How many Christians sit in a pew at least once a week and doze off? The sermon is designed to make everybody feel good about themselves and not be upset by God’s truth. Most quench the fire of the Holy Spirit instead of fanning the flame. “Quench not the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
It would have been amazing to be present on that first Pentecost day. The day the Church was born. The day had started like a normal day. The Jewish Law was firmly established in the rituals and habits of the people. This was the day when the Jewish people celebrated God giving the Law to Moses. Traditionally, it was also seen as the birthday of Enoch, as well as the date he was raptured. Now we see it as the day a fire was lit that changed the entire world.
Jesus did many things that upset the Pharisees. The thing that upset them more than anything was when He (rightfully) claimed to be God. They would pick up stones to stone Him, but He always slipped away. Eventually, they convinced the Romans to crucify Him. The disciples had trusted Jesus and hoped that He would rise up and set the Jewish nation free, but God’s plan was much bigger than getting the Roman army out of their land. Now their hopes were dashed.
The disciples knew that Jesus died on that cross. They knew He was buried in a sealed tomb with Roman soldiers guarding it. The disciples were disappointed that Jesus didn’t meet their expectations. Now their lives were in danger because of their association with Jesus. Can you imagine their astonishment when Mary Magdalene ran to tell them she had seen the Living Lord! He had risen from the dead!! Hallelujah!!! Now what?
They met secretly behind a closed door and tried to figure out what was happening and what they should do. Thomas wasn’t there, and of course, Judas had committed suicide because he betrayed Christ. Peter was there but probably very disappointed in himself that he had failed Jesus by denying Him. As the disciples talked, suddenly Jesus walked in. Wow! They must have been shocked! Jesus showed them His hands and side, just so they had no doubt it was Him.
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith, unto them. Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:21-22).
The Holy Spirit was now a part of them, but what were they to do with that blessing?
Later, they told Thomas the Good News, but he thought they were nuts!
“The other disciples therefore said unto him, ‘We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).
Doubting Thomas, he’s no different than many people today. The Good News is rejected because it defies human understanding. Faith in Jesus has to move from the head to the heart, and faith is the key.
A few days later, Thomas got his wish. Once again, Jesus entered the room, but had He ever really left? He heard what Thomas had said and gave him the opportunity to touch the wounds. Does Jesus hear your idle words of disbelief and denial? How did Thomas react?
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
Then Jesus said a remarkable thing. “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). That’s me, and I hope that’s you, too.
That wasn’t the last time they saw Jesus. He met them in Galilee where He talked to Peter about feeding the sheep and lambs. Peter had denied Jesus, but Jesus is always willing to forgive. By telling Peter to feed the sheep and lambs, Jesus let Peter know he was still a part of the group. Peter had always been rash in his ways and spoke his mind without thinking, and Jesus wanted to use those traits. Peter was a changed man after that meeting with Jesus.
That’s what should happen to everyone who has an encounter with Jesus. When you meet Him, it may not be as dramatic as the chat Jesus had with Peter, but it should be life-changing. We are saved by Grace, but that should encourage us to put aside our old ways and allow Jesus to work through us.
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6).
Many people say they believe in Jesus and leave it at that. They don’t let go of the sin they supposedly repented of, so God’s plan for them is hindered. God knows hearts, and I can’t judge another person’s faith, but sin will always compromise your walk with Jesus.
So much had happened, and much more was about to happen. Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father.
“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence“ (Acts 1:5).
They still had a lot to learn. Jesus came to give a much greater gift to all of humanity than a kingdom on earth. This gift was for all people. The Jewish leaders had rejected Christ and made sure He was crucified, but that gave Gentiles the opportunity to accept Christ for salvation. One day, very soon, the Rapture will take all Christians away from the Tribulation that is to come upon the earth. Now is the time to spread the Gospel of Christ. Tomorrow may be too late.
The disciples had more work to do for the Lord, and they needed God’s help. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem for power.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth“ (Acts 1:8).
The “power” Jesus spoke of was the Greek word “dynamis,” a very powerful force. It’s power from God that enables us to work miracles and other acts of the Holy Spirit. They would soon understand the power they had through the Holy Spirit.
They returned to the Upper Room where they resided in Jerusalem to wait for the promised power. They stayed together and didn’t stray from their faith.
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:14).
Too often when a person receives Christ, other Christians ignore the new convert. The person is left to figure it all out for themselves, then may fall back into sin and feel the fire of the Holy Spirit fade. That shouldn’t happen. Christians…new and old, lambs and sheep…need to continue with one accord.
The disciples had a lot to talk over and speculate upon. It was Peter who had much insight and began to understand prophecy.
“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus” (Acts 1:15-16).
He referred to Psalm 41:9 and other passages which had been read many times before, but Peter now saw through the understanding of a man filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter could see that Judas’ actions had been foretold centuries before. Peter was becoming the leader Jesus knew he would be. He was being led by the Holy Spirit.
Then Pentecost came. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1-2).
The power of the Holy Spirit was there. Notice how the Disciples were all together and of one accord. Pentecost was a celebration, and it would be normal for them to go celebrate with old friends and family. The Book of Ruth is always read, which is the account of a Jewish man taking a Gentile bride. Jesus was a Jewish man and took the Gentile church as His bride.
“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:3-4).
What a marvelous happening! The power of the Holy Spirit was in them and on them. They weren’t quiet as they let the Holy Spirit move them. In today’s church, we seem to be very hushed and follow a set guide to worship. A quick welcome, then a few songs are sung, but only some of the verses. We don’t want to drag the service out. Then, maybe the preacher makes a few announcements and might ask for prayer requests. He says a prayer, hopefully remembering to mention the requests, then on to nap time…. I mean the sermon. There’s very little power of the Holy Spirit today, and the fire is dying.
On that marvelous day, the Disciples couldn’t be quiet, and people thought they had been drinking. Peter heard the comments, stood up, and started feeding the lambs just as Jesus had admonished him to do. His words didn’t tickle ears but were to the point and called sin what it is, sin. He quoted Joel 2:28-32 explaining what was happening. Can you imagine how thrilling it was to finally understand the Scriptures they had routinely recited? Now those verses were alive! The power of the Holy Spirit is strong.
Peter went on to point out that the listeners had crucified Christ. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
The people listening didn’t get mad and leave but were convicted and asked what they should do. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
What a day that must have been! People heard and were convicted and turned from their sin. Peter didn’t tickle ears or sugar-coat anything.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).
I wonder why Christianity seems to be dying. Maybe we need to fan the flame and get back to Scripture-based faith.
I live in a small town where there is much sin among adults and young people. A few days ago, a group of people came to do a program of bicycle stunts and share the Gospel. Friends of mine were there helping, and hundreds of young people attended. When it was over, hundreds of young people went forward to accept Christ. I still get chills when I think of the blessing. Now, what? Will they go to sit in pews and watch old men nap during the sermon? Will they get the mentoring and encouragement they need to continue in one accord?
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
That’s what needs to happen. New believers need help to continue in God’s word. The flames need to be fanned, and instead of politically correct sermons, we need Biblically correct preachers to continue steadfast in the Apostle’s teaching. The only place to find that is in Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, let’s fan the flame of the Holy Spirit. Don’t let the fire die.
God bless you all,
Nathele Graham
Recommended prophecy sites:
All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.
If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).