Hello Sweet friends,
Today’s Reading … Acts 7-14
What can we do in response to God’s Greatest Gift? The gift of His one and only Son, the forgiveness of our sins and a promise of eternity spent with Him? We can accept the challenge of “A New Mission.” This is a call to the Church of Biblical times and a call to the Church today. The church’s mission has always been to continue the work of Christ. As ambassadors of God to a broken world, we are called to participate with God. That means finding where God is working and moving to accomplish His purposes together (“Fast Track”).
The book of Acts, written by Luke, records the early history of the Church. Beginning with the Ascension of Jesus to heaven, Acts traces the explosive growth of messianic Jewish Christianity in Jerusalem and the land of Israel. It continues with its spread to non-Jews (Gentiles) in Samaria, Syria, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece and eventually Rome. The leading figure in the first chapters is the apostle Peter, who delivered the anointed message on the day of Pentecost, explaining the powerful move of God’s Spirit on the original 120 messianic Jewish believers. The greater part of the book, however is devoted to the experiences of the apostle Paul and his companions during their missionary journeys (“What the Bible is All About”).
Dr. Mears provides a wonderful perspective on the relationship between the Gospels and Acts:
The Gospels set forth the Son of Man who came to die for our sins-
Acts shows the Son of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospels set forth what Christ began to do-
Acts showed that He continued to do it by the Holy Spirit, through His disciples.
The Gospels tell of the crucified and risen Savior-
Acts portrays Him as the ascended and exalted Lord and leader.
In the Gospels we hear Christ’s teachings-
In Acts we see the effect of His teachings through the acts of His apostles.
Acts records the acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles. His name is mentioned more than 40 times. The word “witness” (in one form or another) is also used a great many times. “You will be my witness” (Acts 1:8) is the heart of the book of Acts.
The message is clear, the mission is clear. We are called to respond to God’s greatest gift by carrying out the work that He came to do. We are not expected, nor are we able, to complete this work on our own. The Holy Spirit came to empower and equip us to do God’s work. There is no excuse. You have a story to share. You are been given God’s greatest gift, tell someone about it!
But I am not a speaker… you speak to people everyday. What are you choosing to say?
But I lack understanding in Spiritual matters… the Spirit inside you does not. He will equip you.
But I don’t know who I should share with… whom so ever!!!
But I am just a stay at home mom… your children need to know about Jesus too.
But no one at work will understand… your job is not to make them understand, it is only to share the Truth.
But I don’t know what to say… share your story.
But I… No more excuses!
We are called, we are equipped, we are filled with the Spirit.
Lord, we are ready to accept “A New Mission.” We are ready to do your work!
Love you all,
Kinsee
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
