Acts V - A digging exercise

Acts 5 (NIV)

Ananias and Sapphira

1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price." 9 Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Wow!  I love this passage.  So many people have said to me, "why would you want to live under Law, there is only judgement and misery in the Old Testament, and nothing but love in the New Testament?" BUT... here in the New Testament, you have Ananias & Sapphira... dead, struck dead, for what? for lying.  How much more, judgement oriented and Law based can you be?  

Why did they lie? for notoriety, prestige, recognition, they wanted to be known for something they weren't.  How so many people do this same thing today.  "I gave 20% last year" when in truth it was only 5%.  (and truly it's no ones business) And so many more people will not give if there isn't an open proclamation of how much.  Recognition, this is all most people today are after.  If the Holy Spirit were here today as much as he was then, people wouldn't be getting away with that, people would be dropping dead left and right.  Sometimes I wonder why the deaths during the time of Acts, but not today.  Why not today? There is so much corruption, lying, cheating, stealing, I just can not handle it anymore.  Every where you turn, lies, every one you meet, lies, even from your own family, lies lies and more lies.  They have to tell lies to cover up their lies.  Get caught in their lies.  Can't remember their lies.  Can't keep them straight.  And can't remember who they told which lie to.  AND don't seem to care.  Catch them in it, and they deny, but they are caught, trust is gone.  Can you get it back, knowing the next is a lie too.  

How do people live like this, it makes my head hurt just thinking about it.  Just tell the truth, always, and you won't trip yourself up.  If you think the person can't handle the truth that you are talking to, then don't say it, walk away, you do NOT have to lie.

Ananias & Sapphira sold their possessions, and chose to give a certain percent to the Church.  They were not obligated to do so.  They were not obligated to give all.  The money was theirs, and they could choose to give all, some, or none.  But they choose to give some, and then tell everyone it was all.  Did they really and truly think that they could lie to God and get away with it?  It matters not what the people of this world think of us, it matters what God thinks of us.  And truly, he gave them no opportunity to repent of their sin in this case.  They lied, and fell dead.  No second chance, no coming to their senses, no realization of their error and atoning for it later... Dead! on the floor the next minute.  Forever separated from God because of their sin.  Sound harsh? It's Just!  Ananias & Sapphira cared more about what others thought than what God thought, this was an internal attack on the Church, this was the first defection from within the Church.  

Today's lesson:  Living to please God rather than people.  Aim:  To teach, in order to be faithful followers of and witnesses for Jesus, we must choose daily to obey God rather than people; that is, to care more what God thinks of us than what others think! (Heritage Church, October 15, 2014)

And all this proves my ultimate point, God is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow.  He has not "changed" his plan, but is moving through the next phase of it.  Law is not abolished, it is enhanced with Grace.  So for those that lean to the side of Law... you are wrong.  For those you lean only on Grace, you too are wrong.  There is a middle point, where Law and Grace come together, and THAT is where we should be.  THAT is what Christ Jesus preached.  THAT is what you will find if you too read both the "OLD" and the "NEW".  

The Apostles Heal Many

12 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

Many miraculous signs and wonders were performed.  A purged and purified church is powerful.  A powerful and popular church will be persecuted. Are you doing what it takes to be persecuted? Stand on what you know is right.  Stand on the Word of God.  He will give you gifts.  The Holy Spirit will give you gifts.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers. 

If the Spirit is truly dwelling within you, you will see his fruits:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  

AND the faith that is shown in these people.  They brought their loved ones, laid them in the streets, on mats and beds, in hopes, (JUST IN HOPES) that Peter's shadow would fall on them.  Talk about faith, I know it must have been a great time to be alive with the miracles happening all around, and the Holy Spirit alive in everyone.  

The Apostles Persecuted

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees,were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life." 21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin--the full assembly of the elders of Israel--and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. 25 Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. 27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

The Sadduccees were filled with jealousy.  Oh this is priceless, they are filled with jealousy... why? You know that they had to "know" that what they were doing was wrong... They just had to.  I don't see any way around it at this point.  The miracle WAS performed, and it was performed in the name of Jesus Christ...  They could not deny that it had happened, the evidence was the man right there in their faces jumping for joy and singing praises...  So how could the not see... They were so scared of losing their hold on the people, and their way of life, that they couldn't admit this out loud.  The were so afraid of losing their earthly powers that they could not publicly endorse Jesus Christ... BUT they had to know.  They had to know that deep down they were wrong...  I just don't see any way around that fact.  And they were jealous, of what the believers had, they were jealous of the power and the miracles that were being displayed, they were envious that they did not share these powers.  They did not "believe" in resurrection, therefore the rest made no sense to them... see what having a closed heart gets you?  Just because you can't "see" past something doesn't make it not so.  Open your eyes... Open your heart... read the scripture for yourself as if you had never read it before... throw your biases and preconceived notions in the trash where they belong, and read the Word for what God intended for you to get out of it.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you along the road of reading the Word, FROM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE, NOT YOUR OWN...

