The Real Power of Pentecost

Often, life is hard, and following Jesus can make it even harder. Jesus never promised an easy life. But the good news of Pentecost in Acts 2 is that God has equipped His Church with the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 6–7, Stephen’s story gives us a powerful picture of what a Spirit-filled life looks like. Stephen was full of grace, power, and faith. Even when he was falsely accused, rejected, and ultimately killed, he reflected Jesus because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Life pressed hard against him, but the Spirit proved greater than the persecution he faced. Stephen didn’t simply believe in Jesus; he became like Jesus. And the same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus, Stephen, and the early believers is available to us today. The Spirit is greater than life is hard.