Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
A CONGREGATION BUILT BY THE SPIRIT THROUGH THE WORD
The Apostle Peter did not have a fancy church building in which to deliver his sermon on the day of Pentecost, but by the evening hours quite a congregation had gathered. When Peter finally called it a night, in fact, the membership had reached some 3,000 and would continue to grow in future days.
How was it that this church could be built up so quickly?
The Holy Spirit had begun the construction work earlier that day by coming to Jesus' disciples at a house in Jerusalem. He came upon them in a special way with a sound like rushing wind and with what seemed to be tongues of fire that came to rest on them. With the Spirit's presence, a special gift of being able to speak in other languages was also given to them. Then the disciples went out and used that gift to speak about the Lord Jesus. Peter in particular addressed the people, telling them that they had crucified the Lord of Glory and urging them to repent and trust in the Risen One through whom they had forgiveness of sins and salvation for their souls.
In this way then the Spirit rapidly gathered the hearts of the 3,000: He prepared some to speak the good news of Christ. He sent them out to speak. And then through that word He changed the minds of many and brought them to faith in their Savior.
The Spirit used the word of God to persuade, convince, call, gather, and enlighten. The word was His tool for building the church that day. The word is still His tool--the powerful and effective means for capturing souls, winning them for Christ. Use it. Trust it.
