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. 
Acts 2:17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 
John 3:16

---

The Book of Acts records the wild and heroic true story of the early church. Earlier in the chapter from which today’s Scripture comes, we are told, “Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5).  And it is in this setting, after the promised Holy Spirit has come, that Peter proclaims, “God says I will ‘pour out my Spirit on all people.’” When Peter said this, he was quoting Joel 2:28-29 to explain that the extraordinary event of the Apostles speaking in tongues was not drunkenness but the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all believers means anyone can develop a personal relationship with Jesus. Many people think Christianity is exclusionary, but the invitation is for everyone.

I have had the privilege to share the Gospel with gang members on the South Side of Chicago, with agnostics on college campuses, and party-goers in Daytona Beach during college spring break. The Gospel is for everyone, but my approach is always different. 

In Romans 1:16, Paul writes, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Gentiles were non-Jewish people). 

Paul, who became a follower of Jesus after being well-established and recognized in the Jewish faith, was so passionate that everyone should hear the Good News of the Gospel in a way that they would understand that he says “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).  

This verse is  a great reminder that “one size does not fit all” when talking to people concerning their relationship with God. That has also been my experience. The Gospel is for everyone, but the way we share it might be different. Does someone need to hear about the peace of God? Someone else might need to hear about the victory that only God can give. Others might need to hear about His relentless love.  Like Paul said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be like Paul too. 

Next Steps

One of the joys of being part of the Willow family is every Sunday seeing such a diversity of people worshiping God together. How about intentionally getting to know someone from a culture different from yours? It can be as simple as introducing yourself and inviting them to have coffee at Willow’s café.

Another way to experience how God is working worldwide is to participate in one of the global trips that Willow offers every year. Another way is to volunteer with Willow’s Compassion & Justice Ministry and see how God works with many diverse people. 

Also, don’t forget that throughout this series, we’re reading the book of Acts as a church. Take a look at the reading plan and join in!