Read Acts Chapter 2
Our study started with sharing verses from the bible that moved us or held a special meaning to us. Sharing how God speaks to us through His word is an intimate sharing among friends. How awesome you are.
So, did you answer the question...Have you ever been in a worship service or prayer group and sensed the Spirit moving in a powerful way? The group positively agreed that attending our Deeper services was one of the most Spirit charged experiences we had all shared alike.
This led us into trying to understand how the people at Pentecost must have reacted when the Holy Spirit arrived. Remember, Pentecost is 55 days after Passover. Christ had been crucified, had risen from the grave, and was among his disciples for 40 days. This means Christ had ascended approximately 12 -15 days before the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost.
The apostles and about 120 followers were in one place when a mighty, violent wind blowing in from heaven filled the whole house. They saw what looked like tongues of fire that separated and come to rest on each of them. All were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in other languages.
In Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost, the area was packed full of people from all over, speaking various languages. These visitors were perplexed at hearing their own language spoken by these people from Galilee. They accused them of being drunk early in the morning. But Peter spoke up and said no, we aren't drunk...this is what was spoken of by the prophet Joel, and he then recited the words of Joel.
Peter then reminded them of how Jesus was put to death by them, but God resurrected him as told by David. And received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what the people were seeing and hearing. Peter further told of David's remarks "The Lord said to my Lord; Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet". Christ was at the right hand of God.
The people were cut to the heart and wanted to know what to do and Peter said, "Repent and be baptized...." Those who accepted his message were baptized...about 3000 were added to their number that day.
We discussed the similarities in Exodus 32:28 when Moses came off the mountain with God's commandments and found the people running wild and worshiping the golden calf, and Aaron totally loosing control of the people. That day the law was delivered to the people and 3000 died because of their sin. Likewise, when the law was replaced with the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit was given, 3000 were saved.
The new Christians then went from home to home, sharing all they had. They were filled with awe and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They gave to one another, daily met together in the temple courts, broke bread in their homes, ate together and were glad and sincere.
This is the purest definition of fellowship. Our small groups are filled with this kind of Christian union... as we gather together and have everything in common.
Pray for one another. Commit to being with one another. Forgive one another. Love one another. Let the Holy Spirit invade your space. There is nothing you can do that will keep His love away - nothing!
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