A new dynamic takes place when the power of the Spirit of God falls unexpectedly on a waiting group of believers. The Pentecost event (Acts 2:1-18) was one such dynamic. The spiritual experience of back-country Galileans witnessed by startled visiting Jews from various Mediterranean countries set a precedent for many other “outpourings” of the Spirit of God foretold by Jesus (Acts 1:8).
Twelve years later, the Spirit of God “fell” on the household of Cornelius, and those who received the gift likewise spoke in unlearned languages. Similar outpourings have taken place in the history of the Church, many of which overflowed denominational church differences. A creek in flood quickly rises above boundary fences, and this allows neighboring ducks which usually swim separately to swim together.
When the Spirit of God suddenly and unexpectedly “falls” on, or is “poured out” on those who believe in the Lord Jesus, the result is immediate. Those who are present will never forget the experience, which thereafter will likely become the touchstone of later spiritual experiences.
The experience of being baptized with (or in) the Holy Spirit is very much needed in churches today, due to a deterioration in the spiritual and moral values that in the past held Western society together. Most of these values have their roots in the Bible. When the Spirit of God arrives in power our heart attitude toward others changes on the spot!
It took a vision from God to convince the Apostle Peter that he should travel to the house of Cornelius, and Peter had only begun to speak when the Spirit fell on all who were present in the house.
Authentic spiritual experiences are convincing. Church leaders, including James, the step brother of Jesus — had to accept the undeniable evidence that God was now seeing Jews and non-Jews in Christ as inseparable.
Likewise, Ananias had to catch up with the reality of Saul’s conversion, when God informed him that Saul (later known as Paul) had already seen him laying hands on his head!
May the river of God rise soon and so high that it will overflow separating fences and bring together all those in it who love and serve our Lord Jesus!