A Farewell to Gateway

By Jon Augusta | March 30, 2025
Gateway Bible Church – Final Sunday
Text: 1 Timothy 6:11–12

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Famous Last Words

There’s something weighty about final words. Whether they come from a historical figure or a close friend, we lean in when we know it’s the last thing they’ll say. Consider these:

• Marie Antoinette: “Pardonnez-moi, monsieur,” after stepping on her executioner’s foot.
• Leonardo da Vinci: “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”
• Winston Churchill: “I’m bored with it all.”
• Oscar Wilde (weeks before his death): “Either that wallpaper goes, or I do.”
• Thomas Jefferson & John Adams: “Thomas Jefferson survives,” (both unaware the other had died earlier).
• Frank Sinatra: “I’m losing it.”
• Bessie Smith: “I’m going, but I’m going in the name of the Lord.”
• George Orwell: “I don’t need to forgive my enemies—I’ve had them all shot.”

Words matter. And when they are the last ones spoken, they often reveal what’s most important.

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A Word from John

As we turn the page on this chapter of Gateway Bible Church, I want to take us to John 21:25—a verse I always hoped we’d reach in our study:

“Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

What a picture of the vastness of Jesus. And yet, this same Jesus met Paul—then a violent persecutor—in Acts 9 and transformed his life. That same Paul would later write, “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

As I reflected on what I might say in my final message to you all, I wanted to know: What were Paul’s final words to his churches? Here’s what I found:

• Romans 16:17–20 – “Watch out for those who cause divisions.”
• 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 – “Be watchful, stand firm, act like men, do everything in love.”
• 2 Corinthians 13:5–10 – “Examine yourselves. Test yourselves.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14–28 – A rich closing of encouragement and instruction.

And then… we come to 1 Timothy 6:11–12, where Paul gives Timothy a charge—a legacy—one that I now share with you.

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The Final Charge

1 Timothy 6:11–12

Context

1 Timothy is what we call a “pastoral epistle”—a personal letter from Paul to Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus. It’s often studied in men’s groups or leadership workshops, but make no mistake—this is for all of us. These words were preserved in Scripture by the Spirit of God for our benefit.

Before our key verse, Paul warns Timothy about false teachers, those motivated by greed and self-interest. But then, he turns the focus, and says:

“But as for you, O man of God…”

That title—“man of God”—is a weighty one. In the Old Testament, it was used for Moses, David, Elijah, and other prophets. In the New Testament, it’s only used for Timothy. And yet, it applies to anyone who belongs to Christ. That includes you.

You are not defined by your past. You are not your failures or labels. You are a man or woman of God, if your faith is in Jesus Christ.

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FLEE

Paul urges Timothy to “flee these things”—what things?
The love of money. Greed. The cravings of this world.
These are not just minor distractions—they lead to destruction. Paul says many have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with grief.

We all have something we’re tempted to chase:

• Money?
• Pleasure?
• Comfort?
• Pornography?
• Attention?
• Approval?

Let’s be honest. We need to flee from whatever draws our hearts away from Jesus. Run from it like your life depends on it—because it does.

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FOLLOW

But as we flee from those things, we must run toward something better. Paul lists six things to pursue:

1. Righteousness (dikaiosune) – Living rightly before God and others.
2. Godliness (eusebeia) – Reverence, living with a continual awareness of God.
3. Faith (pistis) – Unwavering trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
4. Love (agape) – Unconditional, Christ-like love.
5. Steadfastness (hupomone) – Enduring with patience, even in difficulty.
6. Gentleness (praus) – Responding with calm and humility, not anger or aggression.

Brothers and sisters—run after these things. Chase them the way the world chases success or celebrity. These are the real treasures of life.

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FIGHT

Okay… I’ve made it this far without a single dad joke or motocross reference. But come on—what kind of music do chiropractors listen to?
Hip-pop.
And what cars do sheep drive?
Lamb-orghinis. 😄

Alright, now back to Paul’s final point:

“Fight the good fight of the faith.”

That word fight is where we get our word agonize. Think training. Grit. Sweat. Like an athlete pushing through the pain for the prize.

We are called to agonize in the faith. To train ourselves toward godliness with the same intensity an athlete trains for gold. Every single day. No off-season.

