It's early this morning. The wood stove is burning and I am planted next to it! I am very thankful for wood heat...something very cozy about it. A cup of coffee in hand and a blanket near. The house is still quiet....I am enjoying this.
I wanted to share something this morning: something cool from my Bible. It's funny how God makes little things known to you, and how those little things can become big. In my Bible study, we've been studying Spiritual Gifts. I find Spiritual gifts fascinating.
A couple weeks ago we read a passage from the Bible: Acts 2. Acts 2 addresses the Pentecost (a Jewish celebration of thanksgiving). This specific holiday came approximately a month and a half after the Passover (another holiday) around which time Jesus was also crucified then resurrected. Acts 2 addresses the Holy Spirit and the first time He came to dwell IN believers to give them power.
In this chapter of the Bible, Peter and the other apostles were sitting together. Suddenly a violent wind came down from heaven and swept around them. The Holy Spirit then came and rested upon the shoulder of each individual (in the form of flame) and they (the apostles) were given power to speak. The Apostles not only spoke but did so in different languages. In languages they themselves had never before spoken. And ...also in ALL languages spoken by every individual present. In those languages, the gospel of Christ was presented. Acts 2:5&6 states,
"Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound [the gospel being spoken in all languages, including their own], a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken."
Every nation under heaven indicates that ALL nations were accounted for.....EVERY NATION WAS ACCOUNTED FOR; NONE were left out. The Apostles were given the ability to speak in EVERY language....sharing the gospel in ALL languages to a representative of EVERY people-group on earth.
Now it does say that not all believed...some did, but not all. Not all chose to believe, but ALL heard. God's desire, from the very beginning, was ALL inclusive. This is the very nature of God...He loves all and wants none left out. God wants EVERYONE to have the opportunity and choice to grasp Him. During this Pentecost celebration, EVERY population was given an opportunity to hear the gospel in their own language. This is amazing. No population group was left out, EVERY group WAS and IS important to Him.
I've read that verse before, but never really READ it. God gave all men equal representation to hear the gospel and believe.....right from the very beginning. NO ONE should be left out. NO ONE. Blood and tears were shed so that NONE would be left without hope.
