pentecost

Dr. G . Visscher preached in our church yesterday, in his usual arresting manner.  My little ones were covering their ears as he raised his voice, and I ....I was convicted... and reassured.

He spoke about Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came as tongues of fire to rest on the heads of the apostles.  He spoke of the early church.  He spoke of how the signs of a true church were apparent.  These signs can be applied to us as individual christians, families, and churches.  It is good to reflect on this and to realize how horribly we fall short.

1.  A Love for Learning:  

devotion to learning.  Passionate people wanting desperately to know who the Christ was.  What did His death mean? What did His ressurection mean? The ascension? Pentecost? What was the impact?

Me?   Guilty...

2. A Fervor for Fellowship:  

3000 people connected by the Spirit, a sharing of God the Father, the Son as Saviour, and the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit uniting all regardless of age, sex, talent, riches. Not a collection of friends, colleagues, similar people.  Koinonia, sharing, generously, having each other's best interest at heart.   Mutual admiration and love of Jesus Christ.

Caring within our families, our community, nationally and globally.

Me?  Guilty...

3.  Willingness to Worship: 

Feeling privelidged, "everyone filled with awe".  Profound Joy in the thought that the Son of God came for me and you!  The breaking of bread, each empty  hand raised and filled.  Praying together.  The chief exercise of faith.

Me? Guilty ....

4.  Eagerness for Evangelism: 

"There was added to their number daily".  Full hearts overflowing.  Sharing that which the heart is full of.

Me? Guilty .....

On all four counts? 

Guilty,

but not condemned. 

Redeemed

Thank you Lord, for faithful preachers

for faithful churches!