Then Paul says:

“Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

That phrase—“take hold”—is like the suckerfish that clings to a shark. Wherever the shark goes, it stays attached. That’s how we should hold on to our eternal calling in Christ.

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I want you to remember:

✦ Flee from the desires of the world.
✦ Follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.
✦ Fight the good fight of the faith.

Don’t settle. Don’t slow down. Don’t give up.

Hold fast.
Love Jesus deeply.
And keep running after Him.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think…”
—Ephesians 3:20

Why Jesus? Why that horrific death? Couldn’t God, in His infinite power, have found another way to deal with the messy reality of our sin?

The immediate answer, of course, is yes. God is God. He could have orchestrated countless scenarios. In fact, He would have been entirely justified in turning His back on us, in delivering the judgment we so rightly deserved. Yet, in a move that defies human comprehension, He chose a different path. He chose to send His one and only Son.

Think about that for a moment. He sent Jesus to stand in my place, in your place, in our place on that brutal cross. All so that we, the undeserving, could have the unimaginable gift of eternity with Him in Heaven.

This act, this substitutionary sacrifice, goes so far beyond anything we could ever merit. It screams of a grace so vast, so deep, it’s almost overwhelming. It’s like imagining a scenario with Ali and me. If someone were to utterly destroy our home, steal everything we’d worked for, and then face justice, would I ever stand before the judge and say, “No, punish my son instead”? Would I then invite the perpetrators to live in our home, to enjoy all the blessings we had intended for our child? The very thought is repulsive. Yet, this is the staggering reality of what God did in sending Jesus to the cross – taking the punishment we earned and offering us the very life of His Son.

John 3:16. Let that sink in.

But how did we even get here? How did we go from a perfect creation to the necessity of such a brutal sacrifice?

How Did We Get Here?

If you rewind to the beginning, the picture is idyllic. God, the ultimate artist, paints a perfect world into existence. Flawless animals roam a pristine landscape. And then, He creates humanity – perfect beings in perfect bliss. Looking upon His creation, God declares it “good.” Imagine trying to explain death to Adam and Eve in those early days. The concept would have been utterly foreign. I even saw a meme depicting Cain, after his terrible act, riddled with panic at the thought of waking up, followed by another of Abel patiently waiting in Heaven for centuries before anyone else arrived. It’s a stark reminder of the profound shift that occurred. How do we journey from those first two chapters of perfect harmony to the image of the Son of God hanging on a cross?

The narrative continues in Genesis 3:1-19.

Pride, that insidious poison, first took hold of Lucifer. Once a worship leader in Heaven, a being of immense stature, pride twisted him into Satan. He dared to believe he could usurp God’s throne, and a third of the angelic host followed his rebellion. In his characteristic form, a form that remains unchanged, Satan slithered into the Garden and tempted Eve. She was drawn in, enticed, and ultimately succumbed to sin. Then, she offered the forbidden fruit to Adam, who followed her into disobedience. And just like that, sin entered the world through man, forever altering the course of humanity.

As the millennia passed, the stain of sin deepened and spread. A mere 1556 years after God spoke light into existence and declared it good, we read the sobering words of Genesis 6:5. Roughly a century later, in the year 1656 of the earth’s timeline, God cleansed the world with a flood.

Yet, even after this cataclysmic event, humanity continued down a path of sin, corruption, and rebellion for another 2348 years. Through it all, God, in His relentless love, pursued His people. Until, in a humble manger in Bethlehem, a tiny baby drew His first breath. That baby was Jesus.

So, how did we get to the cross? Because for approximately 3000 years, humanity chose sin over obedience, rebellion over relationship with their Creator. And God, being perfectly holy and just, cannot tolerate sin in His presence. Yet, in His immeasurable grace and mercy, He didn’t abandon us to the fate we deserved. Instead, driven by love, He forged a way for His wayward children to be saved.

Love on a Cross

It’s a thought that often strikes me: why do we not see necklaces adorned with electric chairs or lethal injection symbols? Why are there no widespread tattoos of firing squads? Yet, the image of the cross is ubiquitous. It’s a symbol worn with reverence, etched onto skin with devotion. The cross, a Roman invention designed for the most agonizing and humiliating death imaginable, has become the emblem of our faith.

