Scripture
One of them, named Agabus, got up and predicted by the Spirit that a severe famine was about to come over the whole inhabited world. (This took place during the reign of Claudius.)
Acts 11:28 NET
Observation
We have all sorts of equipment and tools that help us predict and prepare for events that are coming. Even with all of these new technological advances, things aren’t perfect.
But the Christian, also has the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, speaking through Agabus, made the church aware of a famine and caused the church to mobilize and prepare ahead of it.
What if this were to happen in your church today? Someone gets up and says, “the Spirit of God is saying…”
Would they be passed off as a kook? Would anyone truly listen? You know the answer!
In today’s churches, this wouldn’t happen at all! We are so far removed from listening to and honoring the Holy Spirit that there isn’t time to allow something like this to happen…we have to be in and out in time for members to go eat or get to their other weekend events….
The spiritual…. The Holy Spirit is neglected. We have no time anymore for the Comforter that Jesus said would come when He ascended to Heaven.
Our churches don’t know how to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit nor do Christians understand the work of the Holy Spirit.
It looks good in the Bible…”it was for back then.” “We are more advanced than they were.” Uhmmmmmm no!
And in doing so, Christianity today is weakened, without the power of God and is nothing more than a shadow of what it is supposed to be.
Not everywhere… but most everywhere…
Application
Harsh words, I know. Again, this is not very popular.
But God has given us the Holy Spirit. He has given us part of Himself and put it inside of us!!!!!
The same Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you! See Romans 8:11.
Don’t be afraid of spending time with the Lord! Ask the Father to help you understand and walk by the Spirit.
The early church didn’t see this as an emotional thing. The Holy Spirit led and guided them. They trusted and obeyed what the Father was doing through the Holy Spirit.
And as a result, their ministry was effective and life changing.
Prayer
Lord, help me to understand and give place to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in your power. Bless the time I spend to know You more, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Peace
Todd