"Paul lived there two whole years in his own rented quarters and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete boldness and without restriction." v 31
The the last chapter of Book of the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible is chapter 28 and it ends with this verse above.: Despite all the attempts to stop the growing of the church and spreading of the Gospel, the message goes forth. The stories of The Church in the world did not end with chapter 28. They continue on today in Acts 29. Acts 29 is the not yet completed chapter being written on the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life, the movement of God in the world, and the workings of Jesus through His church today. And that includes this morning! Acts 29, the living story of your faith and the faith of the church must continue on where Acts 28 left off.
At our last house church gathering together we reflected and prayed through Acts 28. We discussed why we are here as a church and our calling. I have been praying over this. I prayed that if we honestly seek and remain in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we will go forth as well boldly proclaiming the Gospel of grace and the gates of hell will not prevail against it! (Matt. 16:18.) I prayed we would all finally see our homes as Paul did. That our homes our a gift from God will be used for the glory of God and not built with doors to keep our neighbors out but to welcome them in.
The purpose of going through the Book of Acts together was to encourage, renew, and awaken our faith in 2024 and awake us out of our slumber. “Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!” (Eph. 5:14)
Set aside time this week to Reflect on this.
The need to apply and focus on these characteristics that the early church in Acts embraced to birth the church is needed today to birth new life into your faith and the life of your church and The Church today.
1. Christ Centered. We need to expect this in each other in all we do, Jesus is Lord
2. Fruitfulness in ministries: Is there fire?, Is there faithfulness?, Is there fruit?. Is it one that is convincing anyone of the love and gospel of Jesus. If it is not bearing fruit, stop doing it.
3. Offer your best: do it with excellence. Whether you are first encountering someone on the street or a first time visitor in your church, this is the only one that matters.
4. Accountability: We need to be talking each other into following Jesus. As in the early church, Walking into a town they do not know, to people they never met, with a message they do not know, requires intimate connections, Mentors and coaches.
5. Collaboration: Working with others, connection, and praying for others in other communities.
Reflect on these questions:
Why are you here?
Why is your church here?
What is your vision that gives you you a picture of your purpose?
Where does your passion intersect with the world’s great need?
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
What are some of your most strongly held beliefs?
What are your gifts you feel you have for leadership and service?
What are your weaknesses?
What connections, training, classes, activities are you in need of to achieve your purpose and vision?
What connections, training, classes, activities is your church in need of to achieve its purpose and vision?
I have led us through 28 days of reflection on Acts. I would love to hear from you on what this time has meant to you and what reflections and insights you have gained. Please share these with myself and others by posting in the comments box below.
