Here's some of what stood out to me from Acts chapter 2 this morning:
* v1 - "they were all together in one place"
- The disciples had done exactly what Jesus had told them to do...remain together and waiting for the Holy Spirit. I'm convinced one of the greatest barriers to God's movement is a lack of obedience to do what Jesus has told us to do.
* v12 - "Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, 'What does this mean?'"
- Great moves of God should bring with them a sense of awe and wonder. I've been amazed at what God has been doing in and through our church.
* v14 - "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd..."
- One of the roles of a leader is to stand up and help people to understand exactly what this move of God means. I'm challenged today that part of my role in leadership is to discern what God is up to in our church and explain it to others in a way that points them to Christ.
* v18 - "Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days..."
- One of my favorite verses in the Bible. The Spirit of God is not exclusive, but inclusive. The call of God is a call to both men and women.
* v37 - "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do.'"
- The preaching of Jesus should always work in people's hearts and should call them to ask the question, "What shall we do." Preaching must always lead to action.
* v39 - "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call."
- Peter is talking about us when he says, "all who are far off"...I like that part.
* v42-47
- A great example of what the church should look like: teaching the Bible, genuine community, prayer, compassion, evangelism.