Life on Fire 2


The experience on the Day of Pentecost after the resurrection is considered to be the birth of the Christian church that we are familiar with today.  The Holy Spirit descended on the gathering of believers and in that moment they were given power and authority and ability to preach the word of God to all the world.

In response to some skepticism in the crowd after hearing the believers speaking in various languages Peter explains the purpose of Christ’s ministry.  After Peter preached what was the reaction of the crowd?  What does Peter tell them to do?  What assurance does he give?  How far does this assurance go?

After the death and resurrection of Jesus the disciples were living in fear and avoiding contact with most of society.  But when the Spirit came upon them they were given a new boldness to speak about what they had witnessed.  Peter was able to stand in front of a large crowd and bear witness to the life and teaching of Jesus.  His preaching was so moving that the crowd was “cut to the heart.”  They knew they had to do something about their spiritual life.

Peter instructed them to repent of their sins, to be baptized in the new faith, and then they would also receive the Holy Spirit.  This invitation of the Spirit would not only change their lives and give them the promise of eternal life, but would also be something to change the lives of all the people they came in contact with.  Such is the power of God.

This promise is not limited to the disciples or the gathering of believers who first received the Spirit.  Neither is this promise limited to those who became followers of Jesus in those first years after the resurrection.  This promise of the Spirit, a presence that changes lives, that brings newness of faith, that brings a bold willingness to share the love of God, is meant for us too.

When we repent of our sins and we invite the Holy Spirit in we will begin living a life that is on fire for God.  We will be inspired – charged up – to spread the good news of salvation and the love of God with everyone we meet.  And in our sharing we will see others learn to invite the Spirit in to their lives and be changed.

We are called by God to be part of this fire of new life.  We are called to live a life on fire for the kingdom of God.  And we are called to share this fire with others,

DAILY CHALLENGE:  Are you ready to invite the Holy Spirit in to your heart?  Will you live a life on fire for God?