Poured out

Peter is bringing his sermon to a conclusion, as he seeks to explain what is going on. He has reached back into the Old Testament, he has traced the life of Jesus, now he say - look this was just the next stage.

Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Acts 2:32-33

Jesus has completed his journey - he is back in heaven. And now, he pours out the Holy Spirit. The obvious question is - where? Where is the Spirit poured out?

Is this pouring out like the flood in Noah's day - covering the whole earth? Is the Spirit poured onto certain, countries, towns or even streets? Do some churches receive the Spirit, whilst another misses out?

We need to read on....

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38-39

The Spirit is poured out on people. Yes I do believe at times of revival a particular area may experience a significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but the primary, even ordinary way is the Spirit is poured out on people.

Particularly, those people who REPENT and BELIEVE. That's what happens when we become a Chrisitan - we are saved, sinned forgiven and we recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, what I think we need to stress is that none of this is a one off, this must be the ongoing experience of God's people. We must keep being filled with the Holy Spirit. And so, we must keep REPENTING and BELIEVING. This is no one off, but an active trust, a continual turning to and trusting in God, as he continues to refresh us as he pours out his Spirit upon us.

So, if you seek the filling of the Holy Spirit today - begin by searching your heart. Where do you need to repent? In what way do you need to trust God afresh?