Читать книгу @stickyJesus - Toni Birdsong - Страница 21

The book of Acts explains the mysteries of Pentecost in a similar way, only in Holy Spirit terms. Acts is the account of the beginning and spread of Christianity. It's a book that would not exist without the infusion, guidance, power, and protection of the Holy Spirit. Acts bridges the gap between the Jesus of history (Jesus preaching in the Gospels) and the Jesus of faith (the risen Christ being preached in the Epistles). It's an exciting moment in Christian history that explains exactly how the messenger (you) becomes central to the communication of the message even today as you sit in front of a computer screen:

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"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit a nd began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

.........................................Acts 2:1-4, NIV.........................................

Filled and enabled by the Holy Spirit, Peter took to the streets along with the other anointed disciples; and with astonishing boldness and authority, he preached to the crowds that gathered.

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"With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." ......................................Acts 2:40-41, NIV......................................

Simply through hearing, more than three thousand people confessed Christ that day. The disciples didn't form a committee, write a communication plan, or hold a big conference (complete with a worship band) to figure out how to share the most incredible message in the world. They told the crowd who Jesus was and how everyone within earshot could receive forgiveness, salvation, and the same Holy Spirit power that had lit up all of them. They walked onto the dusty streets of Jerusalem with believing hearts and the willingness to be consumed with and led by the Holy Spirit. God could have done this without the disciples. Supernatural is supernatural. He could have let loose a light show on the streets of Jerusalem that day that would have left the masses speechless. But He loved us too much to leave us out of His story and His glory. He was and is a God of relationship, love, and community. He wants to raise His kids by experiential relationship, not dead religion.

The same holds true today. God doesn't need you to share your faith to save the world. There's no cape required. He's almighty. He can touch any heart at any moment, anywhere, in any way He chooses. The glory and gift of this holy equation are that He has called you. He's called you out of your stunted, insular self and into a limitless and vast relationship with Him. He will do a holy work in you and others each time you recount that story. Now that's a transformational mission worth logging on for.

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 God designed you to be connected to Him and to others.

 People yearn for relationships that stick.

  Social media tools have created new platforms that connect the world. Are you logged on?

  The Good News is the stickiest—most lasting—story ever told.

  Jesus was constantly logged on to the Father's heart.

  Jesus cared about hearts, not a head count.

  Because Jesus was connected to God, He was able to do all things.

  You have the privilege of sharing the story that will stick to every generation.

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Dear Lord,

Nothing in this world lasts except Your love. Help me know that love so intimately that I can't keep it to myself. Teach me to speak with Your love, respond with Your hands, and think with Your mind when I am ministering to others and living out my life authentically online. Form the relationships that You desire in my life. I am all Yours. Your truth has stuck to every generation. Thank You for allowing me to be a messenger of that truth. Quicken me, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, to handle this message with confidence, courage, and care in every situation. Help me see the people behind the pictures and tune my heart in to see the "post behind the post." Your message adheres and bonds hearts to You. So, direct me when to speak and when to be silent. I commit to You today that I will bow to the power of Your Holy Spirit; I will decrease as Your Holy Spirit increases in me. I expect, anticipate, and welcome divine appointments online today. Amen.