Thanksgiving Prayers-Jos Shabach

 

70+ Shabach Yeshua Global Aka. Jos Shabach Thanksgiving Prayer Points with Scriptures

Give thanks to God with these powerful Winners Chapel Thanksgiving prayer points with scriptures that appreciate God for all He’s doing for you, your family, and your nation

Offering prayers of thanksgiving is one of the easiest ways to win God’s heart as a Christian. This is why the psalmist in the book of Psalm 100:4 asked us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

This is to show you how thanksgiving can help you easily get close to God. And although sometimes we are faced with challenges that make us feel like we have no reason to be thankful.

But the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 asked us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

What Is Thanksgiving Prayer To God?

A thanksgiving prayer also known as thanksgiving prayer points is the act of showing your gratitude to God through prayers.

You can offer prayers of thanksgiving to God for all He has done and is doing in your life and in the life of your loved ones.

Why We Magnify God During Thanksgiving Prayer Points

Whenever we give thanks to God, good things seem to increase, while the bad things became more bearable.

As humans, we feel happy whenever those we help come back to thank us; as a matter of fact, you feel happy to help them whenever they are in need again.

In fact, the majority of us get upset whenever we help someone and they don’t come back to thank us. We may not even want to help them when next they are in need.

Although sometimes we as humans may not have things going the way we want them, but let’s not be in a hurry to forget all the good things God has been doing for us.

He has given us life and breath for free. This alone is more than enough for us to offer thanksgiving prayer points to Him.

Thanksgiving Prayers point
Thanksgiving Prayer Points Image from Shutterstock

How Do I Offer Thanksgiving; Prayer Points?

You can give thanks to God in so many ways and we are going to show you some of the ways to offer your sincere gratitude to God:

1.  One of the ways to show thanksgiving to God is to Remember Him either through your words, thoughts, or deeds.

2. Recognize God’s hand in your life whenever you are counting your blessing.

3. Offer Thanksgiving in Prayer. Thus, don’t forget to add thanksgiving prayer points to God when next you pray.

4. Avoid sin and every other thing that displeases God.

5. Don’t murmur anytime things don’t go your way, instead, praise God for the blessings you already have.

6. Obey all His commandments.

7. Have an attitude of gratitude.

8. Always stay humble no matter how great your possessions are.

9. Don’t forget to praise God by calling Him beautiful names while singing or praying.

10. Sing Him praises and dance to Him.

11. Don’t be stingy with your testimonies of the goodness of God.

When is the Best Time To Offer  Thanksgiving Prayer To God?

The best time to offer prayers of thanksgiving to God is “EVERY TIME” — In bad times and in good times.

This is why the preacher in the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 said “Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Benefits Of Giving Thanks To God

There are lots of things you stand to benefit from God when you give thanks to Him from the depths of your heart. Below are a few of them:

1. The more you thank God for His blessings, the more He blesses you.

2. You experience Peace and Joy.

3. You experience God’s Presence.

4. You experience a positive increase in all that you do.

Thanksgiving Prayer Points – Winners Chapel

1. Father thank you for the multitude of blessings that you have bestowed upon me and my loved one. I ask that You also remember and provide for everyone out there in need, in Jesus name. Amen

2. O thou Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning within; I thank You for all the outstanding blessings that You have delivered unto me, and to my loved ones, and nation. No one can do all these great things, except You, Abba Father.

3. Heaven Father, I thank You for the gift of life and Your ever-multiplying blessings upon my life. I don’t have any other request from You but to say thank You, Father. May Your name be highly exalted above every other name, in Jesus name. Amen.

4. Let us thank Him for His greatness and kindness towards us is good. Let us thank him for our food. By His hands, we all are fed. Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread. Amen.

5. To You whose hands hath brought us Unto this wonderful day, receive our joyful thanksgiving, And attend to our prayers.

