Isa 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

•          Throughout the Gospels and the beginning of the book of Acts, we witness the announcement, demonstration, and establishment of the kingdom of God through the life and death of Christ. The prophet Isaiah prophesied that when the Messiah came, the government of His kingdom would rest upon His shoulders, signifying the authority and responsibility He would bear.
•          This responsibility would continue to grow, as His kingdom, by its very nature, expands and thrives. Jesus himself described it this way:
•          Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.'
•          As we embark on our study of the remaining chapters of the book of Acts, we witness the incredible dynamic of the early church unfolding before our eyes. It all began with a small group of individuals gathering in an upper room in an obscure city.
•          From this humble start, the message of the Gospel spread like wildfire, reaching even the heart of Rome, which was considered the edge of the known world. Despite facing opposition and persecution from the Roman Empire, the kingdom of God continued to advance, ultimately transforming and overtaking the very heart of Rome.
•          This unstoppable growth continues to this day, with the Gospel spreading rapidly in some regions, surpassing even natural population growth rates. No matter the efforts made to suppress it, the kingdom of God persists in its expansion.
•          Following the ascension of Christ, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples marked the birth of a new community, a new nation—the new Israel. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, this new community was commissioned to fulfill the very purpose God had ordained from the beginning, as outlined in the early chapters of Genesis.
•          When we speak of the new Israel, we are referring to the church. The term 'church' in Greek translates to 'called out.' While some interpret this as God's people being called out from the world, a deeper understanding suggests that they are a people called out by God Himself.
•          His life flows through them, His image is reflected in them, and His authority and kingdom are manifested through their lives and actions. The church, as the body of Christ, serves as a vessel through which God's redemptive work is carried out in the world, spreading His love, grace, and truth to all corners of the earth.

A quick review: To summarize what we studied in yesterday’s devotion concerning God's church, let me point out three key essentials that define God's church:

1. Godward

2. Missional

3. Community

• 1.      Godward
• -        Signifies that the church exists under the reign of God. The church draws its life and purpose from something beyond itself and moves toward a greater reality that transcends its own existence.
• -        As one author eloquently expressed, when the focus is shifted away from the reign of God, darkness can descend upon the church, creating a heavy atmosphere. Conversely, when the church's attention is directed toward the reign of God, the life-giving breath and vitality of God breathe new life and perspective into the church.
• -        This understanding underscores the profound declaration that Jesus is alive and actively reigning within the church. His kingdom exerts influence, brings about transformation, and impacts the church in profound ways, shaping its identity and mission. By aligning with the reign of God, the church finds renewed purpose, direction, and vitality, reflecting the character and mission of Jesus in the world.

• 2.      Missional
• -        The second crucial aspect of the church is its missional nature. This can be grasped through the profound statement that there can be no reign of God without the church. Just as the life of the church is intertwined with the reign of God, the vitality of hope for the reign of God is dependent on the faith and action of the community. Without communities that are born and sustained by the Holy Spirit, the hope for the reign of God would diminish.
• -        It is essential to understand that the church functions as the instrument of God's kingdom. It is not the kingdom of God itself, but rather the means through which the kingdom of God is expressed in the world.
• -        The mission of the church is to proclaim the good news of the kingdom, accompanied by signs and wonders such as healing the sick and casting out demons. By engaging in these acts of service and spreading the message of the kingdom, the church fulfills its mission and reflects the transformative power and love of God to those around them.

• 3.      Community
• -        The third significant aspect of the church is its identity as a community. God's purpose is achieved through a collective of people, not just through isolated individuals. The plan to reach the world is not accomplished through scattered individual efforts, but through the collaborative work of a united community. Together, this community reveals the message, power, and character of God to the world.
• -        However, the enemy opposes this unity and community. Despite Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the adversary, Lucifer, was not completely vanquished.
• -        Nevertheless, Scripture affirms that through Christ's death on the cross, He disarmed spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over evil and openly displaying His victory. This victory enables the community of believers to stand together in unity, empowered by the Holy Spirit and equipped to combat the forces of darkness through the transformative message of the Gospel.
• -        As a community, the church embodies the love, grace, and power of God, serving as a beacon of hope and light amidst a world plagued by sin and division.
• -        Colossians 2:13-15 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
• -        The enemy, although disarmed by Jesus' victory on the cross, retains his ability to spread lies, deceive, and distort the truth. His intention is to hinder or thwart the purposes of God from advancing. However, as shown throughout our study of the Father's heart, God's plans and purposes are unstoppable and will prevail.
• -        As the church grows in influence, the enemy may instigate trouble both internally within the church and externally through persecution. This opposition may manifest in various forms, seeking to undermine the unity, faith, and mission of the church.
• -        Throughout the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts, we see the active presence of the enemy working behind the scenes. In the same way Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness following His baptism.
• -        And still today, the enemy attempts to disrupt and discourage the church. Fortunately, through faith the church stays steadfast in prayer and unity, trusting in God's sovereignty and power to overcome all obstacles.
• -        By remaining grounded in the truth of God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church can effectively counteract the schemes of the enemy and persist in advancing the kingdom of God.
• -        Now with all this being said, let’s continue our study of the book of Acts.

