Passage of the Day:
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord, Acts 11:19-24.
Reflection:
After covering some famous passages on faith early in November, I wanted to give a broad perspective of what faith was like in the first century. Subsequently, today’s message begins 23 consecutive days where I will highlight a passage from the last 23 books of the New Testament. In the aftermath of Ananias and Sapphira’s deaths in Acts 5, the idea of faking Christianity or merely pretending to be a follower of Jesus ceased. According to Luke, only genuine, God-fearing believers gathered together to meet and worship at Solomon’s Colonnade. Anyone who thought of joining the first century church with impure motives feared being struck down by God. While some religious leaders eventually came to faith later on in life, the first century church was a body of believers who emulated and lived out the teachings of Jesus, Acts 11:25-26.
Prayerful Action:
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number, Acts 5:12-14.
Fueling Your Faith the Spiritual Season:
Nearly 2000 years later, Christian denominations and theology has divided Christians in the United States and throughout the world. Rather than coming together in the name of Jesus, churches have built up mental barriers such as, “you’re not baptized, you don’t speak in tongues, or you don’t know basic Christian doctrine?” Instead of seeking to love your neighbor by demonstrating faith, most churches have become like social cliques, gathering with people that we’re comfortable with. As you follow along the rest of November, may the power of the Holy Spirit convict you to become more like the faith of first century Christians.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The lyrics of Up and Up talk about using your past as a conduit for the future. As you learn about a first century perspective of faith, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to learn from the sinful tendencies of your past. This is how faith can be demonstrated in modern times.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 