And the reason? Love. It was love that held Jesus to that cross. “For God so LOVED the world…” (John 3:16). As we explored in Ephesians 2, it was the profound love with which He loved us that compelled God to extend mercy and grace.

The Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, loves us. Not just a fleeting affection, but an agapao love – a sacrificial, unwavering love. And He didn’t just feel it; He acted on it. He demonstrated that love in the most profound way possible: by sending His only Son to die the death we deserved.

James Montgomery Boice eloquently stated, “The cross stands as the focal point of the Christian faith. Without the cross the Bible is an enigma, and the Gospel of salvation is an empty hope.”

Brothers and sisters, the entirety of Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross had one ultimate purpose: our salvation.

John 3:17-18 reminds us, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

So, to answer the question I posed last Sunday: why do we call the day Jesus died “Good Friday” while the day of deep discounts is “Black Friday”? It’s because on that cross, our old, sin-ridden selves were crucified with Christ. The “old man,” incapable of entering Heaven, breathed his last on that rugged wood.

If Jesus had not died, He could not have risen. Friday is good, dear friends, because of Sunday. And Sunday, the glorious dawn of resurrection, could not have happened without the darkness of Friday.

Jesus had to die because our sin had taken us so far, had so deeply entrenched itself within us, that we were utterly incapable of saving ourselves. Jesus had to die because without His death, there would be no payment, no redemption for our brokenness. If Jesus hadn’t died, He couldn’t have risen, and without His resurrection, there would be no hope for us. Jesus, the perfect, sinless man, willingly walked the path to the cross so that we, blood-washed sinners, could be made righteous through Him and find our way to Heaven.

#Instatheology: What the Bible REALLY Says About Social Media

Let’s talk about something that consumes a HUGE part of our lives: social media.

I remember 2004 vividly. It was the year Myspace launched, and I was a fourth grader at a brand new school. Fast forward to today, and we’re swimming in a sea of platforms: YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn… the list goes on. I’m on most of them, some more than others, and I’m not gonna lie – I love social media.

But here’s the thing: with 7.7 billion people in the world, over 3.5 billion are online, and a staggering two-thirds of internet users are on social media. That’s over 2.3 billion people! Social media has reshaped everything from our interactions to how businesses operate. It’s a force to be reckoned with.

So, what does the Bible have to say about this digital phenomenon? Let’s dive in.

My Personal Wake-Up Call: 10 Hours and 32 Minutes

Before I get into the biblical stuff, I had to face my own reality. I checked my screen time. Last week, I spent an average of 10 hours and 32 minutes a WEEK on social media. That’s almost a whole day! I’m preaching to myself as much as I’m preaching to you.

Tonight, we’re going to look at three key points:

• #Drained
• #Fight
• #Thirsty

#Drained: The Martha Syndrome

Let’s look at Luke 10:38-42. Martha, with Jesus himself in her house, is running around stressed, while Mary sits at His feet, listening. It reminds me of Psalm 27:4, where David longs to dwell in God’s presence.

Martha was distracted. Jesus says Mary chose the “good portion” – not the best steak, but the blessings of God (Psalm 16:5). He values worship and meditation over perfect place settings.

Distraction, as we know, is being pulled in multiple directions. Like the medieval torture where horses pulled someone apart. Are we being pulled away from the one thing that matters?

Why are we here?

Matthew 28 reminds us: to make disciples, glorify God, and point people to Him. We’re here to be lights, to spread the gospel. Yet, we waste time scrolling.

Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us to walk wisely, redeeming the time. Instead of reflecting on Scripture, we’re glued to screens. We’ll have to account for our time.

The Charger: Connecting to the Source

Just like a phone loses battery when unplugged, we get drained when we’re disconnected from God’s word. Satan wants to distract us, to pull us away from our purpose. Plug into the charger: Scripture.

#Fight: Keyboard Warriors and God’s Peace

2020 was a year of blocking, unfriending, and eye-rolling. We live in a world of keyboard warriors, hiding behind screens, slinging insults.

God is a God of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Stirring strife goes against His nature. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to avoid corrupt talk and instead build up others.

It’s easy to spout hate online. But we’re called to love our neighbors (Colossians 4:6).

How do we fight this?

• Be in the Word. When you’re saturated in Scripture, it’s harder to attack others.
• Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Ask: Is this honoring? If not, bring it to God in prayer.