Even Gamaliel says... Leave them be, if they are not of God they will fade away... If they are of God, then you will be fighting God on this subject... Guess what guys...

Acts Four - An In Depth Look

Acts 4 (Copied from BibleGateway.com)

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. ' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?"they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Before the crucifixion the Pharisees despised Jesus, because they were afraid that he would cause problems on Passover, and the Romans through Pontius Pilate would halt the festivities that were observed during this time.  After the crucifixion the Sadduces became the most outspoken against Christ because they did not believe in resurrection.  

Isn't it sad that so many people just can not handle change at all, that they can put up this hard shell around their heart, and not listen to the "truths" that are being spoken around and to them.  Do we really think that we are so "RIGHT" in our beliefs when we have only heard part of the story.  Christ said in Luke that there was much more "truth" that he couldn't share with us yet, because we weren't ready for it.  This tells me that we haven't accepted the "truths" he has given us already, that we are not ready for the next level.  I plead with you all, everyone that reads this, please get your nose back in that book, put aside your preconceived notions, and open yourself to the Voice of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that you may come to know His "Truth" they way He intended you too.  

Most people today never get a chance to see a miracle of this nature.  How is it even possible that you could see a man every single day for 40 years being a beggar because of his paralysis and now can walk, and NOT believe and want what this man received?  How is it, that they KNOW, cause you know they knew, and still try to keep Peter and John from sharing? How is it, that those who saw this miracle, can say to themselves, "it matters not, we have to keep it from spreading".  I do NOT understand why they wouldn't accept, believe, and spread the message.  

I know in my head, that God didn't allow their hearts to soften, so they could accept, just like he did with the Pharoah in Egypt.  And I know that the Gentile inclusion was part of this plan.  But why would he make his "chosen people" so hard hearted that they can't "SEE" the truth even yet?  This is one of those "truths" that I will say.... "ahhhh, I see", when the answer comes, and I have complete and utter faith that it will come, when God is ready for it... 

At the Azusa Street Revival, in 1915, a man lifted his deformed and mangled hand, and as the crowd watched, he regrew a new hand.  I have seen miracles, I have been the recipient of miracles, but I want to see a miracle of this stature... NOT because I don't believe it's possible, but just because I want to be in the presence of the Spirit when a miracle of this type happens.  I want to feel the Spirit in the air, and in the crowd, I want to feel the people believing...  I SO WANT TO FEEL THE SPIRIT WHEN HE'S IN HIS FULL GLORY.   NOT just in me, but in a large multitude.... IT would have to be awesome!

The Believers' Prayer

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' 27Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

It must have been an absolutely glorious time to be alive, when the Holy Spirit was so abundant and present in the lives of the Church.  Notice here that it says "filled with the Holy Spirit".  The Church had been baptized with the Spirit at Pentecost.  NOW, they are filled with the Holy Spirit, when the time calls for it.  The Holy Spirit did not just "fill" the 12, He filled Peter, and all the others after that believe, accept, and repent.  The Holy Spirit will fill you and me, and take over when we stumble, guide us when we are unsure, convict us when we are wrong, love us when we are feeling unworthy, you just have to ASK...

Dear Lord, please bring revival to us, bring your FIRE, bring your Spirit and settle on all those of the Fort Smith River Valley... I want to be a part of knowing your Church the way it was during the time of Peter and John...  I want to be a part of bringing the Church back to you Lord... A part of bringing your creations back to your embrace and the knowledge of your love, and commitment to them, your faithfulness to all, and the grace you have given to everyone! In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!!!

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas(which means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if everyone tried to sell everything they had and live as a Church together?  Is this where the concept of "commune" comes from? Maybe they are on the right track of this point, but in the end miss the overall goal of this concept.  

I think the point in current times, is that we don't need to live in excess.  God is responsible for what you have, don't hoard it... use it for His kingdom!!!!

I hope that you are enjoying my in depth looks at the chapters of Acts.  There is so much great information in this Book...  and I am enjoying going through it.  There is so much more than I could ever share here, and each time I read it, I get more and more out of it.  


Marvel at the amazing things God is doing in the midst of persecution!!!*

• Thousands put their faith in Jesus!
• Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preaches with boldness. 
• Peter got to preach to the priests and the political leaders. 
• The Miracle was confirmed by ALL.
• The enemies of Jesus were left speechless and confused. 
• The whole congregation was shaken and filled with boldness. 
• God is glorified and praised.  

*Shared from Timothy Team notes, Heritage Church, Van Buren, Arkansas, October 8, 2014

This happened yesterday, is happening today, and will happen tomorrow!!!  BE a part of it!

