The MCA Church Christmas theme has been, “Born in the City.” We have given our attention to Jesus’ birth in and for the cities of our world. His birth is the hope of the city.
We now turn our study to Christian life after Jesus ascended into heaven. Now Jesus is born, so to speak, in our cities through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Today we continue our Born in the City teachings by starting a sub-series called, Acts: Our story.
Jesus was born in the city of David and for the city of David. Most of Jesus’ life and ministry was located near the Sea of Galilee in and near the city of Capernaum.
Jesus stated in John 16:7 that it is better for us that He depart because at His departure he would send the Holy Spirit.
The departure of Jesus, called the Ascension, is recorded in Acts 1:6-11.
Jesus, keeping His promises, sends the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.
Most of the remaining books of the New Testament chronicle the spread, growth and maturation of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in various cities of the world.
Acts 1 – 7 Jerusalem
Acts 8 Judea and Samaria
Acts 8 Ethiopia and Azotus and Caesarea
Acts 9 Damascus, Jerusalem, and Joppa
Acts 10 Caesarea
Acts 11 Jerusalem, Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch
Acts 12 Jerusalem
Acts 13 Salamis, Cyprus, Antioch, Pisidia
Acts 14 Iconium, Lystra, and Antioch
Acts 15 Jerusalem, Syria, and Cilicia
Acts 16 Lystra, Phyrgia, Galatia, Philippi
Acts 17 Thessalonica, Berea, Athens
Acts 18 Corinth, Antioch, Ephesus
Acts 19 Ephesus
Acts 20 Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece
Acts 21 – 23 Jerusalem
Acts 24 – 26 Caesarea
Acts 27 Sailing to Rome
Acts 28 Malta, Rome
Jesus made it very clear. Our assignment is to go into all the cities of the world and preach the Good News through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
As in the life of Jesus, the Holy Spirit accomplishes God’s ministry in the world today.
Consider the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the activity surrounding the birth of Jesus.
- Mary in Luke 1:35
- Elizabeth in Luke 1:41
- Zechariah in Luke 1:67
Eight days after Jesus was born, he was presented to the Lord in the temple. As Jesus was presented to the Lord, we again see the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon, he received revelation from the Holy Spirit, and he walked in the Spirit. Luke 2:25-27
We have a glimpse into three qualities that God looks for placing His Spirit upon women and men.
- Righteousness is a common denominator. Luke 1:6 and Luke 2:25
- Devout obedience to God’s commandments and statutes is the second common denominator. Luke 1:6 and Luke 2:25
- Third, all three were waiting in expectant faith for God to keep His promise. Luke 1:13 and Luke 2:25
MCA Church is seeking God for a greater presence of the Holy Spirit. Like the Christians in the book of Acts, we know we have been sent to the cities of the world to proclaim the Good News.
In our consecration time today I am asking God to:
- Increase my righteousness.
- Grow my devotion to obey all of God’s commands and statutes.
- Strengthen my faith to wait expectantly for the fulfillment of God’s promise.