As I was reading Charisma Magazine (August issue) I came across a statement by President Bush in an article that was written about him. He said, “The culture we live in now is one that say’s, if it feel’s good do it, and if you’ve got a problem blame someone else”. President Bush said he was trying to change the culture to one in which each of us understands we are responsible for the decisions we make in life. He called it “The Responsibility Era.” While reading this article, I was studying the book of Acts. In my study I found several interesting things. I don’t know about you but I want to be the best I can be for God and The Kingdom of God. Every time I minister at a church here are things I try to accomplish; enhance the church and the ministry, be caring and sensitive to the culture of the church, understand the ministry and dynamics of the church, be passionate, use integrity with my gifting, keep the message simple and minister to the people. During my study in Acts, I found out that Paul, Silas, Apollos, Peter, Phillip and many more did those things when they were preaching. One question I asked God was, “What should I be doing as an evangelist or minister and what should the church be doing? I agree with President Bush that we need to take responsibility for the decisions we make. We can’t blame everyone else and continue to do the things of the world and still expect God to bless us and give us all of His promises. We can’t act like the world and be all we can be for God at the same time. Romans 11:16; for if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too. Matthew 12:33; A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. Colossians 2:7; Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught (New Living Translation). Now don’t get me wrong here, I love the progress we have made in technology, I am not saying go back to having outhouses and no air conditioning. I love to have running water and to turn the heat or air up or down to fit how I feel. I enjoy using the Internet and being able to fly and drive rather than ride a horse and buggy.

During this study I found that Paul preached 3 things: 1-the necessity of turning from sin and turning to God 2-faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 3-he strengthened the believers. When people are going through tough times in their lives, many ministers and other Christians tear down instead of strengthen. Many times as ministers we preach against sin but only the sins we are not committing. We see many ministers that are caught in sin and then get right back in the pulpit and preach right away instead of repenting and taking time to heal and be restored the proper way (THE BIBLE WAY). The Bible says in Philemon 6 (Amplified), (And I pray) that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good (thing) that is ours in (our identification with) Christ Jesus-and unto (His glory). It is time we recognize the good in people. Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. During my study I found that the early church or the body of Christ did the following: 1-joined with other believers 2-devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching 3-devoted themselves to fellowship 4-shared the Lord’s supper 5-prayed 6-walked in the fear of the Lord 7-walked in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

We all need the assurance of the TRUTH of God’s word. Acts 17:11; “They searched the scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth (NLT).” As you read Acts through you find out that the church grew not only in numbers but also in wisdom and understanding of the things of God. We all need to inventory our lives and make sure we line up with the Word of God as Christians and Ministers, with the right attitude and motive.

Evangelist

Kenny Large

© 1999 Large Ministries, Inc.
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