Genesis Church Phoenix

Changed Lives Changing Lives - Ryan Lunceford by Genesis Church

With the passing of Pentecost and the fresh formation of the church, Peter and the Apostles are beginning to discover their role in being Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem. Approached by a crippled man at the Temple for money, Peter and John give only what they have—the power of Jesus within them. The end result is the full healing of the man. Like Peter and John, Jesus has given us everything we need to bring healing to a broken world.

The first followers grew from 120ish to more than 3,000 almost overnight. As a result, a whole new community was formed among them. And though they may be from different places—socially, economically, nationally, ethnically—they all shared a faith in Jesus. This prompted them to worship, take the Lord’s supper, be in community, and become generous in ways that would shape the church for thousands of years.

The extraordinary story of Jesus ALWAYS connects. As Curt Thompson says, “We are all looking for someone looking for us with delight.” Jesus is that someone. And, when a person realizes who Jesus really is, it changes them. When a person is awakened to the depth of love Jesus has for them and what He has done on their behalf, the only response is surrender.

Confused by the craze of the Spirit’s work in Jerusalem, onlookers start to wonder and have questions about what the first followers are talking about. Peter, bold as he is, steps up to the mic and shares the extraordinary story of Jesus. He pulls back the curtain on what so many missed who weren’t aware of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He declares Jesus to be what He always said He was—Lord and Messiah.

Into the midst of their waiting and wondering, the Spirit arrives with incredible power. At a time when Jews from all over the known world are gathering in Jerusalem, God sends His Spirit to ignite the mission Jesus spoke of in Acts 1. Ordinary people, powered by the Spirit of God, begin to tell the world about the good news of Jesus.

As the the first followers wait on the Holy Spirit’s arrival, they do so with purpose. Instead of seeing their waiting as an obstacle, they use it as an opportunity. It is an opportunity for them to grow closer to God and each through prayer, gathering, and addressing the gaps in their situation. Like the first followers, we can see our waiting as an opportunity to do the same.

The book of Acts starts begins with an unlikely instruction by Jesus. He tells His first followers to walk while they wait. Though great things are to come for the church, Jesus insists they wait for the Spirit's movement before they do anything.