Wind and Fire-Then and Now

This is the emessage that was sent to God's people at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. The scripture text is Acts 2:1-21. I used only part of the passage.

I know I am not alone in thinking this way, but have you ever been awestruck by the manifestation of the works of God in the book of Acts? Miracles were happening all over the place. It's no wonder the church grew exponentially!

There are well meaning Christians of other denominations who would tell us that the age of miracles was completed when the canon of scripture was put together, but is really?

Neal D. Presa takes on this scripture text from Acts in the blog, The Hardest Question, http://thq.wearesparkhouse.org/yearb/pentecostnt-2/. Here are but a few things he mentioned.

1. This is Pentecost in God's world. The Holy Spirit is on the move. Everything is shaken. We should not be surprised that the "tectonic plates of our fixed expectations and calcified thoughts need to be shaken up and stirred."

2. Everything's at Stake. The Spirit's presence and power demonstrate God's total rule and the summoning of the praise of everyone in everyplace on heaven and earth. God has been drawing to himself a people so that all creation will be drawn to God's self, "a total, complete, comprehensive reconciliation.

3. What is the hardest question? The church is changing. When God acts, people respond in amazement, perplexity and they try to interpret and understand what is going on. With everything on the line, will history repeat itself in our generation? Is the church, are we "ever beyond the point of Spiritual reanimation?" I pray not.

God has promised a mighty outpouring of His Holy Spirit. It happened on Pentecost and continued to happen throughout Acts and the history of God's church.

Dear Lord, help us to have open minds and hearts to the work you wish to accomplish in and through us. In Jesus' mighty name we pray. Amen.

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