Thoughts From Acts 4 - Part 3

 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.  Acts 4:23-31

      I'm currently watching a show on Paramount called The Agency. It's a show about CIA operatives and this season they are trying to get ahead of a guy named Viking who is heading up a paramilitary group getting power in some region overseas. The problem is that this guy is a renowned chess player and just like chess, he is always many steps ahead of everyone in his plans. All of the governments moves against him were foreseen and even part of his plan.

      In this passage, we see God, the master planner foiling all the plans of the devil. We see Herod and Pilate meeting together secretly planning what they would do to Jesus, not knowing that this was all part of God's plan. God's plan was to have His son die on a cross for our sins and they were unwittingly accomplishing God's plans. The believers even quoted David who said basically, "I don't get it - why do the nations keep raging against and plotting against God? Don't they know it's futile?" I just listened to Sean McDowell interviewing John Bevere who quoted some verses about the mysteries of God being hidden. Bevere said that God's plans are purposely hidden because if the devil knew them, he would change his plans. I don't know about that but I kind of like it. He said that the early believers would have prophecy meetings where they would get together and study prophecies and try to figure it out. He said that the Kumarans (SP?), the people that lived in caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, even figured out from Daniel 9 the day that the Messiah would come.

        I love approaching the Bible this way, a book of buried treasure and mysteries just waiting to be mined by us. My wife shared a quote with me from a book she's reading. The quote was a question that read, "When you miss your quiet time, do you feel guilty or thirsty?" Isn't that great? Do you think in that room of believers where Peter and the others returned from their arrest said, "Well, I guess we better read the scriptures today because we've been commanded to by Jesus?" No! They opened the Psalms and started reading and when they got to Chapter 2, God spoke to them and said "Take courage! I told you ahead of time this would happen and all of this was foreseen and dealt with. Keep evangelizing and don't be scared." Then He shook the room and sent them out.

       Lord, give us that Holy Spirit courage and boldness. Help us not to share apologetically but like one who has the cure for their disease or like one who won the lottery and wants to tell everyone and share the wealth. We have the good news that cures the bad news. Let's be vocal.

Thoughts From Acts 4 - Part 2

 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

  Acts 4:13-22, 1Peter 3:14-17, Matt. 10:28

   I had to include this passage in 1 Peter because I have to believe that Peter is referring to this encounter with the scary tribunal that he was called before and imprisoned overnight. He addresses them with respect (he probably thinks he was gentle because this is probably as gentle as Peter gets) and points to the good deeds they did which no one could deny (he was standing in front of them) and then is prepared and bold enough to give an answer for what they believe. And I included the teaching of Jesus in Matthew because the Holy Spirit probably brought this to Peter's memory during what could have been a trial that led to crucifixion of them. He was encouraged not to fear men when He was a child of the King of the universe. If they killed him, it would only release him to eternal glory, while they were headed to Hell. Yes, Jesus talked about hell a lot.

     Peter and the disciples were released this time because God had big plans for them. They eventually would be martyred when they had completed the tasks set out for them, but for now, they were released with a warning. Peter immediately told them that he wouldn't heed their warning not to preach because they followed a higher law, the laws of God, which superseded the laws of government. This passage along with the Exodus passage where the midwives refused to kill the Israelite babies, are often the proof texts for civil disobedience.

          

        How does this relate to us? 

1. Look for opportunities to do good and then use them for sharing the gospel. People can blast you for sharing your "religion" but they won't be able to deny that because of Christians, this world is a better place. Medical missions can do evangelism in hostile countries much easier than traditional missionaries for this reason.

2. Don't be afraid of people. Everyone in this world has fears and you can unnerve them by being courageous. What's to fear when the worst anyone can do is destroy your body releasing your eternal soul to glory.

3. Don't think you have to have all the answers when you witness. Just testify what Christ has done in your life.

4. When it comes to obeying God versus authorities, we must obey God even if it causes us our jobs, fines, jail, etc. I was just thinking about MLB players forced to wear gay pride caps who refused or wrote Bible verses on them. If the players weren't that good they would be sent to the minors or cut. If they were good, they would be threatened or fined but recently MLB backed down and isn't fining them. Eventually, hopefully, more teams will follow the Rangers' example and not even celebrate sin.

