The Daily Discipleship Podcast

The Gospel is available for all to hear, and it is effective in the lives of those who believe, as indicated by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, made evident in a variety of ways. 

Peter would soon learn that the Gospel was for all and that he needed to expand his understanding if he was going to do Kingdom work. God works through oikos (households) and through streams of relationships to spread the Gospel and establish communities of believers. 

The latter part of Acts 9 switches back over to what is happening through Peter. We see mighty acts and making disciples.  A Key to disciplemaking is found in this section.

Now that God has gotten hold of Saul, He expands the Gospel exponentially. What does God want to do through YOU?

God had a purpose for Saul. God had a purpose for those who would first build into Saul's life.  God has a purpose for you!

Sometimes the most unlikely candidates are the very ones God reaches and uses in the most significant ways.  

After the martyrdom of Stephen, the Gospel's impact only expanded.  What holds us back, or what accelerates us in Gospel work?

In Acts 7, we see Jesus, up off His throne, watching with bated breath, as His servant, Stephen, lays down his life for the sake of the Gospel and the Jesus he loves.  What would Jesus' response to us be as we seek to serve Him?

How do we handle stress and pressure?  What does our countenance reveal about our faith?  Do people see Jesus in us when the pressure is on?

The early church was growing exponentially, but with that growth came problems, problems that could only be shared by creating structures of care so that Gospel sharing could continue.

As the Gospel was proclaimed, persecution was one response that resulted in a more significant impact.  We may suffer for Christ, but that is part of what He works through for a more substantial impact. 

Not only were wonderful signs being performed by the Apostles, but God was also giving very poignant warnings to the Church about her accountability. 

I like to point people to these two chapters combined so they can see what the community of believers was like and the resultant impact.  How can we change in the modern era to more fully reflect the sense of community and the results of that community right here, right now?

What happened in Acts 2, 4, 5, and beyond occurred not just in public places but also HOUSE TO HOUSE.  Bringing the Gospel outside the walls of church buildings into our homes to be shared with others is key to creating movements of multiplication. 

The movement continues to grow, and the Power behind their witness is again underscored - the power of the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus.

As we move through our plans, God often provides opportunities to share the Gospel, a word of encouragement, or a prayer with someone. What is our response when those opportunities arise?

The new converts committed themselves to practices that would provide community for them and leave impact on the world, resulting in an ongoing movement. Movement defined as 4 generations deep, 1000 or more people, and Transformation of individuals, organizations, and cultures.

Peter's message wasn't fancy or long, but it was infused with the Spirit's Power. The Gospel is powerful because it is God's message of redemption energized by the Holy Spirit.  We can all be confident when communicating the Gospel.

When God pours out His Spirit, movements can begin.

God has His part in empowering spiritual movements, and we have our part.  Are we doing our part?

In Acts 1:26, the disciples employed a seemingly strange method of determining God's will: they cast lots. This raises the question of how we should determine God's will in our lives. Let's take a look.

Peter addresses a subject that the disciples may have been quietly talking about and decision is made.  Leaders will address elephants (issues) among those they lead.

Sometimes, our theology can prevent us from taking action. Jesus expects action. Let's not be paralyzed. 

Acts 1 begins the detailing of Jesus' movement spreading to further than anyone could have imagined.  His resurrection validates the message, the Holy Spirit empowers it.

What were Jesus' final instructions given to the disciples?  Are those instructions for us also?  What are we to do? How are we to live?