When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. –Acts 4:13
The explosive growth of the early church demonstrates that the power of God was at work in the hearts and lives of the people. The Bible says that people were daily being added to the church. Souls were being saved, lives were being touched, and the power of God was clearly at work among the people. What is also amazing is that the Apostles, namely Peter and John, were ordinary people with no specialized training beyond simple obedience to Christ. They had never been involved in any personal growth seminars, they had probably not read many books on sharpening their ministerial skills, and they did not have any specialized programs through which they could evangelize the community.
Now, is there anything wrong with attending seminars, studying new outreach programs, or even advanced education? The answer is certainly not! Those sorts of pursuits can stretch and grow a person in
some wonderful ways. I will always be thankful for my years of study in college and seminary. However, education, programs, and personality alone cannot and will not build up the church of the Living God. Only the power of the Holy Spirit, given in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, can accomplish that.
Reaching others for the kingdom of God is all about relying upon Holy Spirit power. Such reliance has never been based upon a program, but upon the power of Christ in us. This wonderful Holy Spirit power is available to all people from all walks of life. From the surgeon to the factory worker, or from the theologian to the chef, all can be witnesses to the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
The call of God is to move boldly forward in Jesus’ name. This is for you, me, and all who will by faith follow Christ. So, what are you waiting for? Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19)
Why not begin today?
