We gathered Sunday to discuss Acts 14. We follow Paul and Barnabas as their ministry grew. Through their faith in God, they were granted abilities to perform signs and wonders. They continued to share their faith, even in the face of opposition. That isn’t something they did under their own human willpower, that is divine encouragement from God! Some people that witnessed them began thinking of them and treating them as “gods”. I can imagine it would have been tempting to accept the praise and use it to their advantage. Isn’t it human nature to seek glorification? Recognition of what you are so good at? They rejected the praise and pointed everyone who marveled at their acts to their true source of power, God. How beautiful it must be to be so in tune with your Creator.
It is believed that if the average Christian reads scripture 4+ times a week, they are substantially more likely to share the Good News with people that God has placed in their circle of influence. When is the last time you shared your faith with someone in your circle (or even more uncomfortably, out of your circle)? Even more than that, do you feel encouraged and supported in spending time in the Word? If we truly are for God and one another, it is our duty to hold each other accountable in our relationships with Jesus. We hear God by reading His word. He hears us through our prayers and praise. Being a Christian isn’t just accepting that Jesus died for your sins, it is about having a real, conversational relationship with God.