The Church That Shook The World
They were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:4 RSV
We read in the book of Acts that the early church was filled with the Holy Spirit. The had no church buildings, no Bible, no automobiles, no planes, no trains, no television, no radio. Yet they turned their world “upside down” for Christ. They instituted a spiritual revolution that shook the very foundations of the Roman Empire. They were young, vigorous, virile, powerful. They lived their lives daily for their faith in Christ. They suffered persecution and even death gladly for their faith in Christ. What was the secret of their success—even in the face of opposition and death? One reason beyond doubt is that they hungered and thirsted after righteousness. And those with whom they came in contact could not help but be impressed by the quality and purity of their lives and their love.
The reason certain false philosophies and religions are making such inroads in the world today is that somewhere along the line the people who were supposed to live Christian lives failed. We have failed to meet the standards and requirements that Jesus set forth. If we would live for Christ, we must be willing to count all else as “nothing but refuse” (Philippians 3:8). We must be as dedicated, as committed, and as willing to sacrifice all as some followers of false religions are.
The great masses of the unbelieving world are confused as they gaze upon the strife within and among religious bodies. Instead of a dynamic, growing, powerful, Christ-centered church, we see division, strife, pettiness, greed, jealousy, and spiritual laziness—while the world is standing on the brink of disaster.
The great need in Christendom today is for Christians to learn the secret of daily, wholehearted recommitment to Christ.
Our Father and our God, I am Your slave to command. I turn my entire life over to You to direct. Show me the way You want me to go, and I will go. Here am I, Lord, send me. I give up any claim I have to my own life, and I surrender it to You because of Jesus, my example of humility and servanthood, through whom I pray. Amen.
Billy Graham, Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010).