Joy in the City

Hello Again, 

I wrote this article for the Church Newsletter for January, and should be posting a fresh new article in the coming days for you all. But for now let me know your thoughts on this one...

There is a story in Acts chapter 8 that has been on my mind lately and I thought I’d share it with you all this month. It is an interesting tale to say the least but it has a powerful message that I believe is an encouragement to us.

It begins with “a great wave of persecution…sweeping over the church in Jerusalem...” Acts 8:1b. The Believers were forced out of the city into the regions of Judea and Samaria and a Man named Saul traveled around with on goal in mind, destroy this new church.

Interestingly enough where ever the believers scattered, people heard the news about Jesus and the life he lived. 
One man named Phillip whom many considered the first evangelist was forced into the city of Samaria and his story is the one I’ve been thinking about lately.

He confidently shared the good news with the people in Samaria and they listened in awe of the stories he was teaching. He performed miracles, healed the sick and drove out many evil spirits. In the end, “there was great Joy in that city,” Acts 8:8.

This one verse made me think, is our church making this kind of impact on the City we live in? The New Testament church impacted people where ever they went no matter what they were going through, Lives were continually transformed and multitudes were saved on a daily basis.

Here is another question, is this a trend most churches set today? I believe that 2014 is the year we will show that we will be a church that brings great joy to this city. What do you think? 

Stay tuned for some more about what God has given me to share with you...

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E