He Came

…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NASB)

That same Holy Spirit who came upon Jesus’ first disciples is the Spirit you received when you trusted Christ. And He has the sane power available for you. Walk in the Spirit’s strength, not your own. Be bold in sharing you faith today.

Winning

…this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. – Acts 2:23

Peter in the first New Testament sermon anticipates the main objection to his message by saying don’t you think God knew what He was doing? Jesus’ death was planned ahead with a greater purpose than one Man’s death – forgiveness of sin for all mankind. His death was not a sign of weakness where the other side wins but of strength and power where we win!

Speak Up

Acts 5:38-39 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

These are prophetic words spoken by the respected teacher and member of the Sanhedrin (the religious ruling body) Gamaliel. The “these men” refers to the Apostles who were commanded not to speak the resurrection and name of Jesus again. I am glad they disobeyed man and listened to God. What about you? Have you stopped speaking of Jesus to others?

Ahh. Refreshing.

"Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” - Acts 3:19

If you are saved you have experienced the repenting and turning away from your sins. But do you allow the times of refreshing as a regular part of your life? Be in His presence regularly. Start today.

Disciple Making

After they [Paul and Barnabas] had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned… strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith. - Acts 14:21-22

The churches they visited on the return trip consisted of all very young Christians. Surrounded by enemies these congregations needed instruction and reassurance in the Gospel. Do you know a young Christian; one who needs strengthening and encouraging? Be that person’s Paul and Barnabas. Disciple them in the ways of the Lord.

Fervor

But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. - Act 8:3

It is no surprise that Paul was so committed to the task of taking the Gospel to the far reaches and to all he met along the way. Look at his commitment level to his pre-salvation activities. He did everything with fervor and zeal. God uses that even as a prolific writer. How is God using your personality to move, shake, and change the world? Are those around you changed in a good way because they met you along the road?

Self-Exam

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. - Act 6:8

Earlier in the chapter, we’re told Stephen was chosen as one of the first table servers – deacons. Those men were chosen because they were of “good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (v.3). When I read that this morning I wondered if I would qualify. It’s good regularly to examine yourself against biblical standards. Would you qualify?

Good Advice

“Keep away from these men [Peter and John] and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice. - Act 5:38-39

 
Men have opposed Christianity since it’s very beginning. It’s a threat to their power over the people. (Earlier in the chapter, we are told the leaders were jealous.) The advice one leader, Gamaliel, gave them should be preached to persecutors today. We know we will be persecuted; they should know they are opposing a mighty and powerful God – something to be feared. Stand up for your faith