Doug Norman
After the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were empowered to fulfill the commands of Jesus to "go and be my witnesses." As the book of Acts unfolds, we see the early church holding to two key priorities; preaching Jesus and learning more about Jesus. Are these still priorities for the church today?
The Book of Acts is primarily a record of the promised descent and operation of the Holy Spirit role in the work of redemption. It is our record of the church being born out of nothing. During this series, we will evaluate the principles that comprise the first church and ask, "Are we a 'Book of Acts' church?"
The Lord does not expect us to have all we need for our journey with Him. So often we find ourselves evaluating our resources only to find in ourselves that we are lacking. However, in Christ the little we have is multiplied and useful!
Just like the father spoke of in the parable in Matthew chapter 22, God the Father has called a banquet and the invitation has been given: come, partake of all that I offer! How will we respond to such a wonderful invitation? Let us give great consideration because there comes a time when the mercy call becomes the last mercy call.
How did the children of Israel go from watching the hand of God deliver them, protect them, and provide for them - to dancing naked around a golden calf?! Deuteronomy 32:15 gives us some insight: they lightly esteemed the Lord! There is a danger of taking the blessings of God and turning them into a curse.
With the natural eye all we see are the obstacles, mountains, and enemies. Often, our spiritual eyes are blinded and it causes a deep discouragement to enter our heart. Feelings of defeat and hopelessness seem to overwhelm us. However, the Lord opens blind eyes!!!
As we see the warnings of scriptures being fulfilled concerning the last days, we must look to God and His Word for cover. Our families are under attack, but God is speaking to us as He did in Noah's day to build an ark for our families!
As the designer of the family, God alone has the authority to assign our proper roles. When we choose to accept those roles and walk in them, we have the blessing of God. When we do not accept those roles, the consequences are hard.
As the creator of the family, God alone has the authority to give the blueprint on what it should look like. Marriage and family have a significant role in showing God's relationship with His people! A healthy Christ-centered home displays the loving union between Christ and His church.
Our homes are a mess! Sin is ushered into our home on a daily basis - seemingly unopposed. We must 'go back to Bethel.' Go back to God and make Him the focus of our lives. God will direct and lead us where we need to go. God calls us to get up and make a change today!