#Thirsty: The Search for Satisfaction

Social media is full of pornography and creates a false sense of worth. We seek validation through followers and likes, but it’s never enough.

John 4:1-26 tells the story of the woman at the well. She was searching for satisfaction in men, but Jesus offered her “living water.”

Like her, we search for satisfaction in fleeting things: followers, likes, relationships, substances. But John 4:14 says, “whoever drinks of the water I give them will never be thirsty again.”

Only Jesus can truly satisfy. These “pocket gods” will always leave us wanting more. That’s why anxiety and depression are on the rise.

The Cost of True Satisfaction

To the non-believer: only Jesus can satisfy you.

To the believer: we were made different by Jesus. Eternal life, true love, and true satisfaction cost Jesus His life. Because you are worth it.

Social Media: A Tool, Not a God

I asked on Instagram for pros and cons of social media. Here are some responses:

Pros:

• Keeping up with friends
• Connecting with people far away
• Inspiration
• Sharing experiences

Cons:

• Wasting time
• False portrayals of life
• Politics
• Toxic people
• Addictive

I’m not telling you to delete your accounts. Social media isn’t inherently bad. Using it to #makeHisnamefamous or connect with loved ones is great.

But it becomes an issue when it becomes a god. As John MacArthur says, “If the goal is simply popularity or personal promotion, it’s time to do a heart check.”

God doesn’t love us because of our worth; we are of worth because God loves us. – Martin Luther.

Let’s use social media wisely, remembering that true satisfaction comes only from Christ.

Cast Your Nets: A Reflection on Luke 5:1-11

Jon Augusta

From Starbucks barista dreams to a deeper calling, life often takes unexpected turns. I once envisioned a corporate ladder, regional barista championships, and even a Starbucks logo tattoo. (Thankfully, that didn’t happen!) I was passionate about coffee, eager to share my knowledge, sometimes to the annoyance of others. It made me wonder, haven’t we all experienced that feeling of expertise being challenged in our own fields?

Today, we delve into Luke 5:1-11, where we encounter seasoned fishermen, not amateurs on a weekend outing. These men, professionals in their craft, had toiled all night, yielding nothing. They were tired, discouraged, and facing the reality of empty nets – and empty pockets. Then, Jesus entered their world, ready to radically alter their lives.

Setting the Scene: A Crowd and a Boat

Luke 5 opens with Jesus preaching by the Sea of Galilee, a vital hub of commerce and water. The crowd pressed upon him, eager to hear his words. Two empty boats lay on the shore. Jesus, with divine purpose, chose Peter’s boat. He asked to be pushed out a little, creating space to address the crowd. It wasn’t a coincidence; Jesus knew what he was about to do.

After preaching, Jesus instructed Simon (Peter) to “put out your nets into the deep… for a catch.” This directive, seemingly counterintuitive, highlights two key points:

• The Depth of the Challenge: Fish were typically caught at night when they moved to shallower waters. Daytime fishing with nets in deep water was considered futile.
• The Specificity of the Command: Jesus wasn’t suggesting a casual fishing trip; he promised a catch.

1. Trust God Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense

Peter, a professional fisherman, could have easily dismissed Jesus’ instruction. He could have cited his experience and the impracticality of daytime fishing. Instead, he responded with respect, addressing Jesus as “Master,” and obeyed, saying, “but at your word I will let down the nets.”

The result? An overwhelming catch of fish, so abundant that the nets began to break, and two boats were filled to the point of sinking. Peter’s obedience, even when it defied logic, was rewarded abundantly.

We often face situations where God’s directives seem unclear or illogical. We might ask, “Why, God?” In these moments, we must remember Peter’s example: trust in God, even when it doesn’t make sense. Even when you are tired and have worked all night with nothing to show for it. There is always a blessing that comes from trusting God.

2. The Presence of God Humbles Us

Witnessing the miraculous catch, Peter recognized the divine power of Jesus. He fell at Jesus’ knees, overwhelmed by his own sinfulness, and exclaimed, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” This wasn’t just awe at a large catch; it was a profound realization of being in the presence of the Creator.

This reaction mirrors the experiences of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1, 5), Job (Job 42:5-6), and John (Revelation 1:17), who were all humbled by God’s presence. When God enters our lives, we become acutely aware of our shortcomings.

