The Book of Acts is more than just a historical account of the early church. It’s a roadmap to living a life filled with the Holy Spirit, a life marked by the miraculous, and a life that challenges us to step into the fullness of what God has for us. The common belief in being filled with the Spirit and the manifestation of speaking in tongues is widespread, but Acts 2 goes far beyond these signs. It challenges us to consider the mighty works that followed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Are we seeing 3,000 souls saved in a day? Are we causing such a stir with our preaching that rulers are angered? Are we witnessing the dead being raised? These are the kinds of things that happened in the Book of Acts, and they are the kinds of things we should be striving for today.
The Foundation of Acts: God’s Promise in Joel
Before we delve into the mighty works of Acts 2, it’s essential to understand the foundation upon which it stands—God’s promise in Joel 2. Acts 2 is the fulfillment of what was prophesied in Joel 2, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. But before the Spirit can be poured out, there is a need for a return to God with all our hearts, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. This call to repentance is not just about turning away from sin but about turning towards righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, as emphasized in Romans 14:17. This holistic understanding of the kingdom of God is crucial for us to walk in the fullness of what God has for us.
Walking in the Peace of God
Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost are the three pillars of the kingdom of God. Many believers today have grasped the concept of righteousness, but the peace of God is often neglected. Jesus taught that we must learn to walk in peace, just as we learn to walk in righteousness. The peace of God is essential because, without it, the kingdom of God cannot fully manifest in our lives. When our conscience is troubled—whether by our own sins or the offenses of others—we lose our peace, and with it, we lose the ability to walk in the fullness of God’s kingdom.
The Opposite of Peace: Offense
The opposite of the peace of God is offense, which often stems from a remembrance of past sins—either our own or those of others. This offense keeps us from seeing things the way God sees them. When we hold on to offenses, we are not walking in righteousness, and we are certainly not walking in peace. The same righteousness that cleansed us is available to cleanse others. Therefore, we must learn to forgive and move on, not allowing the sins and unrighteousness of others to live rent-free in our minds and rob us of our peace.
Seeking First the Kingdom of God
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things—our material needs—will be added to us. The kingdom of God, as we’ve seen, is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. When we prioritize these things, God promises to take care of the rest. He knows our needs, and when our hearts are aligned with His kingdom, He is more than willing to provide for us. But this provision is not just about meeting our needs; it’s about empowering us to fulfill His purpose.
The Path to Receiving God’s Promises
Before God can pour out His Spirit in the way He desires, we must first align ourselves with His kingdom. We must embrace righteousness, walk in peace, and be open to the joy that comes from the Holy Ghost. Joel 2 calls us to return to God with all our hearts, and it’s in this return that we prepare ourselves for the outpouring of His Spirit. Peter, in Acts 2, referenced this very chapter when he explained the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He was reminding us that before we can receive the fullness of God’s promises, we must be in right standing with Him—righteousness, peace, and joy must be evident in our lives.
Moving Forward in God’s Agenda
God has a unique agenda for each of us, but to move forward in His plan, we must first learn to walk in the peace of God. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s righteousness and joy in our lives. When we carry this peace, we position ourselves to receive and carry out God’s vision and purpose for our lives. Just as Peter and the early disciples had to learn to walk in this peace, so must we. Only then can we step into the mighty works that God has prepared for us, just as He did in the Book of Acts.
Conclusion: The Call to Action
The message of Acts 2 is a call to action for every believer. It’s a call to live a life filled with the Spirit, marked by righteousness, peace, and joy. It’s a call to move beyond just believing in the works of Acts to actually seeing them manifest in our lives. As we align ourselves with God’s kingdom and walk in His peace, we will see His power and purpose unfold in ways we never imagined. Let’s embrace the fullness of what God has for us, starting with the Book of Acts and moving forward into the greater works He has promised.