01/22/21 WHAT’S NEW? #13 — Acts 2:13 (HCSB) But some sneered and said, “They’re full of NEW WINE!”

In verse 15, Peter begins his famous Pentecost sermon asserting, “For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.” I’ve often wondered if Peter really knew much about people with alcohol problems. Over my long life, I’ve seen and worked with several folks who WERE often drunk before 9am!

In Ephesians 5:18-20 Paul says, “And don’t get drunk with wine, which ⌊leads to⌋ reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:  19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Apparently it was true back then—and still is today—that when believers raise their voices in heartfelt praise and worship to their Loving Heavenly Father, lost people frequently think we’ve lost our minds or we’re drunk. But, no,we’re NOT “under the influence,” as they say. But, to be sure, we ARE living under a very different kind of influence, DIVINE INFLUENCE!