This included the bestowing of the Holy Spirit upon the believers. For many, one's inclusion in the community of faith isn't complete until one shows evidence of the presence of the Spirit. For them, this might include speaking in tongues or acts of healing. We tend, in our communities, not to insist that such indicators be present.
However, in setting aside the need for such "signs," might we have forsaken the insistence that becoming a member of The Way is more than accepting particular teachings or thoughts? Ought being a follower of Jesus mean an awareness of the presence and the working of the Spirit in our lives and in our world?
I am not yet prepared to expect or demand that we speak in tongues or handle snakes in worship - but I do hear the stores of Acts 8 and realize that all too often we do allow our portion of the Christian Church to be devoid of signs that the Spirit is alive and active in our midst.
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