24/05/2021 - THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH

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And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. Acts 9:29

Saul of Tarsus’ conversion, who later became Paul, greatly helped the Lord’s harvest. In Jerusalem, he would go everywhere declaring the Truth and proving to all that Jesus was the Savior. However, his enthusiastic way of preaching the Word awakened the fury of many. As soon as he returned to his own land, the churches in that region found peace and were edified (Acts 9:31). Hallellujah!

Saul had heard what Christ said to Ananias, who baptized him in the waters and prayed he would be filled with the Holy Spirit: But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15,16). Because of his boldness, the work of God began to grow, but the Greek who had converted to Judaism were opposed to Paul and wanted to kill him. It was a time of battles!

The persecutor, who accepted Christ and was being persecuted by those he used to please in the past, wasn’t troubling the followers of Jesus anymore. As Paul’s life was at risk, he was escorted by Christians to Caesarea, and from there to Tarsus. The church was growing stronger, because God blessed the preaching of the Truth and Paul’s explanations led many to salvation.

As long as believers lived under the fear of the Lord, the church prospered. The same happens today. However, when people become materialistic, seeking riches and well-being, their spiritual life weakens and wrong practices arise. The solution is to turn to the feet of Jesus and back to the first love, in order to serve God as the Master taught us and gave the example. Without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

When the people of God stop seeking Him, the church becomes an evangelic club, where man is the main attraction. However, if they pray and consecrate themselves, the devil and his demons will be ashamed and won’t be a threat to their lives anymore. This will prove that the Gospel is being heard and put into practice. As we obey the Master, evil won’t prevail.  

This is Christ’s order: And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18).

The church is occupying its place when it comes down from the celebration podium and meets those oppressed by forces of darkness. This is our mission as believers: to take the light of the Lord to those who are lost and deliver them in His name. Maybe the beginning of Paul’s ministry was a little tumultuous, but he was a blessing to the church at the time and to us as well. Glory to God for this apostle’s work!

In Christ, with love,

Dr. Soares