

Is our testimony a living proof of GOD’S MERCY, GOD’S POWER OF TRANSFORMATION, GOD’S PURPOSE TO OUR LIFE?

 

OUR TESTIMONY IS NOT JUST OUR PAST- IT IS OUR MINISTRY

LET US PRAY:

Lord, thank you for saving and transforming us, give us the courage to testify with our stories to bring the lost to your kingdom. Grant us the boldness like Paul and a surrendered heart to truly trust your plan. Amen.

 

 

ACTS 21 - A SURRENDERED HEART

 

Acts 21

 

records Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, even though he knows suffering awaits him. The chapter shows obedience, surrender, unity, misunderstanding, and courage in following Christ.

“Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” (Acts 21:13)

True obedience is not measured when things are easy—it’s tested when the price is high.

A surrendered heart cannot be threatened.

Paul said he was ready to be arrested or even die for Christ.
He had already surrendered his life fully.
A surrendered person is free from fear.

His heart was settled:

·       His life belonged to Jesus

·       His purpose was to obey, not to be comfortable

·       His calling was worth more than his safety

Paul wasn’t being dramatic. He was being devoted.

This verse reveals the depth of Paul’s surrender:

How about us?

Do we follow God only when it's convenient?

Have we surrendered our plans, safety, and reputation to Him?

Do we let others’ opinions stop our obedience?

ACTS 17 - PREACH ANYWAY

 

Acts 17

teaches us about sharing the gospel in different cultures, staying rooted in Scripture, and recognizing that God is near to every person.

V1-9 preaching in Thessalonica

Paul preached for 3 sabbaths – some believe others caused trouble

Indeed, the gospel brings both acceptance and resistance – Truth always confront the pride of human hearts that results to non-submission.

Not everyone will receive the TRUTH, but we must still preach.

 

V10-15 preaching in Berea

Bereans received the Gospel with openness and examined the scripture daily to seek the truth.

They did not depend on emotion alone they tested everything by scripture. The word was their foundation

– they have a teachable heart; therefore, they have a fertile heart that grows.

 

V16-34 preaching in Athens

A place full of idols, Paul didn’t quote the scripture, instead used the idols to explain about God – there is one creator and calls them to repent.

The gospel can be shared in the language of culture without compromising the truth.

Wherever Paul went… not everyone believed.
Some listened.
Some mocked.
Some followed.
And some rejected him.

But he kept speaking…
Because the truth is worth sharing.

In Thessalonica — there was opposition.
In Berea — there was hunger for the Word.
In Athens — there was searching, questioning, and longing.

Different places.
Different responses.
Same message.

Jesus.

Acts 17 reminds us…
You won’t convince everyone.
And you don’t need to.

Your job is to plant the seed.
The Holy Spirit will open the heart.

Keep speaking.
Keep sharing.
Keep shining.

Because God is “not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:27)

Let us pray:

Lord, open our eyes like Paul who sees the spiritual needs of the people around us. Grant us the boldness to speak Your truth and a heart willing to share the gospel even if not everyone accepts it.  Help us be like Bereans – always searching, always learning and rooted in Scripture. Amen. 

ACTS 16 - DIVINE DIRECTION

 

Acts 16

 

records Paul’s second missionary journey.

 

V 1-5 – the next generation

Paul meets Timothy – a young believer with good reputation and he started mentoring him. Together they strengthen the churches and believers grew spiritually.

As leaders appointed by the Lord, it is our duty to disciple next generation leaders, equipping the saints is essential to raise leaders to continue God’s work.

 

V6-10 – divine direction

The Holy Spirit has forbidden Paul and his group to go to Asia instead they were redirected to Macedonia when Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia. It is a proof that God’s thought is higher than ours – even Paul was redirected though their work is for the Lord – God stopped them. It is indeed the Lord who knows where we are needed most.

When God closes a door, it is not rejection it is redirection.

 

V 11-15 – True conversion

Lydia who was just listening to Paul’s preaching, responded by inviting them to her household – and they were baptized and opened her home for the ministry. Lydia’s heart was opened by the Lord and prepared it to receive the Word.

