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In Order. Calling All God-Lovers

November 16, 2017. Acts 1-3.

 

The name Theophilus actually means God-Lover. We aren’t really sure if Luke, the author of Acts was addressing the individual person or person(s) here. So, for this blogs sake let’s go with the plural.

Jesus still the teacher, places a call out to all who are lovers of God to be His witnesses in His absence!

(Acts 1:8) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 

With Jesus’ ascension to heaven He leaves His followers with a helper. The Holy Spirit would soon come to them with His role to equip and fill each believer with their special role in the ministry of Christ. There was a unity, immediate obedience, and desperate prayers by these faithful followers. And it would seem they already knew what the Lord would have them to do, because of His word.

The book of Acts has been called the book of the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 2:2, 4) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The disciples of Jesus must have felt and been empty as they watched Jesus leave them. All the better to be completely filled with the Holy Spirit after His departure. 

As followers of Jesus there is access to the Holy Spirit. And the ability to be filled where there is emptiness, lack of strength and when courage is needed to share and live for Him wholeheartedly.

Did you notice the difference in Peter as he begins to preach? He has a new confidence and boldness as he stands in unashamed belief of Jesus.

God calls us to a daily fellowship, of joy and simplicity for all to see as we praise Him.

We are to do and share these things, repent of sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

(Acts 3:26) To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. 

So, focus first on God Himself, be practical in deed. And as you tell your world of Christ, you’ll find He’ll meet your need! –Jill Briscoe

There is a call to all who love God! 

A call to share, care, and a dare to stand for something bigger than the moment of today! 

He has sent a teacher, guide, and revealer of truth, intercessor, and the conviction of sin through His Spirit, to equip us for this journey as God’s lovers.

(Acts 2:39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.

Terri Hill

Terri has placed her hope and faith in the Lord Jesus, and is grateful to be a wife, the mother to four amazing children, and finds joy in her practically perfect, three grandchildren! ...more