Gospel in a Minute

Peter’s Pentecost proclamation of the gospel began with an explanation of what onlookers were interpreting as drunken behavior. They acted in a way that required an explanation.

For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day;Acts 2:15 (NASB)

The disciples were full of the Holy Spirit for the very first time. They were intoxicated with the joy that accompanies God’s presence. (Psalm 16:11) They were speaking aloud exuberantly in unknown languages or “tongues,” which is one of the evidences of the baptism in the Spirit. (Acts 10:44-46) In their case, speaking in tongues served as a sign to those present who did not yet believe in Jesus (1Cor.14:22). Their speaking aroused curiosity and begged an explanation.

Principle: We should unafraid to be authentic and let our “light shine.”

Christians are often so careful not to offend people that we may repress our natural feelings and refrain from sharing the gospel with those on their way to hell. Our culture has told us to keep our faith to ourselves. Our religious traditions, in many cases, have taught us that emotional restraint is godly. The gospel is the best news ever told or heard. Knowing God and experiencing his presence is the greatest “high” there is. We should be more excited about experiencing God and sharing the gospel than anything else. If we share the good news as information that does not impact us emotionally, what kind of hidden message does that send? If we are afraid to allow the Holy Spirit to manifest his joy the gifts through us, we may shut off the river of God’s power and presence. We may also miss a grand opportunity to explain why we are so happy and moved by God’s Spirit.

Let’s allow ourselves to be uninhibited in expressing the joy the Lord. Let’s be unafraid to be ourselves spiritually and emotionally. We may open the door to share the gospel, just as did those first disciples.