A Spirit Filled Church

There is a picture of the church in the book of Acts that stands as both our history and our calling. It is a picture of a community awakened, empowered, and united by the Holy Spirit for the fulfillment of God’s final purpose in the world.

Acts does not begin with a church capable of such a mission. It begins with disciples who have recently fled in fear, denied their Lord, and misunderstood nearly everything He tried to teach them about His kingdom. Yet Jesus looked upon these ordinary, imperfect people and declared that through them His work would move to the ends of the earth.

That transformation—from fear to courage, confusion to clarity, self-preservation to sacrificial witness—is the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. We cannot finish the work Christ has entrusted to His church without the same transforming power.

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1. The Central Commission

Before ascending, Jesus gave a clear commission that forms the outline of the entire book of Acts:

“You shall receive power when the Holy Ghost has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me

in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

This promise establishes the foundation of the church’s identity:

• The church exists to witness for Christ.

• Christ Himself provides the power for that witness.

• The Holy Spirit is the One through whom that power is experienced.

• Mission expands outward to the entire world.

The everlasting gospel cannot be proclaimed to every nation and people through human strength alone. Only the presence of the Holy Spirit can bring to completion the work God has entrusted to His remnant church.

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2. The Book of Acts as Pattern and Prophecy

Acts is the only unfinished book in Scripture. It concludes without closure, because the story is intended to continue. How the gospel began its advance through the world shows how it will finish. The same Spirit who brought life to the early church will again empower the latter rain, when the earth is lightened with God’s glory (Revelation 18:1).

The early rain began the mission. The latter rain will complete it.

A study of Acts is therefore not only historical reflection but practical preparation for the church that awaits the soon return of Christ.

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3. The Church Before Pentecost

Before mission came fellowship and prayer. Acts opens with believers united:

“They were all with one accord in one place.”

Acts 2:1

Unity preceded power. The church did not scatter to labor alone. They remained together, seeking God. Reconciliation was needed. Humility was needed. Patience was needed. Yet they remained.

The Spirit moves most freely in a church that chooses to remain together until God makes them one.

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4. The First Work of the Spirit

When the Spirit descended, the first visible sign was communication of the gospel. Every person heard the message in a language they understood. The Spirit did not call the church to stay in prayer without witness. Renewal led immediately to proclamation of Christ.

Peter’s message was direct and Christ-centered:

“Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ

for the remission of sins;

and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 2:38

The heart of the message that will finish the work is the same as the one that began it:

• Forgiveness through the sacrifice of Christ

• Conversion of the heart

• The gift of the Holy Spirit

Where this message is central, the Spirit empowers.

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5. The Spirit Produces a New Community

Pentecost did not only lead to individual conversion. It formed a community shaped by the Spirit:

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread,

and in prayers.”

Acts 2:42

Marks of a Spirit-filled church include:

Devotion to Scripture

Authentic fellowship

Shared worship

Mutual care and generosity

Daily witness and growth

The Spirit does not dwell in a self-absorbed or divided congregation. Where Christlike love is present, the Spirit is at work.

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6. The Spirit and the Love of Christ

The Spirit’s first work is to lift up Christ and write His love on human hearts.

A forgiven church becomes a forgiving church.

A redeemed community becomes a reconciling community.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

The highest evidence of the Spirit’s presence is a congregation reflecting the love and humility of Christ.

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7. The Spirit and Assurance in Christ

The proclamation of forgiveness is central to the finishing of the work. There is no confidence in witness without confidence in salvation. Our identity is grounded in Christ:

• Complete in Him

• Accepted in the Beloved