November 8 - Acts 4-6
These chapters in the book of Acts are so exciting because we see how the church began to grow, even though there was opposition. I believe that we get discouraged sometimes, because we think that opposition keeps the church from growing. However, history shows us that often there were more people saved, and the church grew more, when there was a great deal of persecution. I believe this passage can give us some clues as to why that has been the case.
In Acts 4 Peter and John are arrested after the miracle of healing, and Peter again uses the opportunity to preach Jesus to them. Notice what the Bible says about him. He was filled with the Spirit. He spoke in the name of Jesus. He had great boldness, because of the Spirit and having been with Jesus. He could not help but speak what he had seen and heard. If we were to put all of these things into practice each day, we would see many of the same things happen today. Then, when they were released, they praised God with the rest of the disciples, and they prayed for more boldness. God shook their room to show His approval. They were filled with the Spirit again, and they were given more boldness. I urge all of us to make that our prayer each day. Lord, fill us with your Spirit and give us boldness to speak in the name of Jesus, the only Lord and Savior.
In chapter 5 there was opposition to the spread of the gospel, but it came from within the church instead of from without. When Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, they could not be filled. If their sin had spread, the others would not be filled with the Spirit either. Then, the spread of the gospel would all but cease. Therefore, God had to use Peter to put an end to this terrible sin. Once He did that, the spread of the gospel resumed, and again we see that boldness. The church must keep itself pure and clean, so the Spirit can fill us and empower us to do God's will each day. If not, there will be a lack of power.
In chapter 6 there is another internal problem. It is criticism or complaining. This problem will cripple a church, too. The Bible says that we are to be of one accord. We must not be negative. We must not be against each other. Once the seven men were appointed to serve in this ministry, things were resolved, and the gospel began to spread again. The power was back, and even many of the priests were saved. (v.7) It is so important for us to see that the growth of the church is not always hindered by external opposition. Many times the problem is within the fellowship. However, in either case if we take care of the problem by being filled with the Spirit in an attitude of repentance and faith toward our Lord Jesus, God can bless His church and return the church to a position of power. That is what God wants to do all the time. It mostly depends on our faithfulness to Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 7-9.
In Acts 4 Peter and John are arrested after the miracle of healing, and Peter again uses the opportunity to preach Jesus to them. Notice what the Bible says about him. He was filled with the Spirit. He spoke in the name of Jesus. He had great boldness, because of the Spirit and having been with Jesus. He could not help but speak what he had seen and heard. If we were to put all of these things into practice each day, we would see many of the same things happen today. Then, when they were released, they praised God with the rest of the disciples, and they prayed for more boldness. God shook their room to show His approval. They were filled with the Spirit again, and they were given more boldness. I urge all of us to make that our prayer each day. Lord, fill us with your Spirit and give us boldness to speak in the name of Jesus, the only Lord and Savior.
In chapter 5 there was opposition to the spread of the gospel, but it came from within the church instead of from without. When Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, they could not be filled. If their sin had spread, the others would not be filled with the Spirit either. Then, the spread of the gospel would all but cease. Therefore, God had to use Peter to put an end to this terrible sin. Once He did that, the spread of the gospel resumed, and again we see that boldness. The church must keep itself pure and clean, so the Spirit can fill us and empower us to do God's will each day. If not, there will be a lack of power.
In chapter 6 there is another internal problem. It is criticism or complaining. This problem will cripple a church, too. The Bible says that we are to be of one accord. We must not be negative. We must not be against each other. Once the seven men were appointed to serve in this ministry, things were resolved, and the gospel began to spread again. The power was back, and even many of the priests were saved. (v.7) It is so important for us to see that the growth of the church is not always hindered by external opposition. Many times the problem is within the fellowship. However, in either case if we take care of the problem by being filled with the Spirit in an attitude of repentance and faith toward our Lord Jesus, God can bless His church and return the church to a position of power. That is what God wants to do all the time. It mostly depends on our faithfulness to Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 7-9.