On that day of Pentecost, three thousand souls received the word and were baptized. This was undoubtedly the work of God’s Holy Spirit, and this is what the Bible says the new disciples did after being put into Christ:
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.” Acts 2:42-43
They saturated themselves in God’s word, in His presence, and in prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; this is what we experience when we are constantly dwelling in the presence of our awesome God. These great number of new disciples did not just automatically know how to immerse themselves into God’s presence through His word, fellowship, and prayer. This pattern was already firmly established in the upper room, and new followers of Christ simply followed what was spiritually and solidly in place.
“These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer…” Acts 1:14)
It started with a few and multiplied exponentially. Whatever spiritual pattern we set is what is replicated. What we read here in Acts is the heart of discipleship. This is how we disciple others. Not with better programs but by continually devoting ourselves to prayer and engaging others to do the same.
In Luke 11 Jesus was teaching his disciples about prayer. At the end, towards verse 13, Jesus says, “how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Jesus wasn’t teaching about the Holy Spirit here, He was teaching about asking for what we need — ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. And what do we receive as we continue to ask, seek, and pray? Jesus said it is the Holy Spirit!
This is the heart of how we wait eagerly. Those reading and praying along through the notes from this week, continually devote yourselves to prayer. “Always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). And pray not only alone but with others — often. If you haven’t already, signup to join or host a weekly prayer group. Let’s ensure prayer is the starting place for everything – for discipleship, direction, unity…everything. Let’s be devoted to setting the right spiritual pattern for when God multiplies our body of believers.
Please also continue reading and praying through the books of Acts. This is where we will be heading for our next series in the adult service. Pray that God’s Spirit will work and root deeply His truth and vision for us as a church family as we go through the book of Acts together.
Please also join us tonight from 7PM to 9PM as we share, process, and conclude together in an evening of Praise & Prayer this amazing week of prayer and fasting. See you there!
