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Devoted to Doing the Truth

Acts 2:43-47
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIVUK)

The Holy Spirit filled the new believers who repented and were baptised at Pentecost, and they became the talk of the city. In just seven weeks since Christ's crucifixion, thousands of people had been transformed from Jesus-haters to Jesus-lovers (Luke 23:21-25). The power of God was present to do the same kind of wonderful actions which Jesus had done (Luke 5:17). Jesus was not there physically, but His Spirit now filled thousands of people: the presence of Christ was massively multiplied (John 16:7).

The believers had a new Spirit-induced confidence in each other. No longer suspicious, malicious, manipulating or devious; they were open-hearted, sharing their possessions and giving what other people needed. They had been liberated from their bondage to their wealth: another miracle (1 Timothy 6:6-10). And worship, thanksgiving, praise and overflowing gladness characterised their new attitude to God.

They met in large groups in the temple and in smaller units in each other's homes. And every time they ate together they remembered, with gratitude, their debt to Jesus who died for them. There was nothing between them and God; nothing between each other. This new style of relationship was most attractive, and many others wanted to find out what had caused such a change in these people who said they were following Jesus (John 13:34-35). Some of those also believed, and so the church grew.

The Holy Spirit is already at work within you, urging you to do the truth; convincing you to relate with brothers and sisters, and Jesus, in a way which pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). As you do, you are witnessing to the life of Christ within you (Acts 1:8); and your friends and colleagues will ask you questions. Be ready for them. Tell them about Jesus who, by the Spirit, has changed you from being greedy to generous, from grumpy to glad, from selfish to serving, from worrying to worshipping.

Prayer 
Wonderful Lord. It amazes me that You should choose to send Your Spirit upon a person like me. Forgive me for grieving Him by resisting all He wants to do in me to make me more like Jesus. Please help me to learn to walk in step with Your Spirit so that I will be a faithful worker in Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams