Two-Sided Power
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Acts 5:12-16 … 12 “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but
the people esteemed them highly. Verses 15-16 detail the miracles done by the apostles. The people witnessed. They wouldn’t join them but regarded them highly. But notice verse 14 … “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,” The work of the Holy Spirit is like a two-sided coin. On the one hand, the awesome power of the Holy Spirit by miracles attracted people. On the other hand, that same awesome power held people at a distance because it demanded commitment and responsibility. Result? The crowd kept their distance unless they were ready to make a total commitment to Jesus Christ. For that reason, the witness of God’s people must reflect a true representation of the Lord. Our world will evaluate Jesus Christ by our walk. Our community will judge our church by our lives. Our community will have the image of our church that we give them. Good or bad, the reputation we have is what we the members created. Are you building up your church’s reputation? Have you ever spoken negatively to someone about your church? Have you ever spoken negatively to someone about your pastor? Have you ever spoken negatively to someone about members? If so, you have helped build a bad reputation for your church in your community. You can deal with that sin. See 1 John 1:9 … “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then, speak only that which edifies.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
