Thought for the Day – May 16, 2011

Acts 1:1-5
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.  After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.  On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with[water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” NIV

The Old Testament introduced us to our Father and pointed to the Messiah.  The Gospels introduced us to the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and pointed to the Holy Spirit.  Acts will introduce us to the Holy Spirit and point us to the Church.

The apostles needed to wait.  The commands of Christ would not spread to a broken world without the infusion of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit would give them strength, courage, perseverance, even the very words to speak to authorities.  The movement would not proceed far without Him.  They would be baptized, immersed, saturated with the Holy Spirit.  Their anointing would be evident to all by the miracles accompanying them.

Without engaging serious theological debate, how is the Holy Spirit evident in our lives today?  How is the movement that began in the first century still on foot through us?  I have spent hours praying, meditating, and considering these questions.  My greatest hope and prayer is birthing a House Church Planting Movement that greatly transforms the communities of the Northwest.  After five years, the concept is becoming more clear.    I am waiting and trusting for the Holy Spirit to lead the way.