6. Father we thank you for everything that grows, we thank thee for the rainbows in the sky. I bless Your holy name for the family and friends You have sent into my life, thank you for the sunshine that brightens our day, thank You for the stars, and the moon that beautifies our night, thank you O Lord for all that You have done!

7. Heavenly Father I thank You for being such a trustworthy partner who never goes back on His word; a partner to whom I can confidently entrust my life in His hands. Thank You for being such a promise keeper.

8. Father, I’m thankful to You for being such a great father to me and my loved ones. You deserve all the glory and praises in the highest places.

9. Father, thank You for the massive salvation of souls witnessed around the world. No man can say Jesus is Lord, except by Your spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). I appreciate You Father, no man can come to Jesus except You draw them (John 6:44).

10. Heavenly Father, I call upon You to please bless this food before us, our loved ones among us, and everyone genuinely concerned about us. Amen.

11. Eternal King, please set Your eyes over us with Your loving kindness. I bless You for your grace and mercy upon us this day. I am thankful for your abundant blessings and your healing power that is at work in us. But above all, I thank You for the promise of salvation that You have given to us through Jesus Christ your only begotten Son. Amen.

12. Lord, You are the porter and I’m willing to be the clay. I surrender my will to Your will. I bless you for all of the bad, and I bless you for all of the good. And when troubles come my way, I say thank You, And when troubles go away, I say thank You. Let Your will prevail in my life, in Jesus name. Amen.

13. Omnipotent king, I thank You for Your blessings upon us, and may all Your blessings we have received upon lives be preserved through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

14. For the gift of life, for the laughter of our loved ones, for your abundant mercies upon our lives, for good health, clothes on our body, for the roof above our heads, for the provision of food before us, for the beautiful ones who prepared this feast on this table, for the opportunity to joyfully celebrate with friends and family, for the liberty to say these prayers with no fear, in any faith, and in any language, I say thank You, Father.

15. Jesus, the Son of the Living God, even in the midst of all my trials I am here to say thank You. I bless Your holy name because I that weeping may endure for a night but joy will definitely come in the morning.

16. Father of all creation I thank you for the provision of food but please remember those hungry. I thank You for good health but please remember those sick ones. Master, I thank You for the good friends around me but please remember those without friends. I thank You for my freedom but please remember those enslaved. I pray that the gifts You’ve given us be used to serve others. Amen.

17. Abba Father, I pray that You grant me the strength to always thank you even in the midst of my struggles and trials in life.

18. I bind and destroy any root of ungratefulness and bitterness, that want to poison my heart from glorifying God, in Jesus name. Amen.

19. Lord I thank You for comforting me and giving me Your perfect peace even in the midst of the difficult storm.

20. Father, I thank You because every good and perfect thing comes from You, the Father of lights; and I also thank You for not withholding them from me.

Thanksgiving Prayers points
Thanksgiving Prayers With Family / Shutterstock Image

Thanksgiving Day Prayer Points for 2022

1). Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gravy, the turkey, and the way it’s dressed. We also thank you once again for this table that overflows with so many blessings. We are also aware that every good gift comes from You, the Father of lights. I pray that every of our actions today will serve Your heavenly purpose, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

2). For Your provision of food in a world where so many walk in hunger, for friends in a world where so many walk alone, for faith in a world where so many walk in fear. We say thank You, Oh Lord. Amen.

3). Father we thank you for the singing birds above, we thank you for the beautiful trees around us, we thank you for the tender grasses that blossom about our feet. All we see are Your wondrous works around us, and we really appreciate each and every one of them. Blessed be your holy name in the heavens and in the earth for all you have been doing for us.

4). Father, on this Thanksgiving day, as I offer my prayer of appreciation, with my heart filled with expectations, may Your righteous hand be always stretched in my direction, in Jesus name Amen.

5). Father we thank You this morning for a newborn day. We thank You for the sunshine and the air that we breathe; we thank Thee for the trees that bear us fruit that we eat. Oh Lord, we thank You.