God didn’t only open her heart but opened her home for the ministry.

V 16-18 – true freedom

The slave girl was free from a fortune-telling spirit and from the slavery of her owner in the power of Jesus’ name. This shows that freedom in Christ often challenges the system of the world

– the gospel didn’t just bring comfort to the oppressed but confronts the oppressors.

 

V19-34 worship in suffering

When Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for freeing the girl – they prayed and worshipped the Lord – for they believed that worship is the best weapon in suffering.

Praise is power!

And the earthquake shook the prison and all doors were opened but no one escaped – that caused the conversion of the jailer with his family.

Indeed, God can turn trials into opportunities for salvation. Our testimony in hardship can lead others to faith – testimony is vital in conversion.

God breaks chains not only around us but inside us.

 

V35-40 the dignified release

The next day the authorities released them when they realized they are roman citizen and they apologized to them – they left the prison with honor and continued their work. 

This proves that God defends his servants’ integrity, His purpose prevails even through pain.

WHAT ABOUT US?

-          Do we allow the Holy Spirit to lead our life? Let us remember, not every closed door is rejection it is redirection.

-          When we are suffering, do we worship and praise the Lord?

-          Can we trust Him, that His plans are bigger than our pain?

-          do we still have things needed to be freed?

 

Lord,
Teach us to trust Your direction even when we don’t understand.
Help us worship You in the middle of our struggles.
Turn our prisons into places of praise and our pain into purpose.
Use our life to open hearts like Lydia’s and bring salvation like the jailer’s.
May every closed door lead us closer to Your will, and every trial reveal Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

ACTS 15 - GRACE WINS

 

Acts 15

 shows how the early church dealt with a major conflict about salvation and grace.

 V 1–5 the issue about legalism versus grace – every church encounters this issue when legalism tried to creep into the church – some men from Judea who were Jewish Christians – (messianic Jews) – they blend Jewish traditions with Christian beliefs. They insisted that to be saved they need to be circumcised.

A foundational issue – salvation by grace alone or by keeping the law.
--- we must learn from this, that when traditions threaten truth, the church must return to the Gospel, to the Word. Indeed, the church must always be bible based.

v6-12 – To solve the issue the church council (elders and leaders) gathered and Peter reminds them of how God gave the Holy Spirit to the gentiles before they were circumcised – proving grace comes first and grace breaks barriers that the law could never bridge.

Even Paul and Barnabas testified how God performed miracles among the Gentiles confirming that the Lord has accepted them as His own.  They emphasized that the gospel changed the life of the Gentiles and the power of the Holy Spirit working in the Gentiles proves the authenticity of the gospel because where grace works, transformation follows.

v 13-21 – James’ wisdom and the final decision – the church must uphold the TRUTH (salvation by grace) and love. Grace saves us and love guides how we live with others.

 

V 22-35 – then the church sent out a letter to the Gentile believers, confirming they don’t need to be circumcised to be saved that brought – clarity, unity, harmony. Indeed, clarity brings peace and truth unites when handled with humility.

THE APOSTLES MODELED WISE, SPIRIT-LED DISCERNMENT, NOT AUTHORITARIAN CONTROL. TRUE LEADERSHIP LISTENS BEFORE DECIDING. It shows that the Church must stand on truth, walk in love, and listen to the Spirit to remain united.

“A true church is not built on rules, but on relationship — with Christ and with one another.”

