The Holy Spirit is Here! week 2

As we learned last week, without the “power from on high,” we can do nothing. Fortunately for us, The Holy Spirit is here!

Last week, we saw 3000 give their lives to Christ. This is the start of something big, something that is still transforming lives thousands of years later. There is a movement happening and we get to be a part of it! Christ had to go so the Great Counselor could come. The Spirit is our Emmanuel living within us! This power makes all things possible for those who believe.

Let’s keep going.

Acts Chapter 3 reads;

“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ² Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

See people right where they are. 

⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

I have several thoughts.

• This gate called “Beautiful” reminds me of heaven. Except, we know, with God, all are welcome. This struggling human sat outside as others went in to worship. I imagine them passing by not even noticing him. How often have we driven passed the same guy holding his sign at the intersection? But Peter and John did notice him. They not only noticed him, they saw him and asked him to see them back. When you look in a person’s eyes, there is soul connection. They had a moment.
• Then, they gave him something more valuable. They healed him in the Name of Jesus Christ. There is power in the name. They did not ask if he believed. They commanded him to ‘walk.” And he did.
• They helped him, so he went with them into the temple. All the people were going into the temple, except this person. Now in his healing, he can enter in. Have you ever felt excluded or left out at church? What if our churches could be a place of healing? Or even a place of community where healing is offered and received?
• “they were filled with wonder…” Wonder is our gateway to God. 

There is no greater name than Jesus.

Jesus showed us the way through his relationship with God and others. He then began teaching us about the power that comes from on high and how it glorifies God. Now, the disciples are doing the same. They see people right where they are, introducing them to a real live relationship with God through Jesus. And with the power of the Holy Spirit, they are able to heal us of our infirmities in the Name of Jesus. These are the greater things Jesus tells us about. These are the very things we are to be doing today. Introducing others to this relationship can change their lives. Live your faith and embrace the Holy Spirit within you. Be a part of a community of believers that loves Jesus and others.

The question is still the same, “Are we doing those greater things?”

Let us pray;

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, show us your ways. Help us to see each other, include each other and heal each other. May your name always be glorified. Amen. 

P.S. Leave me a comment because I love hearing from you. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe to my website. Post this message on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, embrace the Holy Spirit within you! -M