6). Dear Father in heaven, we glorify your holy name for the food seated on our table, for our family and friends that are surrounding us and have joined us to celebrate this thanksgiving day. We thank You, and we pray that your name continues to reign forever more, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

7). Lord we thank you for the friends and food you provided for us, and for all of the joy this Thanksgiving Day lends. The blessings you send into our life and the life of our loved ones are very visible and for that reason, we say a very big Thank You. Thank you, Lord, for another great year to come.

8). Heavenly father, as we celebrate this thanksgiving day with our family and friends, may our homes be filled with joy, May our hearts be knitted with love, even as we give thanks to you for Thy abundant blessings from above.

9). O Lord my God, with a humble heart we come before You to pray for Thy blessings on this Thanksgiving Day. We ask that your blessings come down on this table where grateful people say words of grace and share the yield of Thy bountiful blessings of the farm and field.

10). My father, my father, we thank you for your abundant blessings bestowed on every family represented here. As we celebrate this thanksgiving day, we pray that your love rest on every one of us; each home, and each festive board. Let your peace which passes all understanding be the portion of everyone represented here today, through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.

11). Father, we thank you for the blue sky and the blue stream. Lord, we thank you for the shades of branches sited high above our heads. Lord, we also thank you for the cool breeze, fragrant air, and blooming trees. We are grateful to you for ushering us into this new morning. We also thank you for providing us with shelter and a good night’s rest. Lastly, we say thank you for good health, our loved ones, the food in front of us, and every good thing you constantly send our way. Be thou exalted above all, in Jesus’ name. Amen

12). Praise be unto the Highest for the Lord is good at all times. He gave us food to eat, clothes to wear and so much more than we could ever ask for. Thank you for making us see another pleasant Thanksgiving Day.

13). Heavenly Father we come before you in celebration of another wonderful Thanksgiving Day. we bow our heads and our hearts to You and say thank You for all You have done for us, especially for giving us Jesus, Your only Son. We also thank You for health, and the joy in our hearts, family and friends, your daily provisions, your care and mercy. For all these blessings you have given to us, we come before you today to respond with praise and with a promise to always follow You till the end of time.

14). Father we thank you for the food that we’re about to eat, and for everyone that is about to partake of the blessings. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving day, we pray that you bless everyone that is here with us and those that are in our hearts.

10 Winners Chapel Thanksgiving Prayer Points with Scriptures

1. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

2. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. Psalms 92:1 NLT

3. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

4. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Luke 17: 15 -16 

5. And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Jeremiah 30:19 KJV

6. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other. Thessalonians 1:3

7. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18NKV

8. Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. PSALM 103:1-4

9). And on that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4 KJV

10). Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. Hebrews 13:15

Thanksgiving Prayer Points
Thanksgiving Prayer Points

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Supplication To God That Work

There are 26 prayer points below and they are made up of supplication and thanksgiving prayers to God that work:

1). Father Lord, I thank you for your sufficient grace; the grace to manifest and show your glory as a true daughter/son of Christ in the name of Jesus. Amen

2). Father Lord, I thank you for your grace upon my life and I also bless you in anticipation for all that you will do in my life.

3). Heavenly Father, I Thank You for making my life a living testimony. Thank You for making my light shine brighter and brighter; and it will continue till the end of time in Jesus’ precious name.

4). LORD I Thank you for your mighty power that is now at work in my life.

5). My Father! My Father! I Thank you for the so many blessings you’ve bestowed upon me and my family. You have graciously dealt with us.

6). Lord Jesus, you are worthy to be praised, Amen. Thank you for the victory.

7). Heavenly Father, I am grateful for giving me the grace to continually remain grounded and rooted in You. My desire is to always dwell in your presence. Please, let Your grace continue to keep me grounded and rooted in You.

