Simplify: The Secret of the Church of Acts Part V

Acts 2New King James Version (NKJV)

Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord[a] in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Today, as we continue to look at the book of Acts focusing on the concept of ONE. We see a second time in the Book of acts we see the phrase ONE accord. And not only were they in ONE accord, they were also gathered in ONE place. In verse two the verse starts with the phrase, “and suddenly”. When the disciples where gathered in ONE place, with ONE purpose, with love for ONE another, with their eyes on the ONE who is Lord, what happened was that suddenly God showed up. Not only did He showed up, but He showed out. When was the last time you were in a church when a rushing mighty wind filled the place and divided tongues as of fire came on everyone? 

Both individually and corporately we need some “and suddenly” moments. Moments when God shows up and shows out. But why do we not see it today? Why would God show up and place his glory and power on group of people who are full of doubt, self-reliant, and divided. We have this crazy tendency to read the Bible and see moments like the one described above, knowing that we are not seeing things like this in our church and lives, and say to ourselves what is wrong with God, has He left us.? There is nothing wrong with God or His Holy Spirit. He is still with us, but the problem is us! Remember, when Peter got arrested, the church got together and prayed as ONE, and what happened, God showed up. This weekend, I am going to preach on Hezekiah, when the Assyrians surrounded Jerusalem, Hezekiah declares to the people of Israel that we are going to stand as ONE and trust God for deliverance and what happened, God showed up. 

I know if God has done it once, He can do it again. I know if God did it for someone else, He can do it for me. If God poured out His glory and power once, He can pour it out again. He does not always do things the same way, He is original, but I think He is in the wings waiting to do it again. I think the problem is His people have settled. His people are busy going about their lives. His people are afraid of looking like a fool if God doesn’t show up.

So what does this have to do with me you ask? The power of ONE Can become contagious. If ONE person chooses unity, it can start a chain reaction. If ONE person seeks His face, others will join. Like Paul told Timothy, I don’t care what others are doing, you stay the course. God is looking for ONE who will pray with crazy faith, believe with crazy faith, and love with crazy faith! God you have our permission to show up and do it again!