Mark wrote this passage but most think Peter was telling him what to say when he wrote this;

"Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit."

Courage, words, wisdom when to say no and what fights are worth fighting, all will be given by the Holy Spirit. Learn to listen to His voice and surrender control of your life to Him.

Thoughts From Acts 4 - Part 1

 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.  Acts 4:1-12

        The religious leaders were distraught. They thought that they could squelch this religious movement that was drawing crowds away from them and turning people to be disciples of Jesus. This movement was given credibility by Jesus' power over sickness, death, the very powers of nature. They thought by giving him the public death that everyone feared that it would deter anyone from even mentioning His name. To their chagrin, it didn't work and now the very people that were yelling, "crucify Him", were repenting in the thousands and declaring His name in public. Not only that, but these followers of Jesus were also unafraid and had powers like Jesus did. If killing Jesus didn't work, what were they to do now?

      Satan is faced with the same ongoing problem 2000 years later. He couldn't squelch it then and millions of converts later, it's going stronger than ever. He still uses imprisonment, death, torture to try to dissuade but nothing has stopped it. Eventually, he will bring the pseudo-Jesus, the Antichrist, who will do great things in the world and miracles and instill a system where unless you follow him, you'll be executed, but even in the midst of that there will be a revival and Jesus will come back and end Satan once and for all. Jesus can't be defeated and neither should we. But have you been defeated? Do you not speak in Jesus' name in public for fear of mockery, rejection, losing friends and popularity, losing your job? Join with Peter. Keep doing so much good that they can't deny your good deeds, the lame man standing in front of them. Keep sharing the gospel because this is the only means of salvation.

        Notice Peter uses the churchy word "salvation". What does that mean? It means, like we've previously said, you can't understand the good news until you know the bad. The bad is you need to be rescued. We are all headed to an eternity in Hell. We are all, in a swimming metaphor, going under and need a lifeline thrown to us. Jesus is that lifeline. Imagine getting an inner tube thrown to you while drowning and saying, "No, I'm allergic to latex. I want a different one." No, you're just grateful that someone saved your life. That's the good news of salvation; Jesus has come to rescue you from hell and give you eternal life in Heaven. All you have to do is grasp on to Him and let Him do the rest. That's salvation; that's good news! Share it! Make Heaven crowded.

Thoughts From Acts 3 - Part 2

 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

              In sharing the gospel, I often feel like you can't share the good news until you've shared the bad news so that they can better appreciate how good the good news is. Does that make sense? Here Peter does exactly that. He basically says, "God sent His servant Jesus, who is God- the author of life, and you handed Him over to be killed. Pilate was going to let Him go but you insisted He be killed even to the point where you chose a murderer over this innocent man. You disowned Him, the One that Moses, Abraham, Samuel, and all the prophets predicted would come and have received the predicted penalty for that which is your transgressions have cut you off, you've lost the blessing of God, and your peace is gone." That's pretty harsh with a lot of finger pointing, right? Our presentations don't usually go like this, do they? We present a winsome gospel and woo people in. We focus on meeting people's needs not addressing their sins.

           The illustration I use is a person goes to the doctor because he is tired all the time. The doctor says, "You just need vitamins. Take these and you'll feel better." After a while he doesn't so he goes to the next doctor who sends him to a dietitian to eat healthier. This doesn't work so he goes to the next and is put on iron, and the next who gives him probiotics, and the next who starts him on an exercise program, and the next who gives him anti-depressants and so on. Nothing works. He finally finds a doctor who tells him he has a cancerous tumor sapping his energy and unless it's cut out, he will die. Now, he has a choice - believe all the others who said that he's basically Ok he just needs to get better, or believe the doctor who says that he's not OK, he's dying and needs drastic measures. The last doctor is Christianity. The Bible gives us a bad diagnosis while every other religion says, "You're basically good, do this and you'll be OK." The Bible says, "You're dead in your sins, separated from God, headed to eternal death unless you surrender to the radical cleansing on the inside by the blood of Christ. This is the only hope." The patient must then make a choice - do I believe that doctor? Does his remedy resonate with reality or do I believe the majority?