Let us pray:

Lord,
Thank You for saving me by Your grace alone.
Forgive me when I try to earn what You have freely given.
Teach me to walk in the freedom of Your Spirit, yet in love toward others.
Help Your Church to stand firm in truth and remain united in purpose.
May every dispute lead us back to Your Word and Your heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ACTS 10 - BREAKING BOUNDARIES

 

ACTS 10

 

This is the chapter that marks a significant event in the church – when the gospel breaks beyond the Jewish boundaries straight through the gentiles – showing salvation is for all.

v 1-8 – GOD LISTENS TO HIS SEEKERS
Cornelius didn’t know Jesus yet but because he was devout and a sincere seeker of God – his prayers were heard and God sent Peter to him for him to know Jesus. He indeed looks at the heart not the label nor religion.

v 9-16 – SALVATION FOR ALL
In Peter’s vision – the Lord changed the perspective of Peter about the gentiles – that they too must hear the gospel and that nothing is UNCLEAN – the Father changed our perspective before He change a nation.

v 17-33 – THE GOSPEL BREAKING CENTURIES OF DIVISION
When Peter arrived at Cornelius house, he discerned that the Lord is at work in his household. Indeed, the gospel is for all nations, hearts and people. Peter’s heart was changed forever.

v 34-48 – THE UNIVERSAL GOSPEL
Peter started preaching boldly that Jesus Christ is for all – he died and rose again for all to be saved. And it is only by grace that we will be saved – the gospel is universal no one is too sinful, too far that the gospel can’t be reached.

As peter was speaking the Holy Spirit confirmed the truth of His preaching by filling each listener with His presence and they started speaking in tongues and praising God.

The gospel united every nation, every tongue and every sinner to Jesus. Because of the obedience of Cornelius and Peter revival happened it opened the door to miracles.

let us pray:

Lord thank you for showing us that Your love knows no boundaries – it breaks any walls, any heart, any language. Thank you, Lord, for giving us access to your truth and miracles. Continue to convict us to preach your word to all who are willing to listen. Your name is power! Oh, Holy Spirit continue to fill us with your presence that we walk with you and we work with you. Amen.

ACTS 8 - DIVINE PURPOSE

 

— Acts 8 

A chapter of transition and expansion. 

V 4-8 is a message of hope, resilience, and divine purpose.

It shows how God can turn pain into progress and persecution into proclamation.

After Stephen’s death, believers were scattered by persecution (Acts 8:1).

Instead of hiding in fear, they preached the Word wherever they went.

The scattering of believers became the seed of the gospel’s expansion.

When life pushes you out of comfort, God may be pushing you into your calling.

Philip, one of the seven deacons (like Stephen), goes to Samaria — a region despised by Jews.

Yet this is where God sends him next.

God’s love reaches even those considered “outsiders.”

God doesn’t just send us where it’s easy — He sends us where it’s needed

As Philip preached, the Holy Spirit worked with power — demons fled, the sick were healed, and people were set free.

The gospel is not just words, but power.

When the message of Christ is proclaimed, lives are healed, delivered, and restored.

When Jesus enters a place — whether a city or a heart — He brings transformation and joy.

The gospel always leaves behind freedom, peace, and celebration.

The presence of Christ turns despair into delight, sorrow into singing.

 God can use my pain for His purpose.

Like the early believers, I may be “scattered” by hard circumstances — but God can use me wherever I am.

 The gospel crosses all barriers.

No person, culture, or background is beyond the reach of Jesus’ love.

 

The Holy Spirit empowers the message.

I am not alone in sharing the gospel — God confirms His Word with power.

 Joy is the fruit of the gospel.

True revival brings joy — not just miracles, but hearts filled with Jesus.

Let us pray: 

Lord,

thank You for turning persecution into purpose,

and scattering into sending.

Help us to speak Your Word wherever life takes us. 

Fill us with Your Spirit like Philip,

that Your power may bring freedom and healing to others.

Amen.

ACTS 7 - TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH

 

ACTS 7

Contains the longest speech recorded in the book of Acts. His martyrdom made him the first Christian to die for Jesus.

When Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin council when he was falsely accused of speaking against Moses, the law and the Temple (v6:13-14) He didn’t defend himself, instead he recounted the history of Israel in a spirit filled way, showing how Israelites resisted God’s message from the very start.

