Verse 4 - "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
They were fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus. They were being obedient.
I get frustrated with my weak attempts at sharing my faith with others. The disciples did it with such boldness. Why can't I?
I have Good News to share. Why don't I share it more than I do? I need a lot of work in this area. I need to be more obedient to the calling Jesus gave to all of us.
verse 1, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria."
Verse 4, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
Sometimes we can't see or understand why something is happening to us. We don't see the spiritual implications of what is happening around us. We don't see God's hand at work.
I am sure that the new followers of Jesus were wondering why they would be put right in the middle of a great persecution. They probably thought that salvation brought freedom in a way that was very different than they were experiencing. But what is happening is the spreading of the Good News. The thousands of new believers are now missionaries throughout Judea and Samaria. God's plan for the redemption of the world!
I need to be very careful when I am going through difficult times. I need to change my perspective and seek to see things through God's eyes and His purposes. I need to be open to the possibility that what I am going through is actually bringing glory to God and it is spreading His love into other people's lives who need it.
It's humbling to realize that God can redeem our pain for the good of others.
"Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?"
How many times do we see or hear this... I used to read my bible, but it didn't make any sense so I quit. We have to explain the true meaning of Christ to people, for until the holy spirit truly fills a person, the words will not make any sense. The bible was written for the saved, and it needs to be explained as such.
We also have to realize that there are baby christians out there. Ones who just came to know christ. Ones who need direction. God gave us the ability to help show them. To help feed them food rather than milk, to help them grow into toddlers. We also have to explain to these people, that they have a choice.... You can just sit in a church and be spoonfed the word, and not learn much or understand what is being taught. OR they can venture like a toddler to open up the bible, and allow God to teach them how to read the bible, and suddenly their minds and hearts will take on new meaning and the words will become live, because Jesus Christ is a LIVING god !!!
I always loved going to church myself, and I was one that did not understand at all, so I struggled with opening the Bible. It wasn't until one day when I prayed, Lord, I really need you in my life, and I want to understand you, but these words make no sence. Please help me.
I called to the Lord, and PRAISE him HE answered !!! The words began to jump off of the book. I felt like I was in a play and suddenly it became a part of my life. It is for that reason that I share with others, to hopefully help them reach the same place where I am today, and to maybe get ahead of me and help me out as well.
I had to humble myself this december and go from a well paying job to minimum wage at McDonald's. There I ministered to someone on a shift I would not normally work, but got called to volunteer. This young man said that he's not religous because it never made sense to him, and he didn't feel that he needed God. I told him about how much God has helped me in my life, and I explained why he needed God. I provided him with a children's international bible (it's easier to read). Yesterday he came with questions. See how great our Heavenly Father is ??? He aligns things so that NONE MAY PERISH !!
I used to cry if I had to talk to someone, I would shake out of fear. God changed that in me, and HE gives me the boldness, the strength and the courage, to actually talk to others. Praise God he can do the same for you. God can't help you if you don't ask. Tell your Heavenly Father what it is that you need help in doing. When it's for HIS ministry, the help comes quickly !!! Thank you Father !!!
39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. We find out that Philip was transported to another city.... Wow. I thought...this would be so cool.
As I looked at Philip I saw that he was about the Lord's work...sharing the good news.. people were being saved...baptised...he was busy doing good. Then an angel came and gave him directions to go towards a certain place. He was obedient to go......at the right time, the Holy Spirit told him to go and stand and listen....and he heard the eunuch searching the scriptures....seeking. Philip was able to share Jesus and salvation came. Then the blessed moment, receiving the Lord and the eunuch was praising God.
There is a time for us to step back and allow God to be the only One. There is a time when Jesus is enough. The Holy Spirit removed Philip from the scene, but I must remember to walk away when God is ministering.
Father, in the midst of my busyness, I pray to hear your directions to "Go." I pray that in my obedience, You will give to me each step to take me where You want me to be and to minister to whomever you want me to touch. Let me be a vessel of grace, in which Your Spirit moves through.....and let me also step back, step out of the way, so that those who see Jesus may be united with Him in love and the moment is all theirs to behold.
When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[c] the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Question: Is anyone else confused about receiving the Holy Spirit?
I have been asking a lot of people a lot of questions about the Holy Spirit lately. I haven't received the same answer from anyone.
One of the things I love about the people at Charter Oak Church is that we aren't afraid to admit that we don't know everything. We are all on this journey together. I'm not sure we will ever fully understand the Holy Spirit this side of heaven, but that's okay. We'll keep asking God to reveal what He wants us to understand along the way.
I can tell you how the holy spirit came to me. I have always been a christian I always believed, but never fully trusted, never fully depended.
When my husband left me, I knew I couldn't do it alone. I asked then that God help carry me thru. I heard a deep voice say, thank you, I knew you needed me. Today, when I ask for a hug, I feel a great warmth around me. When I ask for direction, sometimes I hear that same voice, Sometimes answers to the questions I've asked comes from others.
You have to understand, the moment you chose to believe the holy spirit is in you, but you develop your relationship, and hear and understand the holy spirit more when you read his word. Romans ~ Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The more you trust on, lean on, and depend on God, the more you hear his voice clearly. You have to remember that God does not answer to sin, so you do need to bring that to him to clear the pathway for God to speak graciously to you.
As a believer before, I never understood god's word. But now that I depend on God for understanding, it's as clear as watching tv.
I hope this helps you understand more. My life is an open book, so if you ever need help just ask. For those that want a closer relationship, come grow with us in Celebrate Recovery.
Charter Oak Church is a family of Jesus followers who want to reach out to those who are searching and equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Verse 4 - "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
ReplyDeleteThey were fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus. They were being obedient.
