With God

June 16, 2014 Monday Message:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” from John 15:5

In Acts 2, the believers were first filled with the Holy Spirit. This super-natural power gave Simon-Peter the courage to speak out in favor of Jesus to the very same group of people who a couple of months ago shouted, “Crucify Him!” Filled with optimism, Simon hoped to reverse their position.

Miraculously, each person could understand the orator in his own language. Simon-Peter went point-by-point through the prophecies, showing how Jesus fulfilled each one. And as he wrapped up his message, it was time for the altar call. 3,000 people had their minds changed and their lives transformed that day; they came forward, and were baptized.

When Simon-Peter hopped out of bed that morning, I doubt that he expected to be baptizing 3,000 new Christians. But he wasn’t working alone. He wasn’t just working his own agenda. This was God’s agenda, with the Holy Spirit in the driver’s seat. And WITH God, anything is possible.

Jesus explains it: He is the vine, and we are the branches. He is the power, and we are his hands and feet here on earth. While you’re here, God will ask you to do “God stuff” once in a while. If you do it alone, it probably won’t work too well. But with God as your partner, you’ll get incredible results.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday, at 10:30am, in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week I’ll lead us through Acts 2, pt. 2. Bring your Bibles, and bring a friend. See you at church.