“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.” Acts 10.39-48
It’s marvelous to see transformation of hearts and souls happening right before our very eyes. After Peter preached the clear Gospel message – Christ came, he lived, he suffered, died and rose from the dead — “he commanded us to preach….” After this, and even before the sermon was finished, I mean, they had not yet passed the offering or sang the last hymn, people were coming to Jesus! People received immediate fillings of the Holy Spirit even before they were baptized! Salvation comes by hearing and receiving the word of God by faith!
And as those who were hearing, and receiving, began to have faith in Christ, the gifts of the Holy Spirit was being poured out upon them. No laying on of hands had occurred, no instruction in how to speak in tongues, no comprehensive catechism in the workings of the Church, in Texas speak — “they just got saved yall!”
It truly was an immediate awakening. Now the ground was fertile, the souls were ripe, the Spirit was willing and the message was clear. And salvation came to the house of Cornelius that very hour. The believing Jews were amazed that the Spirit was being poured out on Gentiles, and almost without pause, all who believed were baptized with water “in the name of Jesus Christ.”
I’ve entitled this section, ‘Holy Spirit Happenings,’ because this is what is occurring. The Gospel is being preached, believed and received and God’s Spirit comes to dwell with people. The hearts were ready and willing. And God does what he’s been doing for a few thousand years if not more — He makes his dwelling with people.
The Bible says that if you “repent and believe the Gospel, you will be saved.” So what are you waiting for? Some reading this might need to pause this very moment, I mean, right now. Stop. Pray. Resurrender your life to Jesus. Invite him to have your heart. Ask him to forgive you of your sins. Turn and repent and receive the power of his indwelling Spirit.
Is there anything better than this? Holy Spirit happenings are occurring still. Maybe even today. Maybe even with you.
“Jesus I want more of your power. And in order to receive more, I must become less. I must submit, surrender, and allow your Spirit to wash over me with sanctifying effect. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me know the truth of your message and the beauty in your love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen