February 6, 2015 (Friday)
We are studying the Bible book of Acts on Wednesday nights at Bethel Baptist Church, Ingleside, where I am currently serving as Interim Pastor. We are in the second chapter, and this week we reviewed Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven.
Because the believers were speaking in other languages, giving evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit, totally bold and courageous, speaking with confidence about the Lord Jesus Christ, some of the onlookers said they were drunk. Peter replied that they were not drunk, but instead were fulfilling the prophecy of Joel, who gave his message to Israel before Israel and Judah were destroyed by powerful enemies and the people were taken into captivity many, many years before the advent of Jesus. Joel predicted the disaster but also offered hope, because God was promising them restoration and a new day to come, when blessings would shower them.
Part of the quotation from Joel by Peter was, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29 NIV). Then he quoted King David’s words in Psalm 16, where he predicted the resurrection of Jesus. Peter made clear that God was doing something new that was firmly rooted in the teachings of God’s Word. Jesus was the Messiah for whom they had longed. Yet they had crucified Him.
The people responded, “What shall we do?” Peter replied that they should accept Jesus as their Messiah and commit themselves to him, being baptized in His Name. Three thousand people received Jesus Christ by faith and were then baptized. What a day.
That’s how the Church of Jesus Christ got started. In these 2000 years since, we Christians have become known by many names, yet our faith is the same as those who followed Jesus on that wonderful day in Jerusalem long ago.
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.
Hear this song (My Faith Has Found a Resting Place) and see all the words. Click here.