The Book of Acts is a record of the Early Church Apostles and how they continued the ministry of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and eventually into the entire Gentile World.  It is a book full of inspiring history, that reminds us why we are here today as worshippers of Jesus Christ.  This fearless group of men and women including Peter and Paul, were tenacious and determined in the face of persecution to rise up and be the witnesses of Jesus Christ as they were commanded in Acts 1.  But they would not have been able to accomplish any of these “Acts” without the endowment and outpouring of the Holy Spirit into their lives, homes and communities.

This Baptism of the Holy Spirit was an extension of the ministry of Jesus, an experience distinct from salvation and it is clear that it is still available to every one of us who would so desire it.   In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus appears to His disciples and commands them to be witnesses of Him, but to first wait for the Holy Spirit.  This is the first thing we learn in Acts.  We should be EXPECTING to receive the power of the Holy Spirit.  How do we raise this expectation, this confidence of receiving a divine enablement and empowerment for witnessing.  Build confidence in the promise, that He will meet you .  Develop courage to obey HIs promptings and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Sensitivity to His conviction will also keep you reminded of His presence and purpose for your life.

After commanding the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, Jesus will meet them on a mountain and will ascend into heaven, promising them all authority to be His witnesses.  The apostles would gaze in awe and wonder at this moment, as any one of us would, but there are two angels explaining that Jesus will return again, in the very same way.  This is another lesson from Acts 1.  We should be ANTICIPATING the immanent return of Christ (1 These. 4;13-18; Titus 2;11-14). This is our blessed hope, the hope of the church.  Jesus’ feet will touch the ground just as He lifted them here in Acts 1.  (Zechariah 14). Paul explains that His second coming will be in the twinkling of an eye, a moment, a split second, and He raptures His church.  There will be a coming of the lawless one, an antichrist that will produce a great falling away.  So it is vital for you to remain with anticipation, living in light of His return.

After Jesus, ascended, the apostles and early believers gathered together, they assembled in prayer in the upper room and began to establish a strategy of leadership and movement.    They would meet houses, send out missionaries, teach the scriptures and most definitely pray and provide for the needs of their new found family of faith.  This teaches us one final lesson.  We should be ESTABLISHING the church.  Let’s not forsake it but pursue it.  There should be diligence in our devotion to the teachings of our leadership.  There should be compassion and empathy, a sharing of one’s resources with those in need.  Take time to eat, drink and do life with those who share in your faith and remember that this is God’s church, His bride, and we are meant to be beautiful, holy and ready for HIs coming! 

So, today, what is quenching your hunger and expectation for the Holy Spirit?  Are you ready for the return of Christ?  Is there anything that causes you fear in your heart?  What keeps you from gathering with other believers, and devoting your time and life to a local church?  Did you know that Jesus is preparing for His retun, interceding for every one of us and reigning over the earth sovereignly.  Let Jesus comfort you today, and expect His Holy Spirit to be with you, anticipate His return, and establish yourself with other Christ Followers.