Monthly Archives: March 2026

ACTS THE SEQUEL…THE CHURCH IS BORN – 4

Bible Study, ,

“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 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…”

Imagine that! At Jesus’ instruction, Peter was offering forgiveness and new life to the very ones who had condemned Jesus to death! His death…His blood…His forgiveness…embraced the whole world, even those who had committed the most heinous of crimes. They had demanded that God Himself, the one who had come in person, in human form, to reveal Himself to them…be eliminated because He was not to their liking! 

Grace had won!

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

How many were in the crowd,  baying for His blood? We have no idea. But remember something significant. The Bible is precise.  how many died when God’s wrath fell on the Israelites when the broke the covenant…after they had danced around a golden calf?

“I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” …The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32‬:‭9‬-‭10‬, ‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Was it coincidence that exactly three thousand Jews came back to life…newly born-again believers from God’s own people became the firstfruits of the new “Israel”?

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

What a transformation! From angry, fist-waving enemies to humble, submissive children of Jesus…the Most High God…who had won their devotion and allegiance. When once they had repudiated everything He had taught them, now they couldn’t get enough of the truth that had saved them. 

“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭37‬-‭38‬, ‭41‬-‭47‬ ‭NIV‬‬

These were halcyon days! The new-born church was a phenomenon not even the most fanatical of skeptics could ignore. Jesus was at work, gathering in the harvest heralded at Pentecost. And it was growing…daily…like a new-born baby. 

Jerusalem was alight with a fire no human could extinguish. People everywhere in the city knew that something miraculous had happened that they could not deny. The Jesus they had tried so hard to eliminate was alive and active in the lives of thousands…and they liked it…at first! 

The believers were nice. They were full of love…a different kind of love…not a love that was regulated by laws and requirements…but a spontaneous love that reached out in kindness and generosity to one another. They did everything together…a great big family of brothers and sisters, full of joy and laughter. 

Jesus was at work, building His church, one stone at a time. The fire of the Holy Spirit was spreading across the city, and out…beyond…wherever His people went. It had to be because the euphoria would not last. 

The favour the believers enjoyed would soon turn to a dangerous hostility. Remember! The ringleaders of the opposition were still there…and the unseen, implacable enemy who egged them on was still fanning the flames of hatred and murder. Just give them a chance and they would do everything in their power to stamp out the fire that had burst upon the world a few weeks before. 

To be continued

ACTS THE SEQUEL…THE DAY OF PENTECOST – 3

Bible Study, ,

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What a moment!  

Centuries before…in a garden, at the beginning of time…the only two people on earth failed a simple test. They doubted the word of their Creator…and fell for the lie of the usurper. They changed allegiance, and altered the destiny of the human race…in one act of defiance. The mighty Spirit, whom God had given them to guide their steps through life, had vacated His throne within them. He left…and all they had was a life of hardship and struggle…alone in a hostile world…to navigate by their own wisdom and wits. 

The centuries between had revealed what mankind could achieve by their own efforts. Chaos, disaster, and ruin! Religions, created out of human imagination, lured them into slavery in a vain attempt to fill the void the Spirit had left. The people God loved and created for His glory had become garbage…ruined and wasted…and only fit for the trash heap.  

But God…

He would never abandon His precious creation…made in His image, to be like Him, and destined to reign with Him and to  enjoy His realm forever…to the fires of eternal punishment for their foolishness. 

He stepped into time…took on humanity…and bore the brunt of human rebellion in His own body. Now ascended and glorified, He would once again return, in the person of His Spirit, to take His rightful place within His redeemed people once again. 

And the Spirit returned with a flourish… not quietly… as when the Creator breathed His breath into the clay form He had fashioned. He came visibly…with noise and power. The sound of a gale-force wind…the sight of a fiery Presence that filled the place where the people had congregated. It was real…this return of God’s own presence to indwell His people forever.  He would never leave them again. Guaranteed! They had His Word!

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Not only did the Holy Spirit flood His own people that day but He also, through the mouths of the  followers of Jesus, called others to join them in the glory of this new life. 

“When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken…both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬, ‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The story was out! The people heard it in their own languages. Peter interpreted the strange things happening. This was God…doing what He promised to do despite the stubborn rebellion of His people. He would return to rescue them…to save them from their sin…to bring them back to life and to fill them once again with His own presence and power…

…and this was it!

