Tag: preaching the word
Persecution and preaching
Scripture reading for April 15th: Acts 8
Key Scriptures: Acts 8:3-8 “But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the Word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ and the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.”
The martyrdom of Stephen, the deacon, caused a great persecution against the church of Jesus Christ. All except the apostles were scattered out of Jerusalem to various towns, regions and villages. Another deacon, Philip relocated in Samaria and quickly began preaching Jesus there. He drew crowds of people who listened to the Gospel message and saw the signs of healing and deliverance that were done through his ministry. From the suffering and scattered church, God brought much joy to the places where they went through the Good News they brought with them. Out of difficulty and trouble came times of refreshing from God’s presence with His own. They took God’s glorious presence with them everywhere they were scattered, and like seed, they grew and produced fruit!
Acts 8:25 “Now when they had testified and spoken the Word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the Gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.“
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, You worked all things for good and Your glory, even persecutions and martyrdom! Work in me and our troubled world as I share the Good News and carry the testimony and presence of Jesus Christ. Let there be much joy from healings and deliverance and salvation!
Psalm 20:5 “May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the Name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!”
The priority of prayer and preaching!
Scripture reading for May 12th: Acts 6
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 6:2-4, 6 “So the Twelve gathered the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” . . . . “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”
The Apostles were facing pressure of time to serve all the people and help with their legitimate needs. They wisely gave instructions to choose seven other men who were qualified to help in the ministry. These men would serve the needs that were pressing and free the Apostles to pray and minister the word of God. Over-comers must give priority to prayer and the ministry of God’s word! Those anointed to preach and teach and lead must spend time with the Lord and His word! Even good works can become sin or a hindrance to the work God has called those in leadership to do.
Observations for over-comers: God hears the prayers of His people and blesses those who spend time in prayer and listening to His word. Don’t let sin or good works hinder your time with God. “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me.” (Psalm 66:18-20)