I get frustrated with my weak attempts at sharing my faith with others. The disciples did it with such boldness. Why can't I?
I have Good News to share. Why don't I share it more than I do? I need a lot of work in this area. I need to be more obedient to the calling Jesus gave to all of us.
verse 1, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria."
ReplyDeleteVerse 4, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
Sometimes we can't see or understand why something is happening to us. We don't see the spiritual implications of what is happening around us. We don't see God's hand at work.
I am sure that the new followers of Jesus were wondering why they would be put right in the middle of a great persecution. They probably thought that salvation brought freedom in a way that was very different than they were experiencing. But what is happening is the spreading of the Good News. The thousands of new believers are now missionaries throughout Judea and Samaria. God's plan for the redemption of the world!
I need to be very careful when I am going through difficult times. I need to change my perspective and seek to see things through God's eyes and His purposes. I need to be open to the possibility that what I am going through is actually bringing glory to God and it is spreading His love into other people's lives who need it.
It's humbling to realize that God can redeem our pain for the good of others.
"Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
ReplyDelete31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?"
How many times do we see or hear this... I used to read my bible, but it didn't make any sense so I quit. We have to explain the true meaning of Christ to people, for until the holy spirit truly fills a person, the words will not make any sense. The bible was written for the saved, and it needs to be explained as such.
We also have to realize that there are baby christians out there. Ones who just came to know christ. Ones who need direction. God gave us the ability to help show them. To help feed them food rather than milk, to help them grow into toddlers. We also have to explain to these people, that they have a choice.... You can just sit in a church and be spoonfed the word, and not learn much or understand what is being taught. OR they can venture like a toddler to open up the bible, and allow God to teach them how to read the bible, and suddenly their minds and hearts will take on new meaning and the words will become live, because Jesus Christ is a LIVING god !!!
I always loved going to church myself, and I was one that did not understand at all, so I struggled with opening the Bible. It wasn't until one day when I prayed, Lord, I really need you in my life, and I want to understand you, but these words make no sence. Please help me.
I called to the Lord, and PRAISE him HE answered !!! The words began to jump off of the book. I felt like I was in a play and suddenly it became a part of my life. It is for that reason that I share with others, to hopefully help them reach the same place where I am today, and to maybe get ahead of me and help me out as well.
I had to humble myself this december and go from a well paying job to minimum wage at McDonald's. There I ministered to someone on a shift I would not normally work, but got called to volunteer. This young man said that he's not religous because it never made sense to him, and he didn't feel that he needed God. I told him about how much God has helped me in my life, and I explained why he needed God. I provided him with a children's international bible (it's easier to read). Yesterday he came with questions. See how great our Heavenly Father is ??? He aligns things so that NONE MAY PERISH !!
I used to cry if I had to talk to someone, I would shake out of fear. God changed that in me, and HE gives me the boldness, the strength and the courage, to actually talk to others. Praise God he can do the same for you. God can't help you if you don't ask. Tell your Heavenly Father what it is that you need help in doing. When it's for HIS ministry, the help comes quickly !!! Thank you Father !!!
"Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
ReplyDelete"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
I am so glad I go to a church that takes this seriously!
39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. We find out that Philip was transported to another city.... Wow. I thought...this would be so cool.
ReplyDeleteAs I looked at Philip I saw that he was about the Lord's work...sharing the good news.. people were being saved...baptised...he was busy doing good. Then an angel came and gave him directions to go towards a certain place. He was obedient to go......at the right time, the Holy Spirit told him to go and stand and listen....and he heard the eunuch searching the scriptures....seeking. Philip was able to share Jesus and salvation came. Then the blessed moment, receiving the Lord and the eunuch was praising God.
There is a time for us to step back and allow God to be the only One. There is a time when Jesus is enough. The Holy Spirit removed Philip from the scene, but I must remember to walk away when God is ministering.
Father, in the midst of my busyness, I pray to hear your directions to "Go." I pray that in my obedience, You will give to me each step to take me where You want me to be and to minister to whomever you want me to touch. Let me be a vessel of grace, in which Your Spirit moves through.....and let me also step back, step out of the way, so that those who see Jesus may be united with Him in love and the moment is all theirs to behold.
When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[c] the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Is anyone else confused about receiving the Holy Spirit?
mlp,
ReplyDeleteI have been asking a lot of people a lot of questions about the Holy Spirit lately. I haven't received the same answer from anyone.
One of the things I love about the people at Charter Oak Church is that we aren't afraid to admit that we don't know everything. We are all on this journey together. I'm not sure we will ever fully understand the Holy Spirit this side of heaven, but that's okay. We'll keep asking God to reveal what He wants us to understand along the way.
Pastor Chris
I can tell you how the holy spirit came to me. I have always been a christian I always believed, but never fully trusted, never fully depended.
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband left me, I knew I couldn't do it alone. I asked then that God help carry me thru. I heard a deep voice say, thank you, I knew you needed me. Today, when I ask for a hug, I feel a great warmth around me. When I ask for direction, sometimes I hear that same voice, Sometimes answers to the questions I've asked comes from others.
You have to understand, the moment you chose to believe the holy spirit is in you, but you develop your relationship, and hear and understand the holy spirit more when you read his word. Romans ~ Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The more you trust on, lean on, and depend on God, the more you hear his voice clearly. You have to remember that God does not answer to sin, so you do need to bring that to him to clear the pathway for God to speak graciously to you.
As a believer before, I never understood god's word. But now that I depend on God for understanding, it's as clear as watching tv.
I hope this helps you understand more.
My life is an open book, so if you ever need help just ask. For those that want a closer relationship, come grow with us in Celebrate Recovery.