“And afterward, 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

“After all the devastation and ruin and punishment…I will return…to bless and fill you with myself once again.”

Despite the appearance…not drunk but filled with the “new wine”. 

“These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: …’And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.…”

This was Jesus…the Jesus you killed but…He’s back!

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross…

“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him….

“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear…

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭16‬, ‭21‬-‭24‬, ‭32‬-‭33‬, ‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Holy Spirit, whom God poured out on all flesh on that day, is God’s gift to everyone who believes in Jesus. He comes in power and presence to make alive those who are dead in trespasses and sins. He baptises the new believer into Christ Jesus, fills each one with His presence, and seals them as God’s own possession for eternity.  

The Holy Spirit within us is our Helper, Teacher, Counsellor, and Guide. We love Him… we trust Him…we listen to Him…we follow His leading. He is Christ’s own presence in us…the hope of glory. 

He came on that day…and He will never leave!

To be continued

ACTS THE SEQUEL…THE DEPARTURE – 2

Bible Study, ,

“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How different from the day of Jesus’ birth! The only witnesses to that momentous event were Joseph and the animals. He, the King of kings…was born in an animal shelter…where the sheep and goats were kept at night! 

The only ones who came to worship Him and celebrate His birth were a group of lowly shepherds …announced by angels. What a mixture of humility and glory!

Now He was returning to heaven,  not to the accompaniment of angelic choirs heralding His victory or visibly celebrating His arrival. This might have been…but entry into His native realm was hidden from human eyes. 

The memory of the sight…their Lord rising, disappearing into a cloud…would stay with them, sustain them, hold them steady, keep them on the path through many a rough patch…a trial of faith, a test of endurance…until that day when they joined Him in glory, faithful to their last breath and secure in His promise. 

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

No, He had not failed in His mission. He had come, not to secure a kingdom among the nations. He had come, not to drive Rome from Israel’s borders…not to set up another empire to rival Rome. He had come to establish His throne in the hearts of His people, to atone for and remove sin…to breach the chasm between God and man…to restore what sin had destroyed…and He had completed everything to perfection. 

Only one thing remained…

“Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He was crowned King of kings and Lord of lords and given the nations as His reward. The Father appointed Him to reign in Zion. 

“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And fulfilled His promise…

“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And so, risen and ascended to the Father…to receive His reward

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He reigns, He will reign…

“For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet….When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭25‬, ‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

To be continued 

ACTS THE SEQUEL…THE PROMISE -1

Bible Study, ,

A“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The crucifixion saga was over. Jesus had died and risen. The story of His life was complete. He was ready to leave. What now?

Did the disciples think that Jesus would carry on as usual…walk with them…teach them…and continue His campaign of ushering in God’s kingdom? They waited for the next phase…and it came with terrifying reality. He was going, not staying, as they hoped! How were they ever to continue where He left off?

Impossible, but for one thing…one instruction…one promise…one hope! Wait! Wait…for the next chapter. 

In one sentence, Jesus reminded them of John’s words…”You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”  This, the culmination of all that had happened since they had met Him and followed Him. God was at work… to a perfect timetable and an eternal plan. 

Luke, a Gentile, a doctor…was chosen, in the Holy Spirit’s hand, to write a thoroughly researched and accurate record of Jesus at work through His Spirit. The Holy Spirit…who accompanied Jesus throughout His life, enabled Him to die an atoning death, and raised Him to life again…was coming…on them…to enable them to “be” Jesus to the world. 

They trusted Jesus’ promise. Why shouldn’t they? He had done everything He had said He would do…and they knew they were powerless without Him.  

What did they do while they waited…did they sit with folded hands and stare at the sky? No way! They worshipped! They praised! They celebrated with joy! They prayed! No matter how long it took, they were glad and waited with eager anticipation for what was to come. 

They had no idea of what lay ahead for them. Jesus had warned them of trouble…persecution…suffering…rejection. Their lives would follow the pattern of their Master. They would face trials and tests. Their faith would be stretched to the limit…but, like Jesus, the Holy Spirit in them would cushion them against all harm. Jesus would always be right there in the person of “His other self”. 

His peace would guard their hearts and minds from fear. His grace would provide the strength they needed to take the blows and not crumple. His presence would guarantee a sure outcome. His Word would be the sword and the seed to guarantee their victory.  