Acts 3 

Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

The lame man was begging at the Beautiful gate.  The Beautiful Gate... Part of me says that Peter and John entered the Temple area, using the same gate that they had always used, the gate they would have used when the accompanied Jesus to the Temple.  But, as my husband suggests, Jesus would not have used The Beautiful Gate, as He would have wanted to remain inconspicuous up until the end, and may have the thought The Beautiful Gate to pretentious for him to use.  In doing some research on this subject, there are dozens of gates... and the appear similar to archways or doors.  

It's amazing what you can find when you do some research.  I found the following, reference to gates to the Temple:

Gate of the Tribes, Gate of Remission, Gate of Darkness, Gate of Bani Ghanim, Council Gate, Iron Gate, Cotton Merchant's Gate, Ablution Gate, Tranquility Gate, Chain Gate, Moroccans' Gate, Golden Gate, Single Gate, Huldah Gate, Barclay's Gate, Warren's Gate, Coponius' Gate, Kohen Gate, Triple Gate.... some of these are now sealed up as you can see above, some of them, like the Beautiful Gate is not listed here by that name, and some I'm sure just simply aren't there any more.  

So... It's possible to that Jesus never went through the Beautiful Gate.   I don't think that had He gone through that gate, that he would have left this man paralyzed.  I think maybe my husband might be right on this one, Jesus never went through that gate, and thus this man was left for Peter to heal.  

Another note, before we move on to the next section.  Peter and John were headed to the temple.  Why? to Pray.  Because they always did.  Peter and John, were first and foremost, Jews.  Yes, they had received the Holy Spirit, and would spread the word of Christ.  BUT at this point in time, it was to the JEWS, to the Israelis, to the members of Jerusalem.  

An interesting commentary by J. Vernon McGee, regarding the comment, "Silver or gold I do not have" :

  

•       An incident is told of one of the early saints of the church in Rome who walked in on the pope as he was counting money.  Realizing that he had walked in on something which was private, he started to walk out.  The pope said to him, "No longer can the church say 'Silver and gold have I none.'" As the saintly man continued walking out, he said, "Neither can the church say to the impotent man, 'Rise up and walk.'"

I am certain many people I know will have issues with this comment, but it just reached a place inside me when I read it, and felt it important enough to share.  

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers,has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. 17 "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' 24 "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

I have read a commentary by J. Vernon McGee, and will share some of that with you.  He says that this particular passage is directed at the Jews, I agree.  McGee says that Peter is offering the Kingdom to the Jews, again.  I agree.  McGee says this will be the last time...  I don't think so.  The final time has yet to come.  McGee goes on to say that had the Jews accepted at this time, Jesus would have returned at that time, according to McGee, Peter says that Jesus would have returned at this time.  I disagree wholeheartedly...  The Apostles were instructed to spread the Word and the Way to Jerusalem, then to Judea and Sumara, and THEN to the rest of the nations (World)... this had not been done yet...  See it is my contention that God intended for the Jews to say no at this time, it was always in His plan for Gentiles to be brought back in, to be grafted into the Olive tree of Israel...  YES, he picked Israel as his favorite, and used them to protect the Law, and used them to bring the world the Messiah...  AND I still maintain that the Jews, the Israeli are his choosen people, they are not done... they are not finished... it will come back to them... they will have another chance... It is up to the Gentile nations now to spread the Word and bring the Jews back to Grace.  

I feel in my heart that Law and Grace are companions, neither side can see the whole picture without both parts, the camera AND the film.  

Shalom and God Bless You!

Acts Chapter 2

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine. "

At the Feast of Pentecost, in Jerusalem, the Church was born.  With the sound of tornadic capable winds (just the sound, not the actual winds), and tongues of fire that didn't burn, the Holy Spirit baptized the Apostles, and the Church was born.  

"The were filled with the Holy Spirit".  FILLED with the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was IN them.  Yes, IN them.  This is an amazing feeling, when you let Him in.  

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below,blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' 22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him,as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.' 29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:34  “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.””  At this point I must question, if he did not ascend to the heavens, then where is he?  Is he in Abraham's bosom, with Abraham and Lazarus?  I've heard some say that Christ cleared this out and took those souls with him when he left Hades.  I've heard Sh'eol referred to as just in the ground waiting.   J Vernon McGee says, David will be raised with the Old Testament saints to live on this earth someday.  Why? And where are they now?  Questions I am adding to my research list.  And will come back to here when I have the answers.  

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Notice here it says "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This is awesome, and tells you, it's not what we do, but the Lord does it.  He tells us to go, share the Word, share the Way, share the "Good News" of Jesus Christ, and once we do that, then HE brings them in.  He does the work.  This is fabulous, utterly and amazingly fabulous.