As Matthew 5:4 reminds us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” When we are broken over our sin, we find comfort in God’s presence. Peter, initially asking Jesus to depart, later sought his presence, as seen in John 21, where he eagerly swam to shore to meet the resurrected Christ.

Leave It All!

Jesus called these fishermen to a new life, to become “fishers of men.” They didn’t hesitate; they left everything – their boats, their nets, their livelihood – and followed him.

What are we holding onto that’s preventing us from fully following Jesus? Are we clinging to comfort, to our own plans and desires? Like Peter, we must be willing to leave it all behind and trust in God’s provision.

The Call to Action

Have you invited Jesus into your boat? Is he the Lord of your whole life, or just the parts you’ve allowed him into?

When Peter cast his net at Jesus’ word, he received a blessing. When he allowed Jesus into his boat, he experienced a life-changing encounter. When we invite Jesus into our lives, we receive blessings beyond measure, both in this life and for eternity.

Even when it doesn’t make sense, trust in Jesus. Let go of what’s holding you back and cling to God. Perhaps today, you’re weary, your nets empty. Perhaps you’re sinking, needing a captain to weather the storm. Ask Jesus into your boat.

A Call to Maturity: Finding Purpose and Impact in Our Generation

I want to talk about the potential and the calling that lies within our generation.

When I looked around at my peers, I felt a strong desire to see a movement, a shift towards something greater. Millennials and Gen Z are a powerful force. We are passionate about making a difference, about changing the world. But it’s essential to ask ourselves: Why do we want to change the world, and what are we going to change it to?

It’s crucial for us to define our purpose and direction. I believe that we as a generation need to mature – in life, and most importantly, in our faith. We can achieve this through a deep commitment to the following principles:

1. Yearning for the Word:

We need to prioritize a genuine hunger for scripture, engaging with it daily through quiet reflection and study. The Bible is not just a book; it’s a living guide, a source of wisdom and strength. As we immerse ourselves in it, we begin to see its transformative power in our lives.

2. Accountability and Community:

We must cultivate a culture of mutual support and accountability. This means celebrating each other’s successes and offering comfort during times of struggle. It’s about building genuine relationships where we can be honest and vulnerable, encouraging one another to grow. We should strive to see the best in each other, building each other up rather than focusing on weaknesses.

3. Maturity in Life and Faith:

We live in a culture that often values complacency. However, we are called to a higher standard. This includes:

• Moral Maturity: We should be known for our work ethic and integrity, striving for excellence in all that we do, whether in our careers, studies, or daily tasks.
• Spiritual Maturity: We must continually grow in our understanding of faith. This involves moving beyond surface-level knowledge and delving deeper into spiritual truths. It’s a lifelong journey of refinement and discipline.

Our generation has the potential to make a profound impact. Let’s be a people who are deeply rooted in our faith, who support and encourage one another, and who strive for maturity in all areas of life. By doing so, we can truly change the world for the better.

More Than Just a Word, It’s Our Lifeline

A few weeks ago, a simple Instagram post about “aiding” sparked a deep dive into John 15:1-7. What I found was a powerful call to “abide,” a word we rarely use in our everyday conversations. We say “hang out,” or “grab coffee,” but “abide”? It felt ancient, yet incredibly relevant.

Today, let’s unpack John 15:1-7 and explore what it truly means to abide in Christ. We’ll look at:

• What does it mean to abide?
• How do we abide?
• Evidence of abiding

What Does it Mean to Abide?

“Abide” in John 15:4, from the Hebrew word “menō,” means to stay or remain in a place or with a person. Jesus uses the image of a vine and its branches. The branch must stay connected to the vine to receive nourishment and bear fruit.

We need to abide in Jesus, to stay and remain with Him, connected, growing, and bearing fruit. Andrew Murray beautifully puts it: “Abide in Jesus, the sinless One – which means, give up all of self and its life, and dwell in God’s will and rest in His strength. This is what brings the power that does not commit sin.”

Abiding is more than just a passive act; it’s a living, active relationship. It’s coming to God’s throne daily, throughout the day, for every need.

Let’s be real: we’re in a spiritual war. Our enemy is relentless, seeking any opportunity to make us stumble. To try and navigate this life without being plugged into God’s Word is foolish.

