Being the Church
Acts 9:23-31
Key
Verse: “The
church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it
became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And
with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers
(Acts 9:30-31 NLT).”
It
was slow going at first. There were some bumps in the road. There was
some distrust and even some rejection. The early Church worked hard
at becoming the people God was calling them to be. It was not always
easy. It did not come naturally. God accepted everyone, the rich and
the poor, the sick and the needy, Jews and Gentiles, even people who
persecuted and helped kill early believers. God accepted them all.
God gathered all these differing people together and then they had to
figure out how to work together, how to love one another, care for
one another, to accept each other and trust each other. It was hard
work, but through prayer, and hard work and the grace only the Spirit
of God can provide they were able to have peace, believers became
stronger in their faith and the Church grew. Being the people of God
is not always easy, but through prayer, hard work and the Spirit we
can be who God is calling us to be together.
Prayer:
Oh
God, help us to be the church, together, working to do your will in
this world. Sometimes there are people in my local Church or in the
Church at large, that are different than me. I don't understand them.
I have difficulty seeing how they fit into your Church, how they can
be called alongside of me. Help me to love everyone whom you love and
to accept as a part of the Church all those whom you accept. I want
there to be peace in your Church, for all believers to be
strengthened and for your people to grow in numbers. Teach me to do
my part so we can be that kind of Church together. Amen
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