Woven

Ladies, to start our week of studying the very first Christians. I’m asking you to slowly read the following verses from The Passion Translation.

For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself – back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! Even though you were once distant from him living in the shadows of your evil thoughts and actions, he reconnected you back to himself. He released his supernatural peace to you through the sacrifice of his own body as the sin-payment on your behalf so that you would dwell in his presence. And now there is nothing between you and Father God, for he sees you as holy, flawless, and restored, if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to frow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in . And this is the glorious news I preach all over the world. Colossians 1: 19-23

The story we read and studied last week makes these verses possible for us, for you and for me. I know your journal is full of praise and thanksgiving for Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Before we begin another day of study, though, I believe Paul’s words to the church in Colossae must inspire another round of praise.

Now, let’s see what Angie has to say about all of this.

Read – Woven, pages 233 through the top of page 249.

Notice that Angie announced Acts to be a history book, and it is. However, I think it’s even more than that. It’s a book about the actions of the earliest believers which ends as a charge to us.

He (Paul) continued to proclaim to all the truths of God’s kingdom realm, teaching them about the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, speaking triumphantly and without any restriction. Acts 28:31

And that’s what we have the honor and privilege of doing, too. Paul and many others have passed the baton to us, and it is our time to spread the Gospel.

If you, like me, have been covered by several obstacles over the summer and haven’t had the opportunity to fully invest in our ACTS of service, please take some time to look over them today.

All the “Acts” are posted in the announcement section. Anne Marquardt Ayres has done a beautiful job of laying out a game plan for us to share the gospel in creative ways. I am going to spend the final part of my quiet time in prayer asking the Lord to direct me in my next act of service. I know that Anne's suggestions will help me find a starting point.

See…. Because of the greatness of Christ’s work FOR us, we can live out the Gospel for others. It’s why we are still here, ladies. So, let’s continue the book of Acts. Let’s take that baton from the first century Christians and carry on the good works.... until all know Christ!

Dear God, sometimes it’s so difficult to stop in the busy-ness of life and notice the world around us. In John 17, though, you prayed for us to be ONE with You. So, we get to share You with the world. I’m asking that You so delight us with Your presence today that we, like Paul, are simply compelled to love others by sharing You.