The Book of Acts is incredible! The more I read it, the more I see how God is
in charge of the spread of the Gospel.
Over and over God’s people seem to hit barriers. Over and over God’s Spirit overcomes
them. The Book of Acts shows how God
overcomes barriers of culture, economics, politics, and religion to bring
healing and hope.
In Acts Chapter 1 God uses the faith of Jesus followers and
prayer to prepare a people to spread the Good News. Ordinary men and women, people we might even
think are “beneath us” are used to form a community of life change (Acts 2) and
healing (Acts 3). These ordinary people
proclaim the good news to leaders (Acts 4), care for the underprivileged (Acts
6), and share how the God of creation works through history, even to the risen
Christ and outpouring of God’s Spirit (Acts 7).
We see how God makes enemies friends (Acts 9) and breaks cultural
boundaries (Acts 11) and leads us out into new territory (Acts 13). And this is just the first half of Acts!
As you consider what God would have you do with your life
and what mission God leads Eastminster to embrace, take a minute to read Acts
and reflect on the great things that God does through prayerful, faithful
people open to the Holy Spirit. As we
humble ourselves before God in prayer and worship, God will lift us up and guide
us. God will strengthen us send us out
in service. God will use ordinary acts
done in Jesus’ name to heal, to encourage and to change lives.
The early believers faced barriers like we do. They suffer like we do. They endure hardships like we do. Yet as they are faithful God, is glorified. As they are faithful, that is intended for
evil is used for good.
Sounds real to me.
Looks like Good News. And it
begins in prayer.
We have several occasions to join in prayer together this
month. Today as we take communion pray
that God makes us one in the Spirit.
This Thursday pray for our country at one of the National Day of Prayer
sights. After church sign up to be part of the Prayer Vigil here May 12-15.
God does extraordinary things through ordinary people … who
gather in faith and … prayer!
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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