So…they waited…and the Spirit came…on time…just as Jesus had promised…unmistakable…unforgettable…in wind and fire!

To be continued

LUKE’S GOSPEL…THE END OF THE BEGINNING – 70

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“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬-‭53‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The story wasn’t finished. It had just begun.  

What a promise! Jesus’ final words to His disciples! Without this assurance, their mission would be a failure before they started. Guaranteed! 

Had they not proved, despite their years of intimate association with Jesus, that all He was…all He taught them…all He had done in their presence…could never rub off on them! Not even the joy that surged through them at that moment, would be able to sustain them…empower them…in the days to come. They must face the same torrent of abuse and rejection from their own people and the Roman world as their Master had faced…and overcome.  They must carry a message to the world that would be ridiculed and rejected or…embraced with joy and hope.  

What Jesus promised them at that moment was the same divine Presence and Energy that had sustained and empowered Him throughout His earthly life. He had endured and triumphed in the first test in the wilderness…alone…in His weakest physical moment…against His sworn, implacable enemy…and beaten him through the greatest power on earth…the Holy Spirit…who had come upon Him  and equipped Him with the Word…”It is written!”

Jesus was the Word! He lived the Word. He walked in the Word. He  taught the Word. He fought with the Word. He overcame all opposition by the Word, empowered by the Spirit who authored the Word. There was no greater promise…no greater guarantee…for these weak and vulnerable men, than that the Spirit would clothe them with unassailable authority and power to carry out their mandate and overcome against all odds…through the power of the Word. 

The disciples followed their Master’s instructions. They returned to Jerusalem, fully convinced of the promise. They spent their days in the temple, God’s ”house of prayer”, in fervent worship, joyful praise, and eager expectation.

The sequel…

Jesus said,”Wait!”…so they waited…one day…two days…three days…seven days…nine days…! How much longer? Ten days…and with it came the Feast of Pentecost…the ingathering of the harvest…and then it happened!

“Pentecost”, the last of the spring feasts of Israel, had “fully come”, the moment when the high priest poured water through “leavened bread”. 

What did this symbolise?

“Passover” was the picture of sacrifice…the atonement for sin…Jesus, the Passover Lamb. “Unleavened bread” symbolised the removal of sin…the blood of Jesus. “First fruits” heralded the promise of the harvest…Jesus, the first fruits of the resurrection. “Pentecost” celebrated the full harvest…resurrection to new life of all who believe…the Holy Spirit poured through imperfect people…

When the day of Pentecost had “fully come”, when the high priest had performed the final ritual of the water poured through leavened bread…

 “When the day of Pentecost (fully…Greek sumplereo – meaning “to swamp” or “ fill up” )came , they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Holy Spirit fell…“sumplereo”…. He ”swamped…filled up” all who were waiting for Him. The final spring feast, fulfilling all of Messiah’s mission to earth, was  accomplished…and the result was electrifying.  

Pandemonium broke out! Every single person from all over the known world, who had gathered in  Jerusalem for the feast, heard the message of God’s glory pouring from the lips of those who had been swamped by the wind and fire of the Spirit. 

What had just happened? Were these men drunk? Not likely! Not this early in the morning! Something much bigger than liquor had overwhelmed them. The watching crowd had never seen anything like this before.  

The disciples looked at Peter, nudged Peter…Peter the motormouth…Peter the coward…Peter the self-appointed spokesman…Peter stood up and began to speak! Not in a strange language but in the familiar tones of a Galilean, what came from his mouth was new…inspired…wisdom and truth from the holy book he now understood. By supernatural revelation and the overpowering Presence of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s words made sense of the chaotic scene. 

“This is God! This is prophecy at work! This is Eden undone! God has arrived to complete His plan. The Holy Spirit has returned to all mankind to live in and restore! Everything broken will be fixed…everyone sick will be healed. New life for all who believe in Jesus, our long-awaited Messiah!”

Then came the indictment! “You rejected Him! You condemned Him! You killed Him!” Peter’s words cut like a surgeon’s scalpel…right to the heart. 

“But God…” Divine intervention changed everything. 

“The message is for you…you who condemned Him…you who killed Him! This was God’s plan all along. Take heart. There is mercy. Come back to God’s way. You can all have a share in the blessing promised to Abraham!”

And they come…three thousand on one day! Jesus promised to build His church…the foundation laid…and the building began. 

The end of part 1.