       Peter starts with the bad diagnosis, they have sinned and are separated from God. He then gives them the remedy - repent and believe in Jesus. He then gives them the prognosis - if they do that, they will be forgiven, their relationship with God and the blessings from that will be restored, their soul will be refreshed and someday Jesus will come back to them.

      We are not good people who just have some flaws to address to increase our goodness so we can go to heaven when we die. We have rejected God and chosen to be our own gods and are reaping the bad results of this and will for all eternity. Let's turn from our evil ways and surrender to the One who loves us so much that He willingly suffered for us and died on the cross so we can live forever with Him. That resonates with me!

Thoughts From Acts 3 - Part 1

 3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.   Acts 3:1-11

" ...I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. " 2Cor. 12:11,12

         It's a typical day in Memphis and I'm walking down the street, and a crippled beggar rolls up to me in a wheelchair and asks for money. Should I try to heal his crippled legs? Believe it or not, I've tried that on medical mission trips without success. Maybe I lacked faith, maybe the recipient lacked faith to stand, maybe I don't have the gift of healing but someone else does, perhaps the gift of healing disappeared when the last of the apostles died off, maybe the gift of healing was to confirm the power of Jesus to people that have never heard of Jesus but since this cripple had it would be like Herod asking "show me a sign"... I don't know? I lean toward the last views or the "cessasionist" view that believes that miracles, and the power to perform them, were specifically given to the apostles to confirm that Jesus was God. These believers in God were doing the right thing prescribed by the Old Covenant and the disciples were telling them to stop, or disobey the Old Covenant and follow the New Covenant. That was a big ask and they needed some supernatural confirmation since they didn't see a man rise from the dead nor His miracles. Once the second generation came along they could trust the word of the first generation eyewitnesses and writings from the apostles were circulating that they could by faith receive.

       The problem with my view is it violates the principle that we should not interpret the Bible through experience but rather interpret experience through the Bible. In other words, while working 40 years in hospitals, I've never seen a healer walk through the halls and miraculously heal people. I've never seen or heard of this happening even around the world where everyone holds cameras. The supernatural knowledge of attendees of revivals has so often been exposed to be charlatans researching people on Facebook before the show. I've never heard of someone making predictions of the future that are 100% right. Therefore, my experience tells me that this is how to interpret the Bible, while a straight up reading of the Bible would probably not lead me to the cessasionist view. See the problem?

      Getting back to the guy in Memphis, I can't say "money, I don't have any." (although we often lie) because I do. Do I give it to him? (I often cross to the other side of the street but in Sunday School yesterday I was reminded that's what the priest did in the "Good Samaritan") Jesus said in Luke 6:30, "Give to everyone who asks", and unfortunately, He didn't give any qualifiers like if they promise they won't spend it on alcohol or cigarettes or they have a legitimate reason for not working. So yes, I should be prepared to give something, but then also use that opportunity, like Peter to share the gospel. They may be unreceptive but maybe someone in hearing distance isn't. When I know I'm going to come across beggars on my walk, a good thing to do is grab a bag of burgers from the dollar menu at McDonalds or make some homeless bags with Purell, underwear, nutrition bar, water, socks, etc. Put some bags in your car, too, because you never know when you'll approach one at an intersection. Always be ready!! And then, when you give it, say something as simple as, "I'm giving this to you in the name of Jesus who tells us 'Give to everyone that asks'. Do you know Jesus?"

      This is what scripture tells us to do. Let's do it!

Thoughts From Acts 2 - Part 4

 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-35, 5:12-16

        I talked in the last passage that signs of revival, or a move of the Holy Spirit appears to be happening like nothing I've seen since the Jesus Movement in the 70's. Let's look from these passages what are some of the signs.

    1. New Converts. Great numbers of people were being converted. Today, I can look at twitter and pretty much every day see a new convert. Noah Lyles, an American track athlete just gave his life to Christ and was publicly baptized today.

