THE ACTS OF THE SPIRIT

May 27

Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-5

Acts 1:5, “For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

And so, we begin our study through a most extraordinary book, a book that tells the story of how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  It’ll help in our reading to have an outline.  One way you can do that is geographically: the gospel witness to Jerusalem (Acts 1-7); the gospel witness to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8-9); the gospel witness to the ends of the earth (Acts 10-28).  Along the way, God worked in dramatic fashion to tear down centuries-old hostilities between Jews and Samaritans and then Gentiles in the spread of the gospel.

Another way to outline the book is biographically.  The first 9 chapters focus on the ministry of the Apostle Peter, while the remaining chapters speak of the three missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.  Don’t lose sight of the fact that Christ called both to their ministries despite their serious flaws.  Peter, who had previously denied Christ three times, was nevertheless called by Christ to be the church’s chief spokesman.  Miraculously, Christ saved and then commissioned Paul to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, although he had been previously working to destroy the church (Galatians 1:13). In his three missionary journeys, he preached the gospel to thousands upon thousands and crossed continents in establishing churches.

God chose those ordinary men, flawed men, to this most extraordinary work.  And of course, there are no others to choose from, for we are all ordinary and all flawed by sin.  Most Bibles, including my old NASB, entitle this book as “The Acts of the Apostles.”  But that title is not a part of the inspired text.  The Bible publisher needed a title, and that seemed appropriate.  In reality, however, the book tells the story of the Acts of the Spirit in working through the Apostles to accomplish what was done.  And that’s good news for us to keep in mind.  God has an extraordinary work for you too, and He in not depending on you to do it in your own strength.  Every believer is indwelt by the Spirit, and by the Spirit, God is able to do in us exceeding, abundantly beyond all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).  Remember that as you read through the book, for the church-building work started by Christ in the book of Acts continues to this day.  And you’ve a part, by the Spirit, to play in that!

“Is God’s Spirit writing the next chapter of the book of Acts in and through my life?” – Ray Stedman

WE’VE A STORY TO TELL THE NATIONS
We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy,
a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.

Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
the kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil,
and shatter the spear and sword,
and shatter the spear and sword. [Refrain]

We’ve a message to give to the nations,
that the Lord who reigneth above
has sent us His Son to save us,
and show us that God is love,
and show us that God is love. [Refrain]

We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
who the path of sorrow has trod,
that all of the world’s great peoples
may come to the truth of God,
may come to the truth of God! [Refrain]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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