I believe that everyone has time in their lives that are spiritually eventful, even in the lives of those who do not believe in God. Christians have spiritual mountaintop experiences that come from special meetings, guest speakers, a week at Bible camp, family camp, a conference, a weekend away with just you and the Lord or circumstances that press you closer to the Lord that are high points in your life as a follower of Jesus Christ. Coming down from the mountain and returning to work or school on Monday is a downer. Does it have to be that way?
When Jesus invited his followers to experience Him and do His work, He never meant it to be a temporary burst of joy and then a return to mundane living. His followers did a number of things in Acts 4 that kept them from living life as usual.
1. They were incredibly influential. Verses 2-4 (They were big mouths for Jesus!) “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and 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, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.”
2. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Vs. 8 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!”
3. Their time with Jesus changed them. Vs 13 “ 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. “
4. They obeyed God. Vs 18-20 “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, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
5. They asked for, expected and acted upon big things from God. Vs 29-31 “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 miraculous 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.”
6. They were bound by a profound love and unity. Vs 32 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”
Next mountaintop experience, let’s stay up on top and not return to life as usual!
When Jesus invited his followers to experience Him and do His work, He never meant it to be a temporary burst of joy and then a return to mundane living. His followers did a number of things in Acts 4 that kept them from living life as usual.
1. They were incredibly influential. Verses 2-4 (They were big mouths for Jesus!) “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and 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, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.”
2. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Vs. 8 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!”
3. Their time with Jesus changed them. Vs 13 “ 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. “
4. They obeyed God. Vs 18-20 “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, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
5. They asked for, expected and acted upon big things from God. Vs 29-31 “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 miraculous 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.”
6. They were bound by a profound love and unity. Vs 32 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”
Next mountaintop experience, let’s stay up on top and not return to life as usual!
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