Manna Ready to Eat

“The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 8:16)Notice the phrase “come upon”, we can see this used not just in the Book of Acts, but elsewhere in the scripture. How did the Lord choose to impart this empowering from above? “Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:‭17‬) Through the laying on of hands. This is not something that has gone away… based on scripture, this is actually a foundational teaching and practice. ...

“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;” (Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬) Notice the requirements the early church put forth to those who would be serving tables and handling the daily distribution? Take a look in most churches today, do leaders look for the same in those they allow to serve in various duties? Sadly, many are given duties who are not even born again… Once again it says of Steven, “…a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit… (v. 5), “And Stephen,...

“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.” (Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬) Notice the scripture says the disciples were multiplying. From Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost through Chapter 5 the numbers were being added, and now are multiplying. So what causes Jesus to add souls to His church, and then begin to multiply? We must look back at what marked this community of believers. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking...

“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭38‬-‭39‬) In today’s social media age we see this happening quite fast. Someone will come out of nowhere and appear to be the next super disciple, prophet, or apostle; have tons of followers/subscribers, begin to influence people and then disappear… Churches and ministries open and close, which leave many people wounded,...

“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭32‬) Read that slowly, who is the Holy Spirit given to? In the Greek this reads “to those who hear and obey Him.” See the word “believe” in English and today’s world is far weaker that what it’s defined as in the original language. People say they believe in aliens, unicorns, leprechauns, etc. in fact many of the same say they believe in Jesus. So there is something quite loose in their belief system… Ezekiel...