Acts 1-3 : Let's Roll the Dice

Acts 1-10 is responsible for much of current day and historical discussion of how the Holy Spirit works and what it looks like for a new believer to receive the Holy Spirit. Questions like why don't we see the Church (notice the big C - meaning all those that follow Christ) growing like it did in Acts, should all believers be able to speak in tongue's, or why don't we see miracle headings are common after reading through this book. Acts 2 is responsible for a lot of what well known author Shane Claiborne wrote on in "The Irresistible Revolution"concerning communal living. There are a lot of great resources out there to read more about these things and I would encourage you to do so. They are most certainly worth thinking about, but I will focus in on just 3 things that really stuck out to me. Here they are:

1. How crazy is it that the disciple chosen to replace Judas Iscariot got his spot at the table by the roll of the dice? Maybe we should do the same when considering new people joining our bible study. Weston, if we roll a 7 (God's perfect and holy number) this week that is how we will know that you are chosen by God. On a more serious note, this actually is biblical. Jesus's disciples were clearly aware of God's sovereignty when rolling the die. Make no mistake, they were not putting this decision to chance.  Check this out:

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." Proverbs 16:33 

And then there were 12. How about them apple's? Don't let anyone tell you that Christians are boring. Tell them that we role dice to make big life decisions. (I would run that idea by the elders at hope before you take this to heart)

2. How unbelievably power words from the Lord out of our own mouths can be!! You might be thinking that this guy Peter was something special. Let's be honest. Ready what Peter said. No gimmicks, no jokes, no thoughtful analogies, just something straight out of the Old Testament and about how they were responsible for the death of God in the flesh (talk about a guilt trip). After it was all said and done about 3,000 people came to Christ! Something to shoot for? Here are a few encouraging texts:

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10

"When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour." Matthew 10:19

God is and has created opportunities all over the place for us to share the gospel. It is not an accident that we work where we do and enjoy the hobbies that we do. God has planned all of this and all he is waiting for us to do is to engage in getting to know people, love them, trust Christ, and speak. I pray that we may all have opportunities to take part in the greatest decision anyone can make to give their life to Christ after hearing the gospel! It could happen this week or it could be the beginning of a long road to Christ, but either way God is giving us the opportunity to be apart of it. 

3. How fellowship is the means by which God blesses us, encourages us, and draws people to himself. These people in Acts were blest because they had everything in common. I don't think the author is being literal about this. What he means by "having everything in common" is everyone had the Holy Spirit, a new found love for Christ, a desire for others to know him, a realization they were brothers and sisters by the blood of Christ, and a common purpose to life. Everything else was so secondary to this and they all chipped in. Their money, their living space, their study, and their worship were all focused on Christ. Of course it wasn't perfect, but that is the kind of effect God can have on us and the kind of fellowship that can be created. I don't know about you, but having people that are like family and got your back is never a bad thing. 

Well, I hope everyone had a great week and keep praying for one another as we persevere in working our way to Revelations!