Last Spring, Bro & SIs Hughes took a trip to Eastern Europe. That area of the world is experiencing great growth and freedom. That has not always been the case. One person to whom they spoke, told stories of long waiting list for things that we take for granted. Through all of her remarks, Bro. Hughes was struck by her level of gratitude for the things that she is now enjoying and how that it is so different from how it was. Those of us who have enjoyed these freedoms and privileges all of our lives have a difficult time understanding how it was in the former communist bloc countries. Many have become complacent with our freedom. Many have forgotten the how, the why and the cost of what it takes to be free. Collectively as a country, we seem to have lost our way. This reminded Bro. Hughes of the portion of our text that tells us that we have to be ready for an answer to the question of why we are blessed. We are blessed because someone paid a price. The battlefields of Europe are dotted with headstones of those that went before us and paid the ultimate price for us to be able to enjoy the freedom we continue to enjoy.

We also have an obligation in the church to be ready with an answer. In verse 12, those observing ask “What does this mean?” Peter was quick with his answer. The noise and sound of our worship is not meaningless or random, but it is ordained by God. There is a reason for our worship. There is a reason for our prayer. There is a reason for services where the Holy Ghost moves in and takes over. It may not make sense to the world, but we must be ready to explain to them why it is necessary. We are about to embark on a building program. It is an ambitious plan. But why are we building it? Because a confused world needs the Church to be the church and bring the Gospel to a lost and dying world. The purpose of God is still relevant to our times. The darker the night, the brighter the light will shine. Our world does not need a watered down, culturally relevant, feel good church. They need to know that there is a God that forgives and has grace and love that is beyond comprehension. They need the full power of the Holy Ghost. Those observing on the day of Pentecost were confused. After Peter gave them the answer, they then ask “What must we do” They were so compelled by the answer that they HAD to get it for themselves. The answer for confused world is the Gospel of Christ.