8). Father, I thank You for constantly giving me reasons to always testify of Your good works in my life. Thank You for the so many victories in Christ Jesus. Amen

9). Lord I testify of Your love and blessings in my life, and I pray it remains permanently in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

10). My Heavenly Father, the Infinite Intelligence Himself, I worship You. Thy wisdom and excellence in ensuring the salvation of Your elects are marvellous. I know You wouldn’t hesitate to come through for us in times of need. Blessed be Your holy name, my Lord, through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen

11). King of Glory I thank You for your loving-kindness and mercies towards me and my loved ones. Thank You for Your love, strength, peace and joy you have given unto us.

12). I will give thanks to the Father of Lights for turning my mourning into dancing; and gave me hope when everything around me failed me.

13). Thank You Father for I know without You, I am nothing. You are my maker!

14). Father I am here to say thank You for showing up for me in the midst of my turmoil; when all hope was gone. I bless Your holy name. Be thou exalted above every other name.

15). Thank YOU Father for granting me and my family open doors and breakthroughs! Baba, I lift my voice in praise of Your name!

16). I will continually praise You forever! You are Jehovah Nissi, my great defender and shield!

17). Lord I thank You and adore You for turning my predicament into joy. I lift my hands and worship Your Majesty.

18). Thank You Lord for restoring my fortunes and my health in Jesus’ precious name. Amen!

19). Father Lord, I thank You for answering me even before I call. Thank you, Father, in Jesus’ name!

20). For Your wisdom in times of confusion; for Your Comfort in times of sorrow, I say thank You, Lord.

21). Master of all the Universe, I thank You for preserving my family. We are alive only by Your grace.

22). Lord I praise You in the firmament of Your power, I praise You for Your loving-kindness towards me and my family.

23). Father I bless You for endowing me with the power to become an agent for positive change.

24). The Great Healer, I Thank You because You are the one who strengthens me during my days of adversity. Thank You for being my only friend.

25). Lord I thank You for Your mercies upon my life, and for giving me Your peace which passes all understanding.

Thanksgiving Prayers point verse
Source ‘Family Research Council’/ FaceBook

Scriptural Verses About Thanksgiving

Apart from the thanksgiving prayer examples listed above, you can still refer to these awesome bible resources below, I like to call them bible verses about thanksgiving and gratitude.

Psalm 103 verse 2 (BSB)

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds.

1 Chronicle 16 verse 34

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures forever

Psalm 100 verse 1-5 (NIV)

1). Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

2). Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3). Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4). Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5). For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 56 Versus 12

I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.

1 Timothy 4 Versus 4-5

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Psalm 34 Verse 1

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Philippians 4 Verse 6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 107 Versus 8-9

Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things!

Psalms 138 Verse 1-

I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, And give thanks unto thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

NOTE: I want you to always remember that thanksgiving is one of the fastest ways to get God’s attention. The resources provided above will help you a lot. So, don’t forget to use the thanksgiving prayer points above before you and your family devour that turkey.

4 Reasons Why We Should Always Give Thanks To God

1). It’s a debt we owe GodLuke 17 11-19

2). To Preserve Our Blessings: It is gratitude that sustains our blessings. If your blessings must be preserved, your thanksgiving must be offered. Malachi 2:1-2

3). Thanksgiving Multiply Our Blessings. John 6: 1-13, Jeremiah 30:19

4). We give God thanks in order to perfect our blessings. Luke 17:15-19

We believe that you were blessed by this post. Don’t forget that your gratitude is what qualifies you for perfection.

Conclusion Prayer From Pastor Sam: I pray that everyone on this page whose heart is positioned with an expectation, as you give God appreciation, may His hand be continually stretched forth in your direction. Amen.

Leave a Comment

THE JUNE EDITION, JOS SHABACH



Friends, it is with Jesus' Joy that I present to you the June Edition of our momentous gathering.

 


JOS SHABACH, THE JUNE EDITION 

@ Assembly of God Church Hwolshe, by old airport roundabout Jos.

Sunday 25th June 2023 

So, make sure you don’t get there last because it’s going to be another unforgettable experience! 


