The Holy Spirit helped move the disciples from fearful to bold. At the Last Supper, Jesus had predicted that all the disciples would desert Him. Peter responded by declaring that He never would, and the other disciples vowed the same. (Mat. 26:31-15). At Jesus’ arrest, all the disciples scattered. Peter followed Jesus to the courtyard …
In the events of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit goes from an external presence to internal power. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came selectively, often only temporarily, upon God’s people. Some examples of this are: God sent the Spirit for a specific purpose for a specific time. Jesus Promised the Spirit John …
Unity in transition is the miracle unfolding after Jesus’ ascension, in which believers find themselves between promise and fulfillment, waiting yet together. Acts 2:1On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place.[1] Before the sound of the wind filled the house and before flames of fire rested on their heads, …
After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples were living between promise and return. They watched Jesus ascend and disappear into the clouds. It seems they were stunned into inaction. Acts 1: 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here …
Even though Jesus returned to heaven, He is still the King who still leads. Luke tells us where Jesus ascended and that He blessed the disciples as He left. Luke 24: 50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and …
Just before ascending back to heaven, Jesus gave His followers a mission. They were called to go and tell the Gospel. Acts 1: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends …
God reframed the disciples’ expectations as Jesus answered their questions before His ascension. Acts 1:6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they …
Jesus commanded His followers to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit before He ascended into heaven. Jesus emphasized the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit rather than rushing ahead. Luke 24:49And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy …
Faith is tested by the choices we make, as seen in Naomi’s daughters-in-law. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to head back home to Bethlehem. The three women readied themselves for the trip and started down the road. Ruth 1:8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back …
God’s mercy still calls us home even when we have experienced failure. Scripture tells us this repeatedly. This very fact gives insight into the heart of God, our Good Shepherd, who never tires of calling lost sheep back to the fold. As the book of Ruth unfolds, we see this very story of God’s heart …