AMAZING ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
- Key Verse
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! . . . Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:8-12 NIV)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Our culture encourages that there are many ways to get to a bottom line. But salvation has only one way, and this causes a struggle for many. The Holy Spirit in Peter gave him the words and boldness to help five thousand see the light. Can we do the same?
Reflections
The celebration of Christmas has just ended, and again, there was very little of "Christ" in it. I don't need to remind anyone that our society as a whole has obliterated Him with endless shopping, eating, and indulging. How did this happen? What is my part in this?
In our passage, Peter and John have been jailed for healing a crippled beggar and preaching about Jesus and His resurrection by the same Sadducees and Jewish rulers who had condemned Him to death. In his defense, and "filled with the Holy Spirit", Peter addresses them with a boldness and wisdom that God supernaturally gives him, and to ALL believers. Wait - to me, too?!
As the new year approaches, I've been asking myself how my walk with Christ should grow. What changes do I want to make to be the daughter He created me to be? What aspects of the world have crept into my routines, habits, thoughts, and reactions to obliterate Jesus from my witness? How can I "acts" like Peter and John in Acts?
The bottom line is I know I'm going to have an eternal life with Jesus. Through the witness of Bill Counts and others, I "got" the "no other way". I spent many of my first Christian years as a newborn and toddler would: studying the ways of parents and developing an intimate bond with them. I look back and am amazed at His mercy and care as I groped around. But how do I develop as a mature Christian now, and for the rest of my life?
From Peter's example, my resolve is to daily call out to the Holy Spirit of God Almighty who abides in me. Through Him I will have the supernatural power to be bold, and take the risk of opposition to proclaim who Jesus is to others. I have kept Him mine for too long (if you know what I mean). Will you help me to step out of my comfort zone and put Christ into Christmas every day this new year?! Pray for boldness for me and you.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you start your day with Jesus and His Spirit? (Psalm 118:24 gets me going!)2. How do you begin every meal: even in public?
3. What habit has kept the Holy Spirit at bay in you? (One of mine has been TV over-exposure!)
4. How do you end every day with Him and His Spirit?
5. Who do you want to witness to this year? (Write their names down and check weekly on your progress.)
Paula Lock
January 12, 2010 06:49 AM
Thanks Debbie for your honesty and insight. We had nearly this same discussion in small group last Sunday and I asked many of the same questions of myself. Amazing how gentle Christ is in bringing us through our walk of faith. Looking forward to seeing you at Fellowship!
Abel Leal
January 12, 2010 07:01 AM
Debbie, thank you for the vital reminder that the same gifts God bestowed on those in the Bible, such as Peter, are available to me. And thank you for inspiring me to put pen to paper and capture my spiritual goals as I would in any other area of my life.
Richard Ford
January 12, 2010 07:54 AM
Debbie, Clearly and forcefully stated for you and us with real accountability by making a list (#5), but balanced with dependence on the Holy Spirit. BTW, I do hope you understand the definition of TV overexposure does NOT include watching football.
Bobby Stephens
January 12, 2010 07:58 AM
Wonderful insight and powerful commentary. Thanks, Debbie, and yes... I will pray for you to be bold. I will pray the same for me, too.
scott scoper
January 12, 2010 09:45 AM
Thanks Debbie! I will try to start my mornings with psalm 118:24. And if anyone asks me how come I seem so glad that today has come,I hope I can be bold enough and tell them why.I will also pray that for you too as soon as I finish this..
jgarellano
January 13, 2010 12:42 PM
Debbie, Your questions are great! They are very usefull as as starting point or a reminder. If taken sincerely, they'll definitely get us moving on our spiritual journey.
Steve Jessup
February 15, 2010 03:01 PM
Debbie, I was born in Baltimore MD and grew up in Ellicott City MD, but likewise, God led me to Texas and Fellowship Bible Church Dallas (Park Cities) in the early 1980's. We should not be ashamed of the gospel. We can expect good things from the Lord this year, if we are abiding in the Holy Spirit and keeping His commandments. We should follow Peter and John's example, to speak the truth in love and not cease from doing good, despite political correctness. Great way to start the year!