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THE BREATH OF LIFE

 

Acts 2: All of them were gathered together in one place, and the Holy Spirit, sounding like a rushing wind, came upon them. They saw what appeared to be flames of fire settling on each one. They began to speak in different languages as the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to do so. Verse 6: "When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in their own language." The crowd was amazed as they heard them speak in their own language. The people came from all over, each with their own language. They accused them of being drunk but Peter assured them they were not.

 

Peter addressed the crowd reminding them of what the prophet Joel said with regard to the last days i.e., people receiving the Holy Spirit when they accepted Jesus as their Savior. Verse 17: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all the people." He then reminded them how they turned Jesus over to the authorities to be crucified. He continued telling them how God raised Him from the dead; again another prophecy stating that He would not see decay. Verse 24: "But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." And there were many witnesses to His resurrection.

 

When the people heard Peter they became concerned and asked what they should do. He said they should "repent and be baptized and they would receive the Holy Spirit and be saved," verse 38. About 3,000 people did exactly that and were added to His family.

 

The Apostles continued in this fashion every day, meeting, preaching the Word and breaking bread in each others houses. They were praising God and He added to their number daily.

 

Believe and you shall receive the Holy Spirit and you will know the truth and it will set you free. The question of how you know is answered for each person when and only when, they in faith, believe in and accept Jesus as their Savior. This is absolutely amazing but it is a fact, believe (knock and it shall be open to you) and you will know the truth. Unsaved people will always wonder why and saved people will always know why.