Scripture: Acts 10:44-48 Click here for the reading
Observation: Peter says - " “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” The mission continues to be a equal playing ground, no longer based on rules and laws, but on baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit. The Jewish believers were amazed at when the Holy Spirit fell upon them.
Application: How often as Christians do we question and object to someone else's integration or initiation into faith? How many churches argue that baptism in other traditions doesn't count? So the obvious answer to Peter's question of weather or not anyone can object is yes....yes we can. But why? Because they were baptized as a child or even as an adult? Is it because they were brought up in traditions of faith that seem weird to us like speaking in tongues, or talking openly about the Holy Spirit?
Part of the reason the jewish believers were amazed at the Holy Spirit falling upon them might be because the gentiles were outsiders as far as they were concerned. Might we be a bit like them too?
Prayer: Lord help us recognize your spirit coming upon those we may not expect, but by your leading!
Application: How often as Christians do we question and object to someone else's integration or initiation into faith? How many churches argue that baptism in other traditions doesn't count? So the obvious answer to Peter's question of weather or not anyone can object is yes....yes we can. But why? Because they were baptized as a child or even as an adult? Is it because they were brought up in traditions of faith that seem weird to us like speaking in tongues, or talking openly about the Holy Spirit?
Part of the reason the jewish believers were amazed at the Holy Spirit falling upon them might be because the gentiles were outsiders as far as they were concerned. Might we be a bit like them too?
Prayer: Lord help us recognize your spirit coming upon those we may not expect, but by your leading!
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