Tag: Acts 18
By the Spirit!
Scripture reading for October 9th: Zechariah 3-7
Key Scriptures: Zechariah 4:6-7 “So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God Bless it!””
Zerubbabel was the governor who was in charge of the rebuilding in Jerusalem. The difficulties and resistance was like a mighty mountain that could not be moved with human strength. But God promised supernatural help by the Spirit! What man could not move, God’s Spirit would accomplish as His people walked in dependence on Him and not their own strength, money or ability.
Empowered by the Spirit: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Strengthening the disciples!
Scripture reading for May 30th: Acts 18
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 18:23 “After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.”
Paul, the great missionary and church planter of the early church recognized the need to follow up on those who had become disciples of Jesus during his missionary journeys. He understood that believers needed to grow in knowledge and have fellowship with those gift people that God had called to equip them for the work of ministry and teach them the ways of Christ. With this in mind, Paul decided to visit each place where he had preached and there were disciples and to spend time with them. His teaching and example would strengthen them and multiply the ministry of reaching all men with the gospel.
Observations for over-comers: God has called us to make disciples, not just converts! This requires spending time with those we have helped to find a relationship with Christ, teaching and allowing them to see our lives as examples. “When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and the only child of my mother, he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” (Proverbs 4:4-6)
Keep on speaking!
Scripture reading for May 29th: Acts 18
Paul had left Athens and went on to Corinth. There he joined up with Jewish believers Aquila and his wife Priscilla, who were tent-makers like he was. Paul devoted himself to preaching exclusively to the Jews, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. This caused dissension and the Jews became abusive. Paul shook out his clothes and warned them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6)
Paul moved his preaching base to a home in Corinth and had many converts who were baptized. “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid: keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.” (Acts 18:9-11)
The Holy Spirit brought a vision to Paul on this missionary journey. This vision gave some specific instructions. First of all, Paul was not to be afraid of any opposition or persecution that might come his way. The Lord promised that he would be kept safe! He also told Paul to keep on preaching! This was no time to be silent or shrink back or even to move on to another field! God had many more people that would be reached in this city where he was now placed.
Are you worried about persecution or opposition? Do you keep silent when you know the Good News is needed? Let this Scripture and vision to Paul encourage you today to be bold and strong! Fear not! Open your mouth and share the Gospel! God will bring in the harvest!