Background to the book of Acts:

•          The book of Acts serves as a historical account of the early church and the spread of the gospel following the ascension of Jesus. The narrative can be divided into seven distinct waves representing the power and impact of God's kingdom as it expands and influences the culture. Each segment is marked by a summary statement and a testimony of growth and transformation.
•          The first wave, described in Acts chapter two, marks the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost. Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 3,000 people responded to Peter's preaching and came to faith in Christ, leading to the formation of a new community of believers.
•          This event signifies the beginning of the church's mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, setting the stage for the transformative work of God to unfold in the later waves of the book of Acts.

Second wave (Acts 3:1–6:7): Jerusalem is turned upside down!

• A.    The work of the church
• -        Acts 3:1-10 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, 'Look at us!' So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.' Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
• -        The story of the early church in the book of Acts sets the stage for how God works through His people, the church. Just as Jesus demonstrated the power and presence of God's kingdom through healing, signs, and wonders during His earthly ministry, these same manifestations of God's power are now being expressed through the church.
• -        John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
• -        It is noteworthy to observe that the miracle in Acts took place on the way to church, not within the church building itself. This serves as a reminder that God's power and presence are not confined to a physical location but can manifest anywhere and at any time. It emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life, not just within the walls of a church building.
• -        Also, it's important to note that Peter gave what he had received from God freely. We are called to do the same. Every believer has received gifts, talents, and resources from God, and we are called to use them for the benefit of others and for the advancement of God's kingdom.
• -        Adding to this is work of the church that Jesus commissioned his disciples to do. Matthew 10:7-8 As you preach, say, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
• -        This concept is an integral part of the economy of the kingdom of God. Everything we possess has been given to us as a gift—not because we have earned it, but because of God's grace and covenant with us.
• -        It is an unequal covenant in which our great God lavishes His blessings upon us, even though we have nothing to offer Him in return. He freely gives us everything we need, with the expectation that we will in turn freely give to others.
• -        In this way, we participate in the ongoing work of God's kingdom, spreading His love and grace to those in need and demonstrating His generosity and compassion to a world longing for hope and healing.
• -        As we embrace the call to give freely of what we have received, we embody the love and mercy of God, becoming vessels of His grace and agents of transformation in the lives of others.
• -        Another important aspect to the work of the church, is that all we do, we do in the name of Jesus Christ. This is why the prayer Peter offered, 'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk' is so powerful in its simplicity and directness.
• -        It reflects the authority and power that believers have in the name of Jesus, as His representatives on earth. Just as Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing, Peter also recognized God's desire to heal the lame beggar and acted upon it.
• -        The phrase 'In the name of' also signifies acting on behalf of Jesus or as His representative. When believers pray or act in Jesus' name, they are invoking His authority and power to bring about transformation and healing in a situation. It is a declaration of faith in the name of Jesus, acknowledging His lordship and sovereignty over all circumstances.
• -        In this instance, the healing of the lame beggar not only demonstrated God's power and compassion but also gave an opportunity for Peter and John to bear witness to the onlookers.
• -        You see, God's ultimate purpose in performing miracles and acts of healing is often to bring glory to His name and to create opportunities for believers to share the gospel and testify to His goodness and grace.
• -        This event serves as a reminder that God works in miraculous ways to bring about His purposes and to draw people into relationship with Him.
• -        Acts 3:8-11 Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade.
• -        This is what is commonly known as power evangelism!

• B.     The power of the church
• -        Acts 3:12-13 When Peter saw this, he said to them: 'Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.'

