Weekly Rewind (Week 3)

Acts 2:1-41

Sarah Bill

This past Sunday morning, after I heard Pastor Dallas preach on Acts 2:1-41, I was challenged by what he described as a Spirit-filled church and what that should look like. In Acts 2:1, Pentecost had come. This was during the Feast of Weeks, which occurred 7 weeks after Passover, -50 days. So all that time had passed and we read in verse 1 that they were gathered together in one place. They had what Pastor Dallas called, an atmosphere of expectation. They were waiting in prayer and expectant on the promise of the Holy Spirit. They didn’t go their separate ways after the resurrection, they stayed as one body and waited on the fulfillment of his promise. 

This is the importance of being in church regularly, to be in waiting for Him. Matthew 18:20 says that “whenever two or three are gathered in my name I am with them.” 

Pastor Dallas really made it clear when he said that there is a difference in “God is everywhere” versus “God is here”. That really resonated with me. Yes, we can experience God’s presence everywhere but God meets with us at church! 

We live in a time where going to church is not something people commit to regularly. The statistics can be sobering (one study claims that a “dedicated” church attendee is in church less than 2 out of 4 Sundays), but despite the lack of commitment that we see…Jesus promises He will build his church. 

Just look at how small they started out (120 people). I have to admit when I was younger I thought of going to church as optional and far less important than it should be. And now if I’m tempted to stay home from church to catch up on sleep or laundry, what am I telling my kids? If Jesus is my greatest treasure, why would I miss out on gathering with other believers?  Something special happens when you are with other believers and a part of the family of God every week. 

Hebrews 10:25 says “Let us not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Come, Lord Jesus!