October 12 Secret of the Early Church Acts 5:38-39
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)
Have you read the Book of Acts? Over the years, I have read the Book of Acts many times, and each time, I discover something new and profound, among the pages of this amazing book. The Book of Acts is a portrait of the infant (early) church! As we dig deep into the words of Acts, we clearly see that the sick were not merely prayed for, they were healed? How did this occur? Listen, the very nature of Humanity was changed! The promise of Jesus, that He would not leave us “Comfortless,” was fulfilled in the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT! What, or I should say, who was behind the success of the early church? A reading of the Book of Acts points to the power of God, manifested through the HOLY SPIRIT! The decisions of the early church were made under the guidance and power provided by the SPIRIT! The HOLY SPIRIT came on each one of the new believers and provided the guidance, the power, the direction and the spiritual motivation to share the message of Jesus and to grow the early church! As the church grew, the disciples finally, however slowly, began to understand what Jesus had meant when He told them, “It is for your good that I am going away! Unless I go, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you!” (John 16:7) Recognize that Jesus has departed, and God became present in each one of them and provided the power necessary for them to spread the message of “Grace” throughout the known world. The Holy Spirit personally guided and directed each one and the results were dramatic! Folks, this same HOLY SPIRIT that “fell on the Early Church,” is the same Holy Spirit that is present, available and ready to guide us and to direct us! We, the church, the followers of Christ, receive our POWER TO SERVE through the INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Could it be that the Modern Church has forgotten our POWER SOURCE? The HOLY SPIRIT isn’t some vague concept or some mist of protoplasm, but the HOLY SPIRIT is a living person, who speaks to us, guides our decisions, and fuels the church with the energy of FAITH! Could it be that we lack power, commitment and success, because we are not connected to the power source? Focus on what is real! Serve God, follow the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT and, just as the EARLY CHURCH; walk in the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! The Church is under attack, right this minute! Evil exists and the same challenges faced by the early believers still exist today! Church, we need to CLAIM the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, walk in the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT and to share the GOOD NEWS regardless of the challenges! Keep in mind, YOU CANNOT SHARE WHAT YOU DO NOT POSSESS! YOU CANNOT TEACH WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW! YOU CANNOT BE WHAT YOU ARE NOT! Church, it is past time for us to be REAL, SAVED, DEDICATED and WALKING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!