TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:7-8
Read: Acts 1:7-8
Listen: Acts 1
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Immediately before Jesus ascends to heaven, he tells his small group of followers that they will soon receive the power of the Holy Spirit. This power will allow them to be his witnesses as the Jesus-message begins to spread “to the ends of the earth.” That the message spreads doesn’t surprise the apostles—but how it spreads was beyond what they could believe. The Holy Spirit was evident every step of the way.
The Jesus-message begins in Jerusalem at the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit falls on the believers. As evidenced by a violent wind, “tongues of fire” resting on them and the ability to speak in previously unknown languages (Acts 2:1-4)—God is moving with something new. God continues to move as the persecuted church flees Jerusalem and goes to Samaria. People believe there and receive the Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Then, the near-impossible happens as Gentiles become Jesus-followers. When they do, the Spirit again arrives (Acts 10:44-46). A short time later, God is on the move in Ephesus, and the Spirit again arrives.
God wanted to be known in Ephesus, and he wants to be known in Grand Rapids. It should prompt us to ask, “What is God doing today, and how can I be a part?”
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider how you, your family or small group can be a part of what God is doing in Grand Rapids. Find some ways to be active in God’s work here in the Grand Rapids area at this link.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 1 Timothy 4.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
