June 7, 2019
For full passage click: Acts 2:14-21 …“Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” vs. 21
Peter was so excited that he could not contain himself. The Holy Spirit had exploded on the scene in spectacular fashion and he was convinced that the things that were happening were a fulfillment of what had been written by the prophet Joel many centuries before. This was the pouring of the Spirit upon all flesh, and no one was going to be excluded. No longer would salvation be limited—all people would be able to participate. As might have been expected, it didn’t take much time for Peter’s grand vision to be narrowed. As the Church began to grow and expand, its leaders began to attach limitations to salvation. His expansive proclamation, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved,” was reinterpreted and rephrased. It didn’t take long for it to be preached as this, “Only those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” In some denominations the prescription was narrowed even further to “Only those who have a personal relationship with Jesus shall be saved.” How foolish we are to attempt to curb the workings of God’s Holy Spirit! The message of Pentecost is plain. God’s love and mercy is for all flesh! How can we be so unimaginative as to think it’s only for folks who think and believe as we do? How wonderful it is to see the Spirit continue to be poured out in our day, often in ways that surprise and amaze! It really is good that we are not in charge!
Thought for the Day: What happens to those who don’t call on the name of the Lord?
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