And hey, don’t come alone, bring friends, family, colleagues... Everyone you can.

I’ll see you there as we give all the Loud Praise (SHABACH) to God Almighty. 😎 

Dr. I. D. Samuel is our host.

Let's make it a date, please.

We celebrate you

1. Ezra Jinang (Esq) will be there: https://www.facebook.com/Barr.EzraJinang

2. Churchboy Salmplus will be there:

https://www.facebook.com/churchboisalmplus 

3. Nanpon Sunday will be there:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076911360468&mibextid=ZbWKwL

3. Raymond Diyaye will be there:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084394186144

4. Noro Nash will be ministering https://www.facebook.com/tahilahnash.

5. Dindul Fanap will be there. https://www.facebook.com/dindul.fanap.

#wearetheshabachgeneration

#TheSchoolOfTheSpirit

#josshabachjuneedition250623


Click the 🔗 (link) below to read more about Shabach Yeshua Global. Aka. Jos Shabach

https://idsamuelministries.blogspot.com/2022/11/shabach-place-of-fire-visionmission.html

*THE GROWING CHURCH LESSON MADE EASY

*THE GROWING CHURCH*

Memory Verse:

The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (KJV).

*Central Truth*

Faithfulness to Christ and church growth go hand-in-hand.

*The Lesson Outline*

*1. Gladly Receiving the Word- Acts 2:4-5,14-18, 37-41*

A. Spirit-Anointed Proclamation

B. Heartfelt Response

*2. Christian Fellowship and Ministry- Acts 2:42-47,3:1-12;4:1-4*

A. Life Together

B. Miracles and Message

*3. The Word, the Spirit, the Multitude- Acts 4:5-32*

A. Spirit-Anointed Proclamation

B. Unity Among Believers

🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱

*Learning Objectives*

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explore elements that led to growth in the Church and how they might lead to growth in churches today.

2. Desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord and fellow believers to facilitate

evangelism.

3. Commit to serving Christ

faithfully in the power of the Spirit to advance the gospel.

🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀

*Introducing the Lesson*

Jesus had left a task for His disciples to do. After obediently waiting for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they began that task in the power of the Holy Spirit. This lesson looks at those early days of the Church, which serve as an example for us.

💐  💐  💐  💐  💐

*The Holy Scriptures*

Acts 2:16-18,37-38,41,46-47

[16]But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

[17]And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

[18]And on my servants and my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy:

[37]Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men, and brethren, what shall we do?

[38]Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

[41]Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

[46]And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

[47]Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 3:1

[1]Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Acts 4:1-2,4,19,29

[1]And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

[2]Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

[4]Howbeit many of them who heard the word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand.

[19]But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

[29]And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

🍃  🍃  🍃  🍃  🍃  🍃

*Commentary and Application*

*1. Gladly Receiving the Word*

*A. Spirit-Anointed Proclamation- Acts 2:45,14-18*

Jesus had declared to His followers that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). This became evident on the Day of Pentecost. On

that day, God poured out His Holy Spirit on the early believers in spectacular fashion. When they were filled with the Spirit, He enabled them to speak in other tongues (2:4). In this case, those tongues were human languages spoken by people gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast (verses 5,8). Imagine the surprise of people from many countries when they began hearing the gospel in their native language coming from the believers.

Peter, standing with the other apostles addressed the crowd to explain what they were observing (verses 14-18). This was the fulfillment of God's promises to the Jewish people. The prophet Joel had spoken of this outpouring (Joel 2:28-29). All people could experience the Holy Spirit's presence and power, whether male or female, young or old, slave or free.

The apostles clearly explained how God was at work to redeem His people by sending Jesus to be both Lord and Christ. The outpouring of the Spirit that very day was proof that Jesus is the resurrected and exalted Lord.

Spirit-anointed proclamation of the good news that God desires work in the lives of all people is still needed today. The Spirit can work powerfully through believers to testify of Jesus. We should look for every opportunity to share the good news with those around us. 

