October 8, 2011 In the Power

In the Power
Read Acts 8 – 9

Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

HUGE challenges are in the Church today. Our culture seems intent on turning away from God. Throughout the world Christians are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. But threats against Christ’s Church are not new. From its beginning there have been persecutions. Governments and cultures have opposed Jesus.
How then, has the Church grown in the midst of this adversity? Of course, it is the power of God through his Spirit that has grown the church. As the Spirit has changed lives, he has powerfully established a community of believers to be in activity with the Father and Son.
The Spirit convicts the human heart to follow God. This picture of the church is a picture of people truly following Jesus as they join to worship God, serve in Jesus’ name, and find strength in the Spirit.
What would happen if each one of you who is reading this today prays that the Holy Spirit will powerfully transform Jesus’ church? What would happen if we all prayed for the Spirit’s power to enable the church to stand fast to overcome the challenges the Church faces today?
Pray for the Spirit’s power to strengthen your faith and hope in God. Pray for the Spirit’s power to strengthen the Church to joyfully be the Good News to the world.


Pause and Consider: how you will pray for the church today.