PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 8:2-4
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4)
The word (message) about Jesus is spreading, despite persecution.
Wherever people go, they talk about what they have seen, heard and believed.
Even though talking would make them targets for people like Saul, they did.
They talked at work, to their neighbours, and to strangers on the road.
Not formal evangelism or gospel campaigns, just sharing their hope with people.
“Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.
But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24)
I believe that the Lord uses the evil plans of his enemies against them.
He turns persecution into opportunities to spread the Jesus word!
Our lives are also opportunities to share our resurrection faith, hope and love.
A co-worker accuses you, a trip to the hospital, a home break-in…
Bad news about someone we love, loss of our job, a scary diagnosis, etc.
Each of these can be opportunities to show others our hope in Jesus.
We are scattered like seed – not always fun – to ‘preach the word wherever I go’.
PRAYER
Lord, in hindsight I see I don’t handle difficulties well. Help me to see life’s challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities. Help me to see your hand behind them, using them to spread the news… through me!
The godly man Stephen is buried and Saul steps up the persecution of the church and the new believers scatter – but the Good news is preached as they go out. What was ‘contained’ before and very local is moving out. What does it take for me to share and move out of my comfort zone? Sometimes I need that ‘kick’ – a reminder by the HS to speak up or do something – not to be cozy in my own circles! Lord please continue to work with me – even if I’m slow to learn! To be faithful to the hope I have received through you Lord Jesus!
God’s word is spread.
At all times His Word is spread, even during persecution.
All too often we come to the Lord in times of trouble. He brings us to our knees to remember to come to Jesus. We need Him in the good times and in the troubled times. I need Him at all times. And in all times people need to see Jesus in me by my words and deeds.
I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He’s always near
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
In all the world around me I see His loving care
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair
I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing will come at last
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
None other is so loving, so good and kind
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart