And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (Acts 11:15-18)
The manifestation of the Spirit is not always as dramatic as Pentecost or other times of prophecy or tongues but the Spirit always comes to those who repent of their sins and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. The water baptism which follows demonstrates that which we already have in that with our faith and the filling of the Spirit we are dead to the world, and risen with Christ to walk in newness of life just as Cornelius was. Peter’s obedience to the Spirit’s commands expanded the emphasis of the message and the spreading of the Gospel to both Jew and Gentile.
God’s people must have a proper understanding of the role and personhood of the Spirit of God. He is not just the power of God but equally God with the Father and the Son. He gives gifts as He wills not as we will and indwells the believer that they may be equipped and guided through the Word of God, encouraged and comforted in times of need, and enabled by His might to accomplish His purpose in us to grow believers and reach others for Christ. The message of hope in Jesus Christ is for all and God’s Church is commissioned and commanded to go with the Gospel where the Spirit sends that all who will hear might believe.
God calls all His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet