He Knows Our Frailties

1 Corinthians 1:14 (The Message)

 ^13-16I ask you, "Has the Messiah been chopped up in little pieces so we can each have a relic all our own? Was Paul crucified for you? Was a single one of you baptized in Paul's name?" I was not involved with any of your baptisms—except for Crispus and Gaius—and on getting this report, I'm sure glad I wasn't. At least no one can go around saying he was baptized in my name. (Come to think of it, I also baptized Stephanas's family, but as far as I can recall, that's it.)


Paul's observation may lend insight as to why Jesus let His disciples baptize.  Someone baptized personally by Jesus might lord it one who was not.  Jesus knows our frailties.  

Freedom

Freedom is another name of the kingdom of God.

Filled And Enabled

Acts 2:4 (NIV)  ⁴All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The Holy Spirit enables as needed for God's purposes.  He is the seal of promise, our comforter, and the power of God working through us.  Here the disciples began to speak in other tongues so that the many foreigners in town would hear the gospel without a language barrier.  The Spirit gave them the word and and the words for the sharing of that message.  They were filled and enabled.

Do Not Suppose

Matthew 10:34 (NIV)  ³⁴"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

The gospel is not preached in places where the idol of inclusiveness is worshipped. It is not welcome when the truth of God contradicts the good sense and truth of man.  Jesus brings the peace of God, not of man.  A man of true peace is a man of God.

To Rest On Each One

Acts 2:3 (NIV)  ³They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

Though assembled as a group, the Spirit came to rest on each one.  There is one Spirit, but He is given to each of us.  The Spirit descended on Jesus at the time of His baptism, but it was still possible for Him to be tempted.  Immediately, He was led into the wilderness where He faced Satan.  He overcame, and because of this, He offers the grace of salvation.  That salvation is offered to each one of us, and we stand alone in that decision.  If we decide to believe and accept God, we will never be alone again.

Yes

Acts 9:10 (NIV)  ¹⁰In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

      "Yes, Lord," he answered.


Ananias answered with a yes.  He was listening and heard the Lord, for he was in relationship with Him as a disciple.


How might the world be different if you and I said yes today?  

Together In One Place

Acts 2:1 (NIV)  Acts 2

¹When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

One place physically and in mind.  They were ready for a revelation.  Jesus brought them to this place.  He is about to do a new thing.  We can be in that same "place".