The church in the book of Acts did not have telephones or the printing press, let alone radio, tv and the internet. Yet after Jesus ascended their numbers grew from the 120 that gathered in Jerusalem to 5,000 in a short time. Within 3 centuries Christianity became a dominant force in the Roman Empire. God has often chosen to use the few and the weak according to this world. He has also chosen to use you in a special capacity that belongs to you alone!
Do not believe the lie that you are insignificant! The Creator of the entire universe is calling you to turn from serving your will and the will of others to serving Him and His glorious purpose in the Kingdom of God! Trust Him today! You have a part in building a better world as He prepares you and molds you into His image. You can be a part in His Church, His body, that is crashing down the gates of hell!
Lately I have been looking to the New Testament and particularly the book of Acts and comparing the practices and methods of the early church with those of today. I would challenge you to do the same. Is it possible that our traditions and patterns of thinking have placed a heavy load on us that God never intended? Could these traditions and patterns of thinking actually hinder us from enjoying life in the fullness of God’s wonderful plan?
Jesus challenges us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. Maybe not an easy path, but definitely one that will liberate us from the self-centered version of the Gospel that we often hear today. It is only in losing our lives that we truly find our lives fully in Him!
Brother, thank you, thank you for this super-exciting message today. An optimistic and positive one, I might add.
We will not be weary in well doing. In the strength of Jesus, we shall overcome evil with good.
Remember: He must reign now and until every enemy become his footstool!
You have the beginnings of a good book here with regard to the Early Church’s success. Please consider it.
As they used to say on Hawaii 5-0: Bookem Danno…
David, sorry I did not respond to your comment sooner. I always appreciate your encouraging words. I realize there are already a number of good books on the early church. Yet it is somewhat for my sake that I want to share these small and basic points. The river needs to run through us and not become dammed up!
It can be tempting to become weary in well doing. Negative and controversial stories seem to always attract more attention these days.