In his speech he showed them:

-          God’s presence is everywhere, never confined in the temple – He works with people who trust Him. v 2-8

-          That as they rejected Joseph – their savior in famine, they also rejected Jesus who saved them spiritually. V 9-16

-          That God’s chosen leaders were rejected by them, even Moses who delivered them from slavery – they still turned to idols. V27

-          That their stubbornness leads them to rejecting God’s truth even when the truth is right in front of us. V51-53

 

As Stephen was being dragged and stoned, he had a vision of Jesus welcoming him home. And Stephen gave his Spirit to the Lord and forgave them all.

 

These dying words of Stephen, can be paralleled to Jesus’ last words on the cross “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?”

Indeed, Stephen became the kernel of wheat – his death sparked the church’s expansion – his persecution scattered all the believers and spread the gospel far beyond Jerusalem.

God can turn tragedy to triumph and testing to testimony if WE FACE THEM WITH FAITH and when we respond with grace under pressure.

Let us pray:

Lord, when we face trials and pain, persecution and doubts, remind us to respond with grace and strong faith. Transform our testing into testimony of your power. Like Stephen help us fix our gaze unto You alone. May all our suffering become a story of Your victory in our life. Amen.

 

ACTS 6 - STEP IN LIKE STEPHEN

 

Acts 6

marks a turning point in the early Church. It shows how God guided the believers to solve internal problems, raise new leaders, and expand the mission — all while maintaining unity and spiritual focus.

 

There was a problem: since the church grew rapidly – resulted to unequal distribution of food – the apostles find it not right for them to be serving the food and neglecting the ministry of the word (v2)

Every growing church meets problem and shaking – So, the apostles — rather than ignoring the issue — gathered everyone together and presented the problem and together they solved the problem.

The Solution: to choose Spirit-Led Leaders (vv. 3–6)

The apostles instructed the church to choose seven men who were:

• of good reputation,
• full of the Spirit, and
• full of wisdom.

They appointed them to oversee the practical needs so the apostles could focus on prayer and preaching.

The chosen seven included Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.

The apostles prayed and laid hands on them, commissioning them for service.

It explains why every church must have deacons – for the ministry of the service

And elders – for the ministry of the word

And pastors – to oversee the whole church

The Result: Growth and Impact (v.7)

“So, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

When the church worked together in unity and order, God multiplied their influence and impact.

Let us note:

Healthy churches serve both body and soul — meeting physical and spiritual needs through teamwork.

God often promotes those who start with humility and faithfulness in small tasks.
When believers work together — each using their gifts — the gospel advances rapidly.

When you stand for truth, God’s presence will shine through you, even in trials.
The Spirit works through both pulpit and table — every act of service is holy when led by God.
Spiritual growth and numerical growth go hand in hand when the church stays Spirit-led.

let us pray:

Lord’ teach us with humility and wisdom. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we meet every needs of our remnants. Help us be united in love and service for Your glory. May Your churches grow in truth and service and be Holy Spirit led. Make us all step in in service like Stephen. Amen.

ACTS 5 - HOLINESS AND UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF GOD

 

Acts 5

 

This chapter is about the holiness of God and the unstoppable power of the Lord in the early church.

 In v1-11 – the sin of Ananias and Sapphira gave us a clear picture of the holiness of God – dishonesty and hypocrisy must have no place in the life of a believer much in the church. When peter exposed the couple, they dropped dead and it gave the whole church with fear and at the same time reverence to the Lord.

This event reminds us that God sees everything – beyond our outward appearances.  Focusing on outward appearance kills our spiritual life. Let us walk in truth.

V12-16 - though the apostles were persecuted and oppositions grew fast, the apostles continued to perform miracles. Sick were healed, blinds were able to see, the lost was found – God’s power was working mightily through His believers. Their true faith stood firm under pressure because they knew who called them.

V17-42 – led us to know the suffering of the Apostles – they were arrested but freed by the Lord when an angel opened the prison doors for them. Indeed, when we work for the Lord His hands is also upon us and would never leave us nor forsake us. The apostles were flogged and suffered but they rejoiced in taking part in the suffering of Christ because their suffering confirmed their identity with the Lord.

