Devotions this week based on the Message: “The Spirit of God Launches His Church!”
We like to see results.
In fact, we like to see lots of them really fast.
But sometimes we don’t control the results, just the activity that has potential to lead to results.
Gardening…we think we can control the results…but not really, we just plant, water, and fertilize the seeds.
Sometimes in the church we take responsibility for the results. We find success if many people come to church or engage online or whatever the measurable is. We find failure if people don’t attend or don’t engage online.
But God reminds us, the results are his doing not ours. Our role is to be the ones who share the Gospel with those who need the Gospel. Our role is to give the Holy Spirit as many opportunities with the power of the Gospel to change hearts. Changing hearts is the Spirit’s job, not ours.
Pentecost the Spirit changed the hearts of 3000 individuals to trust Jesus was the Messiah and Savior.
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:37-41)
At the end of the Pentecost day we see the convergence of the basic elements of the Church as God Launched it.
The Gospel message based on the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus was prominent and proclaimed to the crowd in the language of their heart. The Spirit communicated clearly the Gospel message.
The Spirit gave confidence to those he set apart to share the message of the Gospel. He gave them confidence to confront the skeptics, boldness to confront sin, and joy to point people to Jesus.
Finally, the Spirit of God convicted hearts with the law of God and healed them with the promise of forgiveness found in baptism and a new orientation of their heart to the Lord Jesus who was their Savior who lived, died and rose again for them.
It is just that simple. The Gospel…people who need the Gospel…and people to share the Gospel.
This is the Church the Spirit launched…this is the Church the Spirit has made you part of.
Apply: Ask the Lord to give you confidence to proclaim Jesus to people…then wait for the Spirit to change hearts. He will do it in his time and his way. Don’t give up!
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the Gospel, people who need it, and people to share it. Lead us back to the heart of your Church to take your gospel and share it with people who need it…including ourselves. AMEN.