What it might look like if what happened in Acts 2 happens at
Glynlea Grace UMC and adjacent communities
Please pray for this to happen
The brothers and sisters of Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church (GGUMC) were praying and worshipping as one body when, suddenly, there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire sanctuary. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the gospel message in a manner that was easily understood by the unbelievers in the surrounding communities.
Now, there were all sorts of people in the communities surrounding GGUMC. African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Caucasians were all represented. There were upper middle class retirees and working class families from the Grove Park and Glynlea areas. In the neighborhoods north of GGUMC there were some hardworking blue collar folks. To the east of GGUMC you might find some lower middle class, single-parent households. Many people from all these neighborhoods and ethnic groups were dealing with addictions, abuse, family strife, mental illnesses, financial crisis and many other problems. A great multitude of these people were drawn to GGUMC. They saw that something was happening there and wanted to investigate.
As the people gathered at GGUMC, they heard the gospel message about God’s love and how God demonstrated His love through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each person received the gospel message in a manner that was easy for him/her to understand. It didn’t matter what ethnic group or social class they belonged to, everyone felt that the message was meant for them. They all heard the gospel message in a way that penetrated their hearts.
Many of the people didn’t understand what was happening. Some were even negative. They claimed that what was happening was simple emotionalism and wouldn’t result in real change for the surrounding communities. A leader at GGUMC, full of the Holy Spirit, addressed these naysayers. She said:
“Everyone, listen to me. What’s happening now is not mere emotionalism. It’s the Holy Spirit being poured out to bring people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Sins are being forgiven and lives are being changed. We are being transformed into the likeness of Christ. All of this is to fulfill the words spoken by the prophet Joel: `And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and manifest day. And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' Hear the words of our Savior and Lord: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.’ Repentance is deciding that you no longer want to live a life of sin but want to live a Godly life characterized by love. Believing in the gospel means trusting that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is sufficient to take away our sins. By doing this you will enter the kingdom of God and receive Holy Spirit empowerment to become the person God created you to be.”
Upon hearing this, even some of the naysayers asked, ‘What should we do?’ In reply, the brothers and sisters at GGUMC said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Thousands came forward and were saved.
Miracles began to happen at GGUMC and the surrounding communities, especially in sin city. People were being healed. Addicts were freed from various demons, such as alcohol, drugs, illicit sex and gambling. Men started to stand up and take responsibility for their families. A spirit of love and cooperation pervaded the surrounding communities. People willingly shared their wealth to help those in need.
The people who came to know Jesus as Savior, Lord and friend were compelled to leave the walls of the church to spread the good news. Many knocked on doors to invite people to church and spread God’s love. Bible studies started to pop up in Bar & Grilles, restaurants and Starbuck coffee houses. The break rooms at work became centers for fellowship, Bible study and worship. Christians developed an intense desire to share their faith with family, at work and in public places. Day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
This can only happen if Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church is committed to being a praying church that prays in the name of Jesus.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let’s call upon the Lord to surrender ourselves to His will and receive Holy Spirit empowerment. |
