More Than You Know
Acts 16:31 (NKJV)
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
It matters what we believe. It matters how we live. Though it’s common to encourage people to do what’s best for them, the very nature of that kind of thinking conceals the ramifications of living that way. Whether we realize it or not, whether we want it or not, those around us are constantly watching what we do and say. Not only are they watching, but they are taking it in and processing it. Popular opinion is formed as people live their lives and consider what others do. Thus, we have culture.
In a society, what is common eventually becomes acceptable. The scripture in Acts is not implying that one person’s decisions automatically get people into God’s graces. We each still must choose. We know this because we understand what the whole of New Testament scripture teaches. What it is implying is that when we live on fire for God (which by the way is the only true sign of salvation), others will be encouraged in that direction.
This happened with the Apostle Paul. We see this truth in Galatians 1:22-24, “And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me. It was such a shock to people that this dramatic, unbelievable, well-witnessed change caused great growth in the early Church.
To say that how we live causes great growth in the church perhaps leaves some important understanding out. Church growth is not about having big buildings and large congregations as though it’s purpose is some kind of competition. True Church growth equates to salvations and people reached. It means that with every member added there is one less person going to spend eternity in hell. Actually, and this is the real point of this Faith Fix, one is never one. When one person’s life, direction and purpose is changed, many, many others end up coming along. In reality, each true salvation really means dozens or possibly hundreds of them because love begets more love.
Why did God use Paul though he persecuted Him? It is because He knew that his conversion would cause great awe, speaking of His power. It still speaks today, even thousands of years after it happened. That’s simply remarkable! It’s so much so that it is currently one of the many proofs to outsiders that our faith is built on truth.
God wants to use you, your life and your testimony to reach countless others who need Him right now. You don’t have to be perfect, 1 Peter 4:8 tells us that love covers a multitude of sins. You just have to decide that you are going to do your best to live on fire for God and to love what He loves, which is people. If you are willing He will help you through your own stumbles and weaknesses and He will use you to change peoples lives. You never know, the ones you help to ensure salvation for might be someones parents, children, siblings, or best friends. On the other hand, they be your own.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jeff
