Coming Soon—The Gift You Cannot Serve Without

June 8th, 2025

Acts 1:4–5 (CSB)
4 While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”

Stepping Into the Story

Imagine the risen Jesus standing before you—alive, whole, and victorious. His scars are still visible, yet His face is full of peace. Instead of rushing you into action, He simply says, “Wait.” These quiet, in-between days in Acts remind you that God’s power comes not through your striving, but through His Spirit. Before you move, He provides.

Why This Passage Still Matters Today

This passage speaks to your life because:

It reminds you that the Christian life begins with God’s presence, not your performance.
It shows you that God never calls without equipping.
It calls you to live in daily dependence on the Spirit’s power.

Fellowship With the Risen Christ Prepares You for the Work

"4 While he was with them..."

Look Closer

Jesus didn’t leave His disciples in fear or confusion after the resurrection. He appeared to them over forty days, offering “many convincing proofs” of His resurrection (v. 3). He sat with them. Ate with them. Spoke peace into their weary hearts. This quiet, intimate fellowship was a time of spiritual preparation.

The Greek phrase translated “while he was with them” comes from the verb synalizomenos (συναλιζόμενος), which can mean “to eat salt with” or “to gather closely for fellowship.” This wasn't casual company—it was table fellowship, shared life, close presence. In the ancient world, to eat with someone meant trust, acceptance, and belonging. That’s what Jesus offered His disciples.

Before the Spirit was poured out, Jesus drew them near.

This moment reminds you that your calling to serve Christ must always begin with closeness to Christ. Peace, stability, and spiritual clarity flow from time in His presence.

Truth to Live By

Jesus didn’t rush His disciples into ministry. He invited them first into fellowship. The same is true for you.

Living the Story: Live. Build. Move.

Live by His Word: Begin each day in quiet fellowship with Jesus. Let His peace speak into your anxiety.
Build Each Other Up: Remind fellow believers that time with Christ is essential preparation for effective service.
Move His Kingdom Forward: Share the peace of Christ with someone facing fear, reminding them that Jesus is near.

Write Your Story

Where in your life do you need to pause and sit with Jesus instead of rushing ahead?
How has your fellowship with Christ shaped your perspective during times of uncertainty?
In what ways can you help others experience the peace of Christ?

Consider This Prayer

Father, thank You for drawing near before You send me out. Teach me to sit with Jesus before I speak for Him. Let His presence become my peace, and His Word my preparation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The fellowship prepared them—but it wasn’t the only thing they needed. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem because something far greater was coming: the promise of the Father.

The Promise of the Father Is the Power of the Mission

"4a ...he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”

Look Closer

The disciples weren’t told to organize, strategize, or even evangelize yet. They were told to wait. Why? Because they needed something they didn’t yet have: the promised Holy Spirit.
In the Old Testament, God's promises were often accompanied by the assurance of His presence and power. In Joel 2:28, God had declared, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” Jesus reaffirmed this in Luke 24:49 and John 14–16.

The phrase “you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” uses the Greek verb baptizō (βαπτίζω), meaning to be “immersed” or “submerged.” This wasn’t symbolic—it was transformational. Just as John immersed people in water, Jesus would immerse His followers into the living presence of the Spirit.

This baptism brought:

Regeneration (Titus 3:5)
Indwelling (John 14:17)
Gifting (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Sealing (Ephesians 1:13–14)
Boldness (Acts 1:8)

And it wasn’t just for the apostles. It was for all who would believe.

Truth to Live By

You are not called to do spiritual work with human strength. The Father has provided His Spirit to dwell in you, empower you, and work through you.

Living the Story: Live. Build. Move.

Live by His Word: Start each day asking the Spirit to fill and lead you.
Build Each Other Up: Remind fellow believers that God has not left them powerless—His Spirit lives in them.
Move His Kingdom Forward: Step into bold witness this week, trusting that the Spirit will speak through you.

Write Your Story

Where have you been trying to serve God in your own strength?
What does it mean for you to be “baptized with the Holy Spirit”?
How can you become more aware of the Spirit’s leading in your daily life?

Consider This Prayer

Father, thank You for sending the Spirit—not just to be with me, but to live in me. I confess how often I rely on my strength. Teach me to walk by Your Spirit, trust in Your promise, and serve in Your power. Amen.

Whose Story Is This?

Acts 1:4–5 reminds you that the story of Jesus doesn’t stop at the resurrection. It continues through you—but only by the Father’s provision. You are not alone, not under-equipped, and not powerless. You have His Spirit.

This is not just history—it’s your story. So wait on Him. Walk with Him. And move forward by His power.

Because the work Jesus began isn’t finished. And by the Father’s provision—you are now part of it.