OUR IDEAL
God has given us this goal toward which to strive.
(Acts 9:31) So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.
1. PEACE
(31) So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace…
A. Peace is often preceded by a season of painful difficulty.
B. After the Lord brings us through a crisis, we often experience peace.
2. STRENGTH
(31) So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up…
A. The natural result of experiencing life while following Christ.
(Isaiah 40:29-31) He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength…
B. God always gives strength when and where His children need it.
3. FEAR
(31) So the church… had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord.
A. We should still be walking in the “fear of the Lord.”
B. The Lord is proud of us when we walk in fear of Him.
4. FAVOR
(31) So the church… had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit…
A. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, he favors us.
B. Not because we deserve it, but because He loves us.
5. GROWTH
(31) And it increased in numbers.
Being a genuine follower of Christ is a costly life.
Acts 12:1-17
There is always an element of surprise in the spread of the Gospel.
Acts 10:27-48
God still does miracles – if we are willing to receive them.
Acts 9:32-43
The beginning of our lives as Christ followers should share some common characteristics.
Acts 9:19-30