 When we find joy not in comfort but in serving faithfully then it is a proof that we are true believers.

let us pray:

Lord, Like the apostles, make our heart always pure and honest. Grant us boldness to truly obey you even when it’s hard, may we also find joy not in comfort but in the persecution of others. We also want to be identified as your true servants. Let our life bring glory to You. Amen.

ACTS 3 - MINISTRY OF HOLY SPIRIT FILLED BELIEVERS

 

Acts 3

shows the continuing ministry of Jesus through His Spirit-filled followers. The apostles’ ministry was full of healing, boldness, and transformation — revealing what it means to live in the power of the risen Christ.

v6 is one of the most powerful single verses in the book of Acts. It shows the heart of true ministry: giving not what the world asks for, but what God knows it truly needs.

Let us look closely on this verse: Acts 3:6

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’”

The lame man just like other beggars was in need of money and expecting to receive it but Peter didn’t have any to give. The lame didn’t realize that what he needs is to be whole but Peter did understand what he really needs – the coins but spiritual healing.

Material help can ease a moment a temporary convenience, but spiritual help changes a life.
As believers, God calls us not to rely on wealth or human strength, but to trust in His power.

When we are in Christ, we carry something far more precious than money – the name of Jesus that brings life, hope healing and salvation.

Peter acted under the authority and power in the name of Jesus – he wasn’t relying on his own strength – he was speaking by the authority if Jesus – who heals and saves until now.

 Peter commanded “Walk.” A short and powerful command spoken by faith – he did not pray a long prayer or ritual – he believed and obeyed and the lame was healed.

Faith acts boldly on God’s word.
When God calls you to speak or move, obedience releases His power.

True ministry gives what money cannot buy.
The world seeks comfort, but God offers transformation.
Our calling is to share the riches of Christ — hope, love, and healing.

Let us pray:

Lord, you are in us and we have Your name- we carry the most valuable in our life – YOUR NAME – Your name has power, healing, peace and restoration.  Help us Lord to truly rely on Your name because we cannot do anything without You. Like Peter oh Lord, use our weaknesses to reveal Your strength. May our life declare: “In the name of Jesus, rise and walk.” Amen.

ACTS 2 - OUTPOURING OF THE POWER OF GOD

 

Acts 2

Is a very powerful chapter for it changed the world – spiritually. It is the chapter that marks the birth of the church by the help of the Holy Spirit – it fulfilled the promise of Jesus of sending a Helper.

In Acts 1:8 the disciples were waiting in obedience as instructed by Jesus.

V 2:1-13 – “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven…”

As promised of Jesus – the Holy Spirit descended like a rushing wind and tongues of fire, filled all the believers and they all began to speak in other tongues – preaching and declaring God’s wonders. By this, the Holy spirit unites what sin divided. The Holy Spirit united every heart through one message- JESUS.

In this event – it was proven that when God fills us with His Spirit, fear becomes boldness. Confusion became clear and unity became our way.

V 16-17 - “No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.’”

This is the spoken prophecy of prophet Joel – he emphasized that the outpouring of the power of God is the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan – the new era has begun.

The presence of the Lord is now everywhere, not anymore confined in the temple or chosen leaders. His presence is now in every believer – regardless of the age, the race and the gender.  – we are now all empowered to speak, see and understand the spiritual things.

The Holy Spirit has broken every barrier – race, class and gender – His power is ow upon on all who calls His name.

The outpouring continues today.
Pentecost wasn’t a one-time event — it’s the beginning of a movement that still flows through every believer.

v 42-47 - “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

This is now the start of the fellowship of the believers – the CHURCH was established – a family of God.  The ways of the disciples showed that Christianity is not a private belief but a shared life – the disciples shared love, life, resources as they grow together in Christ.

“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:47

Let us pray:

O holy Spirit, fill us like You filled the first believers, turn our fears to boldness and empower each one of us with the power of the Lord. Help us live an obedient life – sharing loving and practicing what Gos has commanded us to do. Let our life show that Jesus is the Lord. Amen.