Acts 5:12-24
Reflect
The apostles were the early pioneer missionaries of the day as they took the gospel to places where it was not wanted.
James Chalmers, a 19th century missionary born out of Scotland, sensed the call to New Guinea in 1877 to press the gospel in an area of cannibals. He served there faithfully for twenty-four years before being murdered by cannibals at the age of sixty.
A few years later during World War II, there were American pilots that were taken down near New Guinea, and they were led to Christ by former cannibals that were impacted by the testimony and witness of James Chalmers.
Whether you’re a pioneer missionary or someone who’s sharing their faith to a neighbour, we can expect the conversation to be uncomfortable or challenging. Although most of us may not go through the same suffering of an early apostle or James Chalmers, there are two encouraging reasons to continue sharing our faith:
Firstly, the result of our proclamation belongs to the Lord, and many could be saved (v14); secondly, God takes care of His people in whatever shape, form or need, which is why we can walk with confidence in sharing our faith (v19).
Apply
Who has God placed in your heart to share the message of Jesus with?
How can you take comfort in God’s truth today (vv14, 19)?
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our Childcare staff, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.