Theme: Church Growth
Explanation: The Book of Acts gives us the history of a dynamic community of believers who stretched from Jerusalem to as far as Syria, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Christianity spread from believing Jews to non-Jews in 39 cities and 30 countries.
The Importance of church growth: When the Spirit works, there is movement, excitement, and growth. He gives us the motivation, energy, and the ability to get the gospel to the whole world. Are you an active participant in this movement of God?
Theme: Witnessing
Explanation: The likes of Peter, John, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, and thousands more bore witness to their faith in Christ. They told their personal salvation story with boldness and courage thru personal testimony, powerful Holy Spirit led preaching and even by defending themselves standing before the authorities of the area where they were speaking.
The Importance of Witnessing: If saved, we are then selected to be God’s mouthpiece regarding His plan to reach the world. It is by love and faith that we utilize the Spirit’s assistance as we share our testimony and preach. Witnessing is beneficial to the believer as well as it causes our faith to growth as we confront those who come against our faith. Having said that, everyone doesn’t have the same spiritual gifts. Mine are writing, speaking, and praying for others. Some have the gift of evangelism. Others the gift of comfort and compassion and so on. God will always equip His children to do that which He desires us to do. However, we are to always be ready to share with others that which has altered our thoughts, words, actions, and demeanor. Only God can do that with permanent results.
Theme: The Opposition
Explanation: Imprisonment, physical beatings, plots against them and riots involving them, represented persecutions against the believers by both Jews and Gentiles. The apostles went where they were led by the Spirit and found that their opposition became a catalyst* for the spread of Christianity. Growth despite times of oppression proves that Christianity was not the work of humans, but rather of God.
The Importance of Opposition: Opposition doesn’t frighten or stop God from accomplishing that which He intends to accomplish. The devil doesn’t bother those who are doing nothing for God’s Kingdom; however, those who are busy doing the Lord’s work shall be persecuted and opposed in many various ways. Worry not, for God has placed a hedge of protection around His children. Opposition helps strengthen a believer’s resolve to stand tall for what they believe.
Up next is a look at the Apostle Stephen. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
* A person or thing that causes change.
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