The Spirit Is On the Move
At Pentecost, Jesus gave his spirit to his followers. When we receive Jesus into our lives, he gives us his Spirit.
In the Bible, the book of Acts is the story of the Spirit “on the move”. From these stories, we learn how to live by the Spirit and why the Spirit is important.
Paul is a model for us. In Acts, we watch the Spirit guide Paul on his mission, bringing the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles. The Spirit counsels, comforts and empowers Paul.
If we are going to be alive in our service, our mission, our ministry for Jesus, we need to pay attention to the Spirit.
During May, I preached two sermons from the 16th chapter of Acts. I find Paul’s ventures in the city of Philippi are compelling. Here are a few lessons I take away from this chapter:
- Listen to the Spirit. Paul had his agenda. He knew where he wanted to go, but something prevented him. He kept praying and listening. The answer came. “Come to Macedonia!”
- Stay active and engaged. Paul was on the move. He learned from his actions and circumstances what God was doing.
- Your mission is likely to be outside the church. It was Paul’s custom to begin his work in a new place in the local synagogue. But in Philippi, he does it differently. He goes out to meet people where they are. In conversation with Lydia, a merchant in the city, Paul shares the good news. The text says that God opened her heart and Lydia becomes a believer and is baptized.
- Some of the people you meet are already inclined to believe. We are told Lydia was a worshiper of God. She was seeking, drawn to God, but not yet identifying herself with God’s people. Paul’s witness helped her take the next step.
- Many people live with frustration and fear in their work and in their lives. When Paul and Silas are put in prison, they live the good news, being at peace and singing in a fearful situation. When an earthquake unlocks their cells, the jailer is afraid. Paul and Silas answer his questions, share the good news of Jesus and he too believes and is baptized.
- When someone gives their life to Jesus, the Spirit gives them a generous heart and a readiness to serve. After receiving Jesus, both Lydia and the jailer care for Paul and invite him into their homes.
People who write about culture today tell us there are many people like Lydia and the jailer in our culture -- people seeking God, in need of God. They are seeking in many places.
Is God leading you or our church to help others be connected to God? Maybe it is a co-worker, neighbor, friend or family member. Where is the Spirit leading you? Stay tuned, stay attentive, keep listening. Many today are interested in Jesus but not the church. God’s mission for us is, “Go into the world …” (Matthew 28:19) Where is the Spirit leading you?
Faithfully,
Pastor Leon