• -        Here at the very beginning of the story of the church, I think it’s crucial to recognize that the power of God at work in the lives of believers is not based on their own strength or righteousness. The effectiveness of God's power moving through us is more about our obedience to His calling and leading than it is about our own abilities or perceived spiritual maturity.
• -        You see, when believers step out in faith and obedience to what they believe God is calling them to do, they open themselves up to be vessels through which God's power and presence can flow. It is not about feeling like we possess great power within ourselves, but rather about relying on the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.
• -        God often chooses to work through ordinary individuals who are willing to be used for His purposes. It is not about our qualifications or perceived strength, but about our willingness to surrender to His will and trust in His power to work through us.
• -        By being obedient and responsive to His leading, we position ourselves to be instruments through which God can show His love, grace, and power to a world in need. It is through our obedience and faithfulness that we witness the miraculous work of God in and through our lives.
• -        Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
• -        I love this story because it illustrates how faith and obedience often involve an element of risk. Stepping out in faith requires a willingness to take risks, trusting in God's guidance and provision even when the outcome is uncertain or challenging. John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard movement, often used the phrase 'faith is spelled R-I-S-K' because it captures the essence of what faith truly means.
• -        When we are willing to step out and pray for a stranger, share our faith with others, or reach out to someone in need, we are taking a risk by putting ourselves in vulnerable and unfamiliar situations. These acts of faith require us to trust in God's leading and to be open to His work in and through us, regardless of the potential outcomes.
• -        Which is why following God and living out our faith often involves stepping beyond our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. It may involve risks such as rejection, criticism, or uncertainty. However, it is in these moments of risk-taking obedience that our faith is strengthened, our character is refined, and God's power is displayed in remarkable ways.
• -        The point being made is that a genuine walk of faith requires a willingness to take risks and trust in God's faithfulness. It is through these acts of faith and obedience that we grow closer to God, experience His transformative work in our lives, and become vessels of His love and grace to those around us.

• C.    Insights into the historic pattern of how Gods through the ages!
• -        Acts 3:17-22 'Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.'
• -        Just taking this verse at face value, we see that the coming of Jesus was part of a larger plan that has been unfolding throughout history. This plan has opened the door for humanity to return to God, experience forgiveness of sins, and enter a season of refreshment. It also suggests that there are still prophecies from the Old Testament yet to be fulfilled before Jesus returns.
• -        Another interesting thing we can draw from this passage—and I don’t remember exactly where I heard it, but I thought it was a fascinating observation—is that over the next few thousand years, we would see this cycle repeated again and again within church history.
• -        Four cycle patterns:
• 1.      The church falls away into a period of darkness: This phase represents times when the church strays from its foundational truths, becomes entangled in worldly influences, or experiences spiritual decline. It can be a period marked by ignorance, complacency, or moral compromise.
• 2.      The church turns back to God through repentance: In response to the spiritual decline or darkness, there is a call to repentance and a turning back to God. This phase often involves a recognition of the need for spiritual renewal, a return to core beliefs and values, and a recommitment to following God's ways.
• 3.      The church experiences a time of refreshment and renewal: Following repentance and a return to God, there is a season of refreshment and renewal. This phase may involve the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, revival movements, spiritual awakening, and a deepening of faith and commitment among believers.
• 4.      The church experiences a time of restoration: As a result of the refreshment and renewal, the church experiences a period of restoration. This phase may involve the reestablishment of the church's mission, the rebuilding of what was broken or lost, and the revitalization of spiritual vitality and impact.

• -        This pattern has been played out repeatedly as the church slowly moved from being a vibrant, living organism to a rigid, controlling organization, as seen in the churches during the Dark Ages.
• -        But then came Martin Luther, John Wesley, and the birth of Pentecostalism—each serving as powerful illustrations of this cyclical pattern of repentance, renewal, and restoration in the spiritual journey of the church.
• -        These key figures and movements have played significant roles in shaping the course of Christian history and bringing about transformative change within the church. Let's explore how each aligns with the pattern:
• 1.      Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther's bold stand against the Roman Catholic Church and his emphasis on salvation by grace through faith spurred a period of repentance and renewal within Christianity. His actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, challenging the existing structures and doctrines of the church and leading to a rediscovery of foundational biblical truths. Luther's teachings not only brought about a renewal of faith but also paved the way for a restoration of the centrality of grace in Christian theology.

• 2.      John Wesley and the Wesleyan Revival: John Wesley's ministry and the Wesleyan Revival in the 18th century were instrumental in bringing about a time of renewal and restoration within the church. Wesley's emphasis on personal holiness, social justice, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit ignited a revival movement that revitalized the spiritual life of believers. The Wesleyan emphasis on sanctification and the pursuit of holiness reflected a return to the core values of the Christian faith and ushered in a season of spiritual renewal.

