How can we demonstrate God's power in our community today? A steady God, a living power “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The God who moved through the apostles in Acts 5 has not retired. His Word is literal, trustworthy, and alive—and He still longs to display His power through ordinary believers. Snapshot: Acts 5:12 “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade”. Key observations: • Signs and wonders happened “among the people”—public, tangible, undeniable. • Unity (“with one accord”) formed the backdrop. • The setting was ordinary community space, not a secluded retreat. What has not changed • The Spirit who empowered the apostles now indwells every believer (Acts 2:39; 1 Corinthians 6:19). • The gospel still “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). • God still confirms His Word “by signs and wonders and various miracles” (Hebrews 2:4). Core principles for demonstrating power today 1. Expectation: Faith that God intends to act (Mark 11:22-24). 2. Purity: Holy vessels amplify divine power (2 Timothy 2:21; Acts 5:1-11 shows the contrast). 3. Unity: “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I” (Matthew 18:20). 4. Obedience: Power follows those who do what Jesus says (John 14:21). Practical avenues in the local community • Persistent, united prayer – Acts 4:31: “After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” – Form house-to-house prayer clusters; pray for healing, guidance, and open doors. • Bold gospel proclamation – 1 Corinthians 2:4: “My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” – Share testimonies publicly; invite neighbors to hear the good news; trust God to confirm it. • Compassionate healing and deliverance – Mark 16:17-18: “These signs will accompany those who believe… they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” – Offer prayer for the sick in hospitals, workplaces, and streets; celebrate every answered prayer, great or small. • Radical generosity and service – Acts 4:34-35 shows needs erased through Spirit-led giving. – Stock food pantries, pay utility bills, mentor at-risk youth—then explain the gospel that motivates the generosity (Matthew 5:16). • Prophetic encouragement and wisdom – 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 describes unbelievers convicted and convinced when accurate, Spirit-given insight is shared. – Ask God for specific words that build up, direct, and comfort people in crisis. • Transformed lives on display – Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, and the rest are supernatural fruits. – Invite the community to see marriages restored, addictions broken, and character changed; nothing argues for God’s power like a changed life. Taking the first step Start where you are: gather two or three believers, pray for your neighborhood by name, and look for the first opportunity to serve or speak in Jesus’ name. He delights to work through simple obedience, turning everyday moments into modern-day “signs and wonders among the people.” |
    |