The Bible Concerns Of Peter - 2082 Words

One fascinating story in the Bible concerns Peter. He was, from the beginning, a colorful character. He was a natural leader, boisterous, first to speak even before his brain was engaged sometimes, full of bravado until it came to the arrest of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the events surrounding it. Peter was the one who wanted to take on the soldiers who arrested Jesus. He unleashed his sword and sliced an ear off a servant of the High Priest. He was the one who denied Jesus when the heat was on in the High Priest’s courtyard. He went out weeping, filled with guilt and doubt (Luke 22:62). Within weeks, this same beaten man was standing up preaching fearlessly and watching as some three thousand repented and were baptized. He healed†¦show more content†¦Paul wanted to know the power of the resurrection in his life—power to overcome temptation, power to live a victorious Christian life, power to be an effective, fearless disciple (Romans 8:11). The other major event was the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell all of Christ’s disciples. Previously, the Holy Spirit had come upon individuals for particular ministries—but now, as part of the new relationship that God wanted with His people, the Spirit was going to permanently indwell Christians. Jesus had promised the disciples He would send this Spirit, although He didn’t fill them in completely about what the Spirit would be doing. However, after the resurrection, Jesus didn’t hang back. His final words before departing were dramatic: â€Å"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,† he told them in Acts 1:8. And so it was. Peter was soon on his feet preaching one of the most powerful sermons of all time.Many people believe that this verse does not apply to them. That somehow that power was solely related to the early church. That belief is reinforced by the unfortunate abuse of the Holy Spirit by those claiming a great deal more than they should in the name of Christ. The truth is not that we need more of the Holy Spirit, but that He should have more of us. When we yield ourselves to Christ, putting all hindrances to death, and live in the power of the resurrection, then the power of the Spirit can be released in us. A Message