• 3.      Pentecostalism and the Charismatic Movement: The birth of Pentecostalism in the early 20th century represented another significant phase of renewal and restoration in the church. The Pentecostal movement, with its emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and the empowerment of believers for ministry, brought a fresh outpouring of the Spirit and a revival of spiritual fervor. The Charismatic Movement that followed expanded these themes, leading to a renewed emphasis on the experiential aspect of faith and the manifestation of spiritual gifts in the life of the church.
• -        These examples demonstrate how key figures and movements throughout history have played a role in bringing about repentance, renewal, and restoration within the church. They have contributed to the ongoing process of spiritual growth, revival, and transformation, reminding believers of the need to remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and responsive to God's work in their midst.

• D.    The first obstacle: persecution of the church
• -        It is a well-known belief that when God initiates movement, the enemy will not simply stand idly by. Instead, the enemy will do everything possible to obstruct or impede God's work. However, as shown throughout Scripture, God's purposes are ultimately unstoppable and will come to fruition.
• -        Acts 4:1-4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
• -        At this point, a familiar pattern unfolds when God's kingdom begins to thrive in a society, resistance often surfaces in the form of persecution.
• -        Acts 4:16-17 'What are we going to do with these men?' they asked. 'Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.'
• -        Of course, this setback does not deter them at all. Instead, it serves as a catalyst, causing them to venture out and share their message even more passionately. So as soon as they are released, they return to the church and report what happened to them, igniting a renewed fervor for prayer. Listen to their passion:
• -        Acts 4:29-31 'Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' And after they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
• -        This, of course, led to even greater persecution in chapter 5, where we discover the Pharisees and Sadducees furious over what they thought was a dead cause. This whole controversy over Jesus was supposed to have ended with His crucifixion, but now they find it still spreading and undermining their own popularity at a greater speed than ever before. As a result, they were driven to the point of contemplating murder.
• -        At this point, let me add a little commentary concerning what we are seeing transpire within the Jewish community, as represented by the Pharisees and Sadducees. A scholar named Raymond Brown, when studying the books of Luke and Acts, provided this perspective:
• -        Luke casts the Jews on very slippery ground during the trial, but their sin was forgivable if they would only repent—which they were given the opportunity to do through Peter's preaching. Thousands did come to Christ, as we have seen, yet there were many who did not.
• -        In fact, not only were the majority not repenting and coming to Christ, but they were quickly moving from playing the part of stiff-necked Israel to the part of the fool in wisdom literature, and finally to the part of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. They had now become God's enemy, and Yahweh's warrior would rise up to fight them.
• -        I mention this because it helps us grasp the transition the church went through—from ministering to the Jews to reaching out to the Gentiles in the upcoming months.
• -        Acts 5:27-29 'We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,' he said. 'Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.' Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than men!'
• -        Peter's reaction served as a powerful reminder of our ultimate purpose, which is to please God.
• -        Therefore, the Pharisees and Sadducees convened a meeting, which included a renowned rabbi who happened to be the apostle Paul's teacher before his conversion to Christianity. Gamaliel provided an insightful perspective on the situation.
• -        He began by referencing historical events, highlighting instances where individuals incited rebellions that led to their demise and the eventual dissipation of the uprising. Subsequently, he made the following observation:
• -        Acts 5:38-39 'Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'
• -        The statement is still true today. Any endeavor driven solely by human intentions is destined to fail. However, if God inspires it, nothing can stand in its way.
• -        This insight just so happened to also be the pivotal factor in shaping Mother Teresa's approach to her ministry among the impoverished in India. No one thought she would have the success that she did!
• -        This principle also applied to the establishment of the Vineyard Church here in Silver Bay. Despite the odds against a new church flourishing in a small, traditional town resistant to change, God's determination prevailed, ensuring the growth and success of the Vineyard Church.
• -        Now, going back to our story... Acts 5:40-42 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
• -        His speech led to a period of unhindered spreading of the gospel, but it came at a cost and with great pain. The simple phrase 'had them flogged' fails to fully capture the severity of what occurred here. This was an incredibly agonizing ordeal.
• -        The term 'flogged' is derived from the root word 'derma,' which gives us 'dermatology'—specifically related to our skin. Therefore, the term 'to flay' entails continuous whipping, beating, striking, and scourging.
• -        But interestingly, despite enduring this intense pain, their response was one of joy because they recalled the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
• -        Matthew 5:11-12 'Blessed are you when they insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'
• -        Rather than feeling intimidated and having their work stifled, they became even more inspired to spread the word.
• -        Acts 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
• -        Clearly, this unwavering commitment to continue teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ was the heart of the church and evident in all their actions. This fervor distinguished God's people as His own.
• -        Acts 4:12 'Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
• -        To us, the statement may seem commonplace and unremarkable. However, in the context of that era, it was a truly radical declaration. It's important to remember that the prevailing culture at that time was heavily influenced by Roman and Greek beliefs, which promoted the idea of multiple gods to be worshipped. Thus, it was the norm for people to worship two, three, or more gods simultaneously.
• -        Even Caesar, the ruler of Rome, was considered to be divine and was addressed as 'Lord.'
• -        One of the main reasons why Jesus faced backlash was because He asserted that the only path to the Father was through Him. This exclusivity was deeply unsettling to the cultural norms of the time.
• -        It would have been more acceptable for Jesus to claim to be one of many gods, but proclaiming Himself as the singular way, truth, and life was a direct challenge to the established religious beliefs of that day.
• -        The apostles continued to proclaim the same message—that salvation could only be found through one name: Jesus Christ. In the face of pressure to worship Caesar, many followers of Jesus were martyred because they refused to acknowledge anyone but Jesus Christ as the ultimate Lord.
• -        Interestingly, today we see a similar pattern, where Christianity's insistence on the exclusive role of Jesus Christ as the way to God—rather than alternative beliefs such as Allah, Buddha, or various Hindu gods—has fueled growing animosity toward the faith.
• -        This trend has sparked worries that Christians who remain committed to their faith and God's teachings may face persecution—even within our own nation.

