Rooted to Grow

Today’s Bible Reading:  Exodus 30-32, Acts 8

Topic: Evangelism

SCRIPTURE:  Acts 8:1 & 4

¹ …At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

⁴ Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

(Acts 8:1 & 4 NKJV)

OBSERVATION:

There are at least three points worthy of noting in these verses:

1. The believers were harshly persecuted resulting in many needing to flee Jerusalem.

2. The apostles did not flee, but remained in Jerusalem keeping the leadership of the Church intact, rooted, and functioning.

3. The believers who were scattered did not relent their beliefs because of the persecution.  Because they were well rooted in relationship with Christ, they became the means by which the gospel was spread and the Church experienced even greater growth.

APPLICATION:

As a leader it is my job to hold firm and lead people to such a strong relationship with God that they effectively become Christ’s ambassadors and evangelists.  It is the people themselves, filled with the Holy Spirit, who will grow the Church.

PRAYER:

Lord, grant that I may see this model and vision fulfilled.

In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  –AP