During a recent trip to Honduras, I saw firsthand the power of this imagery. Fruit trees, some bearing vibrant fruit, others with fallen, decaying fruit. The difference? Connection. The fruit on the vine thrived, nourished by the source. We must go to the source of our spiritual life and remain there to bear fruit.

John Piper reminds us, “Satan’s number-one objective is to destroy our joy of faith. We have one offensive weapon: the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). But what many Christians fail to realize is that we can’t draw the sword from someone else’s scabbard. If we don’t wear it, we can’t wield it. If the Word of God does not abide in us (Jn. 15:7), we will reach for it in vain when the enemy strikes. But if we do wear it, if it lives within us, what mighty warriors we can be!”

How to Abide

So, how do we abide?

1. Meditate on the Word: Joshua 1:8 tells us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. It must be at the forefront of our minds.
2. Memorize Scripture: Psalm 119:9-11 highlights the importance of memorizing scripture. The enemy attacks when we’re vulnerable, and we need God’s Word readily available, just as Jesus did in Matthew 4:1-11.
3. Pray: Psalm 119:18, and the example Jesus set, remind us of the necessity of prayer. We need constant communication with our Father.

We must be in His Word daily, memorizing scripture, and constantly communicating with God through prayer.

Evidence of Abiding

The fruit trees in Honduras showed the health of the tree. When we abide in Jesus, we will bear much fruit. But what does that fruit look like?

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the “works of the flesh,” while Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the “fruit of the Spirit.” Our lives should reflect the latter.

Are you bearing healthy fruit, or diseased fruit that reveals the flesh?

John 15:6 warns that those who do not abide and bear fruit will be thrown into the fire. Conversely, verse 7 promises that when we abide in Jesus, He abides in us, and we have open communication with the Father.

We must abide in Jesus. The enemy is on the move, distracting us and keeping us from God’s Word. We need to prioritize our relationship with Him and bear fruit.

A Church On Fire: Lessons from Acts

Jon Augusta,

I’ll never forget the night in 2012 when I found myself on the roof of our youth building at Placerita Baptist Church, fire extinguisher in hand. It was a Wednesday night, and I was locking up when the unmistakable smell of smoke hit me. Anyone who knows me knows I have a keen sense for it. I traced the scent to the modular building’s roof, where I discovered flames licking at the surface. A construction mishap during the day had left a floodlight face down, igniting the roof. A quick scramble, a tossed fire extinguisher, and the fire was out. That night, the church was literally on fire.

It’s a vivid image, and it got me thinking about the kind of “fire” that should truly define a church: the fire of the Holy Spirit, the burning passion for the Gospel. Last week, we explored the vibrant body life of the early church in Acts, its dedication to God’s Word, its fervent fellowship, and its powerful witness to the world. Today, I want to delve deeper into what it means to be “A Church on Fire,” drawing inspiration from the explosive growth of the church in Acts.

Throughout history, forces have tried to extinguish the flame of Christianity. From the persecution Jesus faced to the brutal attacks on believers by ISIS and the dangers faced by Christians in Afghanistan, the world has consistently sought to silence the Gospel. Yet, as we know, no human power can stop God’s movement.

Let’s explore three key characteristics of a church ablaze with God’s Spirit:

A Church on Fire is a Bold Church.

We see this boldness throughout Acts. Consider the incredible numbers:

• Acts 2:41: 3,000 souls repent and are baptized.
• Acts 4:4: Another 1,880 join the believers.
• Acts 6:7: The number of disciples multiplies, and even priests come to faith.
• Acts 9: Saul, the persecutor, becomes Paul, the apostle.
• Acts 9:42: “And many believed in the Lord.”
• Acts 12:24: “But the word of God increased and multiplied.”
• Acts 13:49: “And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.”

The early church was fearless in proclaiming the Gospel. They didn’t shy away from opposition; they embraced it as an opportunity to witness. This boldness stemmed from their absolute conviction in the power of Jesus Christ.

As I’ve been studying Acts, I’ve been deeply convicted. Have I been as bold as I should be in sharing my faith? I believe God is challenging me, and I invite you to join me in this challenge: to step out in faith and share the Good News with the world around us.

Reflection:

• Where do you see boldness in the early church?
• How can we cultivate that same boldness in our lives and in our church today?
• What is holding you back from sharing your faith?