• E.     The second obstacle in this section the enemy inspired to hinder God's work was a breakdown of integrity!
• -        Integrity is when a person's outward actions align with their inner values and beliefs.
• -        In Acts chapter 5, we encounter the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property and deceitfully claimed to have donated all the proceeds to the church. Peter confronted them, condemning their actions as 'lying to the Holy Spirit', resulting in both of their deaths.
• -        This highlights the significance of integrity in God's eyes. It underscores the importance of not projecting a façade of having everything together, being free from struggles or personal shortcomings, or harboring self-righteous attitudes. Because self-righteous behavior will inevitably result in spiritual decay.
• -        Although I see this event as something the enemy intended to disrupt God's plans, God ultimately used it to fulfill His greater purpose, deepening my reverence and awe for His power and authority.
• -        Acts 5:13-14 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.
• -        Do you know what that tells me? It tells me that the early church was anything but dull or uneventful. With Jesus at the center, their faith was real and alive, bringing about deep and lasting transformation in people's lives.
• -        As individuals sought after God, their innermost struggles were laid bare and resolved. This authenticity and growth not only led to an increase in numbers but also empowered them to reach an even wider audience with the message of Christ.
• -        Acts 5:15-16 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.
• -        Clearly, the kingdom of God was expanding and making a significant impact on people's lives, despite the obstacles thrown by the enemy!

• F.     The third obstacle the enemy motivated to hinder God's work from spreading was internal discord through favoritism
• -        In chapter 6 of Acts, we read about the Aramaic-speaking widows being neglected during food distribution by the Greek-speaking Jews. This situation reflects clear racism.
• -        However, as always, God intervenes and turns the worst scenarios into opportunities for redemption. Through the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit, this incident led to the expansion of the ministry team.
• -        Acts 6:2-6 So the Twelve gathered all 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 will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.'
• -        This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
• -        This is a significant moment for two key reasons. First, it marks the first expansion of ministry beyond the twelve apostles, underscoring that the work of Jesus is not limited to a select few, but is meant for the entire church community.
• -        First, it's important to recognize the requirements for those who were chosen — they had to be filled with the Spirit. This underscores the vital role of the Holy Spirit's guidance and the wisdom that comes through Him.
• -        Secondly, this passage introduces us to key individuals who will become instrumental in the unfolding of God's kingdom. Notably, Stephen and Philip stand out as significant figures who will play major roles in the coming chapters.
• -        This brings us to the last statement...

• G.    Summary statement
• -        Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
• -        After reviewing the conclusive summary statements throughout the book of Acts, it becomes evident that numbers hold significance to God. While inward character growth remains crucial in God's eyes, numerical growth is also viewed as a sign that God is actively building and working through the church. While growth is not solely about numbers, dismissing their value entirely would be an oversight.
• -        It is essential to understand that it is God's will for His church to grow. In fact, God is more committed to the expansion of His church than we are. The very nature of God's sacred church involves continual growth and reaching out to others.
• -        A healthy church, when functioning as it should, will naturally experience growth. So, when churches today are not growing, it often points to a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.
• -        Therefore, the key question we must continually ask about our own church is: What is hindering its growth?
• -        The focus shouldn't just be on strategies to make the church grow, but on recognizing that growth is meant to happen organically. If growth is not occurring, it's likely that something is obstructing it from flourishing