We have seen how the outpouring of the Spirit was a setup for the good news and the offer of salvation. Peter has stood up, and preached to the crowd. Today we are going to look at the effect of the inspired word. 

The Apostle Paul gives us a pattern to follow as we look for an open door of opportunity for ministry. (The Valdosta team report will be published separately)

As the Holy Spirit has now arrived during the feast of Pentecost, God has gathered a crowd of religious Jews together, so that they can hear the gospel. This is the first act of the Christian church, and so it gives us an example of God’s priority–the message of Jesus.

As we look at Acts 2:1-13, we see the birth of the church of Jesus Christ. These 120 are already saved, already in relationship with Jesus, but something more is about to happen...something that will change them and change the world.

Rob McCrorie delivers an encouraging word from Romans 11 and Ephesians 4. 

As we look at verses 9-26 here of Acts 1, we see some essentials:

‌We see the disciples being obedient to Jesus words. 

We see them have a priority of prayer.

We see them move forward in faith.

The book of Acts describes the birth of the Christian church–how it began and how it grew for the first three decades after Jesus’ ascension. It not only tells us how these things came into being, but gives us a model to follow.

As we close out these final three chapters of Ecclesiastes, God’s purpose through Solomon’s writing becomes more clear. Time is fleeting, the end will arrive sooner rather than later, live with that truth in mind and be guided by the wisdom of God.

As we continue this study in the book of Ecclesiastes, one of the things that I really appreciate about it, is how honest it is. Solomon is giving it his best shot… to understand life and purpose under the sun. The more we look at these lessons, the more we see the truth that he has uncovered… that life apart from God is futile, and wisdom, even great wisdom, does not deliver.

As we look at chapters 4-6 Solomon is continuing his observations and pondering of the the futility of man’s labor under the sun. What is a man or woman’s purpose under the sun, and is there anything beyond what we see under the sun? These are his real questions. They are real questions, important questions that people continue to have.