READY RESPONSE

August 2

Bible Reading: Acts 10:44-48

Acts 10:44, “While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.”

I had my share of interruptions as a preacher.  Once it was because of a couple of birds who had snuck into the sanctuary and were flying around.  People had to decide whether it was more important to pay attention to the path of the birds or the words of the preacher.  On another occasion, a sudden storm that shook the building’s roof shut down all the power and brought a sudden end to the morning service.  Here it was the Holy Spirit who interrupted Peter.  We’ll never know what was in the rest of his message, because the Spirit put an end to it. 

Peter had just spoken some powerful words: “To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43).  As soon as Cornelius and friends heard that message, they believed.  And as soon as they believed, they received the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-38).  The evidence of their reception of the Spirit would prove crucial in Peter’s testimony later, both to his friends and before the Jerusalem council.

Such is the power of the gospel.  When the gospel message meets up with a spirit-prepared heart, a ready response is inevitable.  Consider again the glory and power of the message that fell on their ears for the first time.  Forgiveness of sins is to those who believe in Jesus!  There was a time when that good news first entered your heart.  You believed and received forgiveness of your sins!  You were “born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine!”  Praise the Lord for the message and that saving work of Jesus! It’s a message deserving of our undivided attention and ready response.

We’ve a powerful gospel to share, but it is the Spirit who convicts of sin and opens blind eyes to the glory of Jesus.  It is when the gospel meets with a Spirit-prepared heart that a ready response is inevitable.

HEAVEN CAME DOWN
O what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
After I’d wandered in darkness away
Jesus my Saviour I met
O what a tender, compassionate friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart

Chorus:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (filled my soul)
When at the cross my Saviour made me whole (made me whole)
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul

Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God’s fam’ly divine
Justified fully thru Calvary’s love
O what a standing is mine
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer
He saved me, O praise His dear name [Chorus]

Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time
I have a future in heaven for sure
There in those mansions sublime
And it’s because of that wonderful day
When at the cross I believed
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From His precious hand I received [Chorus]