Acts Chapter one
Luke, the writer of the gospel of Luke, writes the book of Acts. Luke was a companion of Paul as well as a follower of Jesus.
In verse 3 you must catch that Luke writes with the confidence that Christ has risen from the dead and proved it for 40 days. The phrase Luke uses is “infallible proofs”. These writings are not centuries from the events but years from the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Many could still testify to the authenticity of the writing of Luke. Don’t place the Bible in a religious category that does not have historical value and or accuracy. It is truth in every way!
Christ tells His followers to wait on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The word baptism means the immersion of the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit indwells and empowers the believer. Nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to be baptized in the Spirit. Many religious people get off track by seeking something greater than salvation. Now there is a deeper walk in the Spirit, and a better life in the Spirit, but salvation is the event that brings the Spirit, and so now we are commanded and directed to live in the Spirit we received at salvation. There will be more on this topic in days to come.
Jesus ascends up into heaven and the disciples are told to wait for the Holy Spirit. So what do they do? They have a business meeting without the Holy Spirit. A Church meeting without the Spirit is a dangerous thing. They chose a replacement for Judas during the meeting and the choice was Matthias. Not much is said of Matthias from this spot on. Some believe this was done out of the will of God.
We must be people who wait for God to show up and give us clear direction. There are many commands and directives we can be doing that are clearly stated. For example we should not pray too long on the topic of ‘should I be a witness or help take the gospel to the world?’. But there are times we need to wait on God, to open and/or close a door for us.
As we start Acts together and journey through the start of the church age, let us ask God to give us wisdom to be His church empowered by His Spirit and guided in His work.
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