2000 years ago, the Holy Spirit fell upon a group of believers on the Day of Pentecost.
But by the end of the day, more than 3000 people had given their lives to Jesus Christ. The church experienced the power of God in a way that had never been experienced before.
When I read about this, I can’t help but wonder what is it about this church that makes it so special? And what can we do to keep the fire burning in our church? In Acts 2:1-14, I want to point out four ingredients of A Fired Up Church.
I. Church Attendance
Acts 2:1 says that the early Christians were ALL together in one place. Most churches I know
have a full house on Christmas and Easter. But when a church parking lot is consistently full week after week, there is something going on.
When we all come together always in God’s name at Cornerstone UMC, the presence of the Holy Spirit will empower us in ways that will fire up our church in growth and mission. Our coming together will drive people to come and be a part of our church that is on fire for the Lord.
II. Presence and Power of Holy Spirit
In Acts 2:4, the Spirit fell on the church in such a tremendous way. The people started praising the Lord in foreign languages that they never learned before.
Cornerstone UMC should never underestimate the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Never put God in a box and tell Him what He can or can’t do. Because as soon as we try putting a limit on what God Almighty can do, we may not know what His power and presence can do in our midst.
III. Timely Preaching
In Acts 2:13, some of the people were making fun of the Christians. Saying, “They are drunk, man! They have had too much wine!” But Peter took that very objection. He used it as an opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peter was a master at relating the word of God to what was going on in people’s lives.
Like Peter, our preaching must freely allow God to speak to the situation of the worshippers.
IV. Strong Leadership Team
In Acts 2:14, the Bible says that Peter stood up with the eleven and began to speak. In other words, Peter was not leading the church all by himself. He was working in coordination with a leadership team of 11 other apostles.
One of the things I have been learning is that the most successful and exciting churches
are the ones that realize that every member has a gift to give to the church’s ministry and mission. When we all present ourselves in that way, the Holy Spirit will fire up our church.
I want you to ask yourself a question, what is God calling me to do to keep the fire burning at Cornerstone UMC? Remember, you are not alone because the presence of the Lord is with you. Blessings always!
Pastor John Punni, II