Is This That?

Read Acts, chapter 2.

Amazing things were happening!  It was the Day of Pentecost almost 2,000 years ago.  The followers of Jesus were so excited about God that the pilgrim visitors to Jerusalem thought they must be drunk.  When Peter got up to speak, the only logical reason he could give why these disciples were not drunk was that it was too early in the day!  He said, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" and then Peter quoted the words that spoke of many signs and wonders taking place(Joel 2:28,29).

Here in this great coming out party the church was born!  When you see the results of the early days of the church of Jesus Christ and look at today's  congregations you have to wonder, "Is this that?"  There are three main elements to to that early church:

1)  Proclamation.   vss. 14-40.  Peter proclaimed Christ.  He spoke of the life of Jesus and his death.  But the Pentecostal Preacher spoke mostly of the resurrection of Christ.  The portions of the message that deal with the history of Jesus have 13 dealing with the resurrection versus 2 dealing with his life and death.  Jesus lived and perfect life and died an agonizing sacrificial death but the thing that sets Christianity apart from other religions and that thrills all who think of death is that he is alive!  He has conquered death!  Peter says that the coming of the Holy Spirit is the proof that Jesus lives and is Lord(vs.33).

2)  Transformation  vss. 1-13, 41   Clearly, people's lives were radically changed!  This miracle, in itself is another proof of Jesus' resurrection.  The followers of Christ went from being cowardly, timid, and silent disciples to being exuberant, enthusiastic, and brave.  And the Holy Spirit anointed message of Peter cause another 3,000 people to do the same.

3)  Dedication.  vss. 42-47     All these on fire servants of Christ now spent the bulk of their free time in dedicated Bible study, prayer, fellowship worship, and evangelism.  There existed among the people of The Way and unity and love that impressed still others to give their lives to Christ!

Again, as I look at churches today, I ask, is this that?  And if this isn't that, then why not?