   2. Meeting together - they met together daily for prayer, eating, communion, hearing from the word. This is something that's lacking because of our busy schedules and technology. We text instead of talking and would rather binge shows than meet together. I was encouraged by my great niece and boyfriend who visited us and when I ask them what they do for fun they said that they pretty much meet with their Bible Study group every night and hang out. We need more of that.

   3. Not motivated by money - they sold possessions and gave their money away so everyone's needs would be met. We've got a way to go because money makes the world go around. My friend Dana is the best example I know of not being motivated by money. He charges $20 an hour for handyman work and finishes jobs in half the time most people do. He lives modestly and plants gardens and gives food away to everyone. He would rather use his building skills to build a free ramp for a disabled person than take a job where he could make lots of money. When revival breaks out, we will see more of that.

   4. Miracles - unexplainable healings, signs and wonders. Being a probable cessasionist, I have to see this one to believe it, but when revival truly breaks out, I believe we will see more of this. I think #2 and 3 are prerequisites especially as people engage together in prayer. I'm anxious to see this!

       Mission trips are a microcosm of revivals and why they are so important for us to go on. We go spread the gospel and people get saved. We come back to our accommodations and discuss what God has done, sing, worship, pray, eat, read the word then go to our rooms without electronics and sleep, wake up and do it again. We bring clothes to give away so we return home with empty suitcases. I've actually seen miracles happen on these trips. I'm thinking that true revival will look like perpetual "mission trips" at home - a missional lifestyle.

     I do believe I'm seeing the first signs of revival, but the later signs aren't there yet. Lord, bring revival in my lifetime and may it begin in my own life!

Thoughts From Acts 2 - Part 3

 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:25-41

                    My friend and I walked into Lowes yesterday and he had a weed stuck to his shoe and he said, "I'm bringing in weeds to Lowes" to which I responded, "I thought we were supposed to be bringing in the sheaves." I'm not sure he got it nor would anyone under the age of 60 reading this, but there was an old hymn called "Bringing in the Sheaves" which compares evangelism to harvesting wheat. Pentecost was a religious celebration celebrating God's faithfulness to provide another good harvest and meeting their needs. July 4th is just around the bend and I think of that as the time when all the blackberries in the woods next to us are ripe. Currently you might find one ripe one among the bunch which is the "first fruit", and yes, the Israelites celebrated that too. Soon these branches will be teeming with purple berries ripe for the harvest. In a spiritual sense, Jesus rose from the grave on the feast of first fruits and Paul refers to Jesus as the first fruit. He had the disciples wait for the Pentecost when the ''sheaves" would be ready for harvest and then the Holy Spirit came down, and souls were harvested that day - 3000! Just as the Feast of Firstfruits was fulfilled in Christ's resurrection, so the Pentecost was fulfilled in the giving of the Holy Spirit. Now we await the fulfilling of the Feast of Trumpets at the rapture. This too was a religious feast based on the harvest which signified that the harvest was over so come on in. The trumpet blowing was like the dinner bell ringing to "come and dine". (another old hymn) We will be called up to the wedding feast of the Lamb as the bride of Christ on that day which we hope could be this year. Of course, believers have been saying that for 2000 years now but we are to live expectantly looking for his return and make the most of our time living like we'll only be here for a short while.

        Peter, once again used scripture - all they had was the Old Testament but as Paul said, "All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine..." The Holy Spirit softened the listeners' hearts, the Word pierced their souls, and they were convinced Jesus was the Messiah and that they were sinners. They turned to Christ for the forgiveness of sins and were baptized telling everyone that their sins had been washed away, and they were identifying with Christ's going under and coming up a resurrected life. The Holy Spirit indwelt them too and they were born again.

       There are signs of revival happening around the world. I was just at a Forrest Frank concert which is the largest Christian Music tour in history, and 30,000 people, half teenagers and under were praising Jesus. Mass baptisms of thousands have been seen at beaches around the world. Celebrities have been publicly proclaiming their faith. Churches are still pretty empty and signs of people loving one another and sacrificial giving to the poor and aliens and undesirable hasn't really moved the needle yet, though. Lord, may we see this kind of pouring out of Your Holy Spirit in our days and may we be involved in bringing in these sheaves and then discipling them.