Tuesday, July 15, 2025
The Book of Acts written by Luke never fails to deliver, as do other books of the Bible undoubtedly. However, for the new, fledgling believer (infant), and for the “mature” Christian, the book of Acts is not just inspirational, it is aspirational. It inspires the believer to live a life of potent godliness as he or she aspires to emulate the successes of the early Apostles. Saul, later known as Apostle Paul, leads the charge with a commission to take the gospel to Gentiles, Kings, and the people of Israel (Acts 9: 1-19). Saul’s spectacular encounter with our Lord and Savior, JESUS, bright light, GOD voice and all, outrivals the best of Hollywood’s screen plays, and propels this book to dizzying spiritual heights. GOD chose Saul; GOD chose Saul from birth. Affirmed by the man named Ananias (Acts 22: 14-16) and buttressed in Galatians 1: 15, Saul is the quintessential Apostle. In my recent study of the Bible, I find “GOD’s choice” to be a recurring decimal in the Old and New Testament – Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes on.
As I studied, pencil and paper in hand, I asked myself questions. To Acts 13: 36, “Now when David had served GOD’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.” I ask: When we fall asleep, would we have served GOD’s purpose in our own generation? To Acts 14: 3, “So, Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there (Iconium), speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of HIS grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” I ask: Does GOD still confirm the message of HIS grace by enabling us perform signs and wonders?
A common occurrence in several chapters of the book of Acts is rebellion (riot) and jealousy in response to the teachings of CHRIST (Acts 17: 5, 19: 23-41). However, many received the word with great eagerness and excitement examining the Scriptures every day. Many believed! (Acts 17: 11-12).
Other questions arise. “When he (Apollos) arrived, he was of great help to those who by grace had believed (Acts 18: 27b). I ask: Are we of great help to those who by grace believe?
The book of Acts is littered with amazing, extraordinary miracles. “GOD did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them (Acts 19: 11-12 NIV). But Paul in typical iconic humility declared, “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me – the task of testifying the good news of GOD’s grace (Acts 20: 24b).”
It is interesting to note that Apostle Paul shared the account of his spectacular encounter with CHRIST several times in the book of Acts – Jewish leadership, Roman leadership, and many lay persons. Each and every time he did that, he won souls to the Kingdom. He, Apostle Peter, and the other Apostles of the day grew the body of CHRIST immeasurably. I believe sharing our encounter with the Lord can do the same even today.
I end this discourse with a prayer:
May we forever hear and forever understand; may we forever see and forever perceive; may our hearts remain malleable and fertile all our days; may we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, understand with our hearts, may we turn and receive complete, total, and absolute healing from the Lord our GOD. AMEN.
About Pray for America Today !nitiative (PfAT!)
PRAY FOR AMERICA TODAY !NITIATIVE (PfAT!) 
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