Cut to the Heart - And you're to blame...(music note, music note, ...)

Acts 2-5

In chapter 2 the focus is NOT the fire, the focus is the TONGUES. Babel (Genesis 11) has fallen. Peter quotes from Joel 2:28. And 3000 new members are added after a fairly short sermon. More effects and less talk seem to make a difference here! This is the story of US and how to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit.

The power of the NAME of Jesus is shown in chapter 3 ("in the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk"). Have you ever tried that on anyone for anything? That is Bold - with a capital B. Even when questioned by the authorities, Peter gives another compelling and very short sermon. Did you notice that the age of the man who was healed is given? 40 years means a long time (40 days and nights of rain, 40 years in the wilderness, 40 days on the mount of temptation). The man had been crippled for a long time, thus making the miracle even more miraculous. In chapter 4, verse 4 the number of Christians is now at 5000.

Chapter 4 ends with a prayer for BOLDNESS. And they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit. When was the last time prayer filled you with boldness? Can you imagine what would happen if "the place in which" we are gathered ever started to "shake"?

It also ends with the introduction of Barnabas, who we will hear more about later. Verse 36 inserts that his name means "son of encouragement". However, this is a Jew from the diaspora (Cyprus), and his name could mean "Son of Nebo" (Bar: Son, Nabas: Nebo) - a Babylonian deity. Look up what Barabbas means (Son of the Father). Nebo was the Babylonian god of wisdom and writing.

In chapter 5 no grace is shown to people who "lie to the Holy Spirit" (verse 3). Judgement is harsh and immediate. What if we as a society believed that to be true? We seem to get by with a lot today.

The last 25 verses of chapter 5 shows increasing rage by those "in charge". Can you imagine being flogged and rejoicing? And no force is necessary to bring the apostles to trial. The officers are fearful of being "stoned".

There are a lot of rocks in Israel. I hope that one day you will be able to go and see what is called the 5th Gospel, the land of Israel.

Tomorrow Waddy and I are picking up my parents in Georgetown, Texas and taking them to Fredericksburg for a couple of days. We are staying at Abend Haus - a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. It is my birthday! Happy birthday to me!

Keep in touch.