Taking Up the Mantle: Your Role in Expanding God’s Kingdom

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Jesus promised to establish His church so that not even His death could stop it from growing. He predicted His own crucifixion and eventual resurrection (Matthew 16:21). His disciple, Peter, initially struggled to understand how this was possible. Yet, Jesus remained steadfast in His promise, and death and resurrection did come to pass. The empty tomb and His multiple appearances over forty days provided substantial proof of His resurrection. The foundation of His church was subsequently established on Pentecost, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:37-38, 41, 47).

Despite heavy opposition and persecution, the church continued to flourish after Peter and John’s arrests and Stephen’s death. The church’s numbers grew steadily and the disciples continued to preach the gospel, fueled by their unwavering belief in Jesus’s resurrection. Paul spoke of Jesus’s appearance to over five hundred people, bolstering their conviction and hope. The early disciples were defiant in the face of death and stoked the flame of the growing church.

In Mark 16:15, what has become known as the “Great Commission” was set forth by Jesus. After He revealed Himself to the disciples, He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Undoubtedly, as followers of the King, we are mandated to reach people for Christ. It is paramount to our mission here. Whether that means physically telling people about Jesus, financially supporting churches and organizations that do, or praying for world evangelism, we all have a role in building the Kingdom of God. What we do has eternal implications. Growing the church is the heart of God for us all.

Your Call to Action

Our country and our world need Jesus. We see the evidence of that daily as we watch the news and the evil that has a stronghold over people and institutions we once had faith in. The disciples of Jesus did not lose hope. They pressed on in the face of adversity and we must do the same. Pray about your role in building the Kingdom and let God be your guide.

“Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, ‘Here I am. Send me’” (Isaiah 6:8).

“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you’” (John 20:21).

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Prayer

Lord, we praise Your holy name and thank You for your work in our lives! Help us to have the strength and wisdom of Paul and the determination of Peter, John, and so many others who have stood for You despite the many pressures against them. Open opportunities for us to contribute to the growth of Your Kingdom. Light our paths and give us the endurance to win this race, honoring You in all we do. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen!

A Comforting Closure

Remember that we are bearers of His light, hope, and love. Let’s go forth and illuminate the world with the power of His Gospel!

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