Acts 10.34, 36, 39-40, 42-44 (NIV) - “Then Peter began to speak: ‘[...]You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. [...] ‘We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen…He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.”
“‘When Jesus came, he did not drive a Mercedes or live in a palace. He fed the poor and he healed the sick, and he did not fit into our system. So we took Jesus and killed him. And we said, “Good, now we don’t have to worry about Jesus any more.”
‘But Jesus was not just another man dying for another cause. He was also God’s Son. And because of that, Jesus was stronger than death. He came back to life and rose from the dead and, because of that, I am not ashamed to say that I love God.‘
Again I felt the supernatural power of God falling upon the audience.” (David Pierce, Rock Priest, p. 18)
As we share the Good News with others, may we recognize the Holy Spirit coming upon those who hear the message. Rather than seeking to pursuade or to impress… may we seek to be led by the Spirit of God for the sake of those who need to experience the power of the gospel. This is a mission of life and death. We are not recruiting for a club or peddling the latest life improvement product… we are servants of God Almighty… offering what only He can do… God who gives life to those who are dead. May the supernatural power of God fall upon those who are listening to our message. As we preach the gospel, spread the Good News and share our testimonies, may we see many raised to new life in Christ by the power of God’s Spirit!
-JP
