Acts of the Holy Spirit

As Jesus ascended into heaven, the physical presence of the Creator of the world changed. The messengers of the Lord, angels, told the disciples there to await the gift that would be given to them. They waited. Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the presence of the Lord came to them in a mighty way; the Holy Spirit indwelling in those who serve and have fellowship with their King.

At Pentecost, the Spirit came to the people, empowering them to speak in many languages that they never knew and guiding them to do as Jesus commissioned them; to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Soon, the people of God were showing Jesus by their actions. John and Peter healed a lame man, Stephen and Philip performed miracles, the apostles and disciples were scattered by both persecution and choice as they spread the Good News of Jesus.

John and Peter, after healing the lame man, were arrested and questioned by the Sadducees; those who opposed the truth of Jesus' resurrection. Peter spoke powerfully to these men, saying, "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."

The theme of his message was the power of the risen Christ made manifest in the healing of the lame man, so says St. John Chrysostom. So, then should the theme of our lives be the power of the risen Christ made manifest in our action. The Acts of the Holy Spirit continue to take place through those who know The Lord. His resurrection is everlasting and for all the people. Our King is living and active, he chooses to act through his people whom he has empowered to do good works, to love, to have faith, to have hope. The church, living in the kingdom of God, seek to expand its borders by how we serve our King.

Walk up to the chariot as Philip did in Acts 8.

Eat and laugh with Zacchaeus as Jesus did in Luke 19.

Encourage Lydia and her companions as Luke, Paul, and others in Acts 16.

Speak out against evil and atrocity as Paul and Silas in Acts 16, rejoice as the Lord will prevail.

Get up, leave your comfort of tax collecting as Matthew in his own Gospel, chapter 9.

Trust God and go, as Moses in Exodus.

Look around today, who do you see manifesting Jesus by their actions? In your city, in your community, in your household, who shows the power of the resurrected Jesus? Lift those up and encourage them, for our commission is great and tough, but the road shall be traveled as we, the church, journey together and expand the kingdom's borders by the power of Jesus' resurrection. His life is in us and his eternal life is here. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all this will be given to you as well.

For we go ever onward in his majesty's service and fellowship. Let the theme of your life be the power of the risen Christ made manifest in all you do.