February 1, 2016:  SOAP #2251:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his [Steven’s] death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria… 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Observation:   If the apostles stayed in Jerusalem, then who were these that “preached the word wherever they went?”  They were those who believed in Jesus and had been filled with the Holy Spirit.  Obviously they did not need a church building in which to preach.  They did not have a license to preach nor a pulpit to stand behind.  They had the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in their hearts.  They preached by opening their mouths and telling others what God had done for them.  They told/preached to those living next door.  They told/preached to those they met in the market place.  “Wherever they went” they spoke about Jesus!

Application:  I have the same Holy Spirit living in me.  At the bus barn, at the grocery store, waiting at the gas station for my car to be filled with gasoline, at the restaurant, everywhere I go I can do the same!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, embolden me and use me wherever I am to tell people about Jesus and what He has done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!