Do not discount your testimony of what Jesus has done in your life. Your testimony and the demonstration of the Spirit's power can work to bring others to faith in Jesus.

🦋  🦋  🦋  🦋  🦋

*Questions for Application*

What are two or three key points in your testimony?

How does Joel's prophecy reveal the gospel is for all people?

🌺  🌺  🌺  🌺  🌺

*B. Heartfelt Response- Acts 2:37-41*

The Spirit-anointed message of the apostles brought conviction to the hearts of many in the crowd (Acts 2:37). The disciples were seeing Jesus' words in John 16:7-9 being fulfilled. As people in the crowd on the Day of Pentecost began to realize that God had sent the answer to their prayers in the person of Jesus, the very One they had rejected and handed over to be crucified, their hearts were greatly troubled. People wanted to know how they needed to

respond to the truth about Jesus.

Peter instructed the people to repent and be baptized as followers of Jesus (Acts 2:38). Putting their faith in Jesus would bring forgiveness of their sins. With this restoration of a right relationship with God, they would be able to receive the gift of the Spirit (verse 39). That day about 3,000 people gladly received the call to turn to God for salvation.

Peter's answer pointed them to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Repentance admitting God's way is the right way--and becoming a follower of Jesus is the way to receiving forgiveness. God continues His work in believers with the gift of the Holy Spirit (verse 39). Those who gladly receive the good news and yield themselves to God are added to God's family. Their lives will never be the same.

🥒  🥒  🥒  🥒  🥒

*Questions for Application*

What hinders people from gladly

receiving the gospel?

What can you do to help those who are added to God's family grow as followers of Jesus?

🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳

*2. Christian Fellowship and Ministry*

*A Life Together- Acts 2:42-47*

One of the dynamics that helped the Early Church grow was that the believers did life together. They spent time together to learn the Word of God, to pray, and to worship the Lord. They encouraged each other outside times of worship by sharing meals and caring for the needs of those among them. The apostles led the way as they taught and performed miraculous works.

Christian fellowship involves spending time together to grow closer to the Lord and other believers. Acts 2:42 identifies four elements necessary for this growth.

Believers need to learn God's Word together. Learning from other believers how to apply the Bible to everyday living is invaluable.

Believers need to encourage one another. The heart of fellowship is getting to know one another beneath the surface level. Building safe, loving relationships in which accountability and encouragement are present is the goal of fellowship.

Believers need to worship together. Joining with others to celebrate what the Lord has done and is doing strengthens Christians in their faith and energizes their daily walk with Him.

Believers need to pray together. Prayer joins believers together as they intercede for one another. When these four elements are present,

believers become a loving, caring Community from which the gospel goes forth. As this community of believers exemplified the teachings of Jesus about loving God and loving others, people looked on them with favor and were open to the gospel.

Every day more people were coming to faith in Christ and added to the Church.

🍇  🍇  🍇  🍇  🍇

*Questions for Application*

What steps can individual believers take to better do life together with other believers?

In what ways is a loving, caring community of faith attractive to unbelievers?

🌴  🌴  🌴  🌴  🌴

*B. Miracles and Message- Acts 3:1-12; 4:1-4*

Peter and John encountered a beggar as they were going to the temple. He had been lame since birth and depended on the kindness of those entering the temple to meet his most basic needs. The Spirit made it clear to Peter that Jesus had something for this lame man other than a few coins. Peter declared healing for the man in the name of Jesus Christ

(Acts 3:1-7).

The man's excited response to his healing drew the attention of others in the temple. He was such a familiar sight as he sat at the gate that everyone knew who he was, and they were amazed at what they were seeing (Acts 3:8-11). Peter and John then used this opportunity to proclaim the gospel of Jesus, declaring Him to be the risen Saviour whose power had healed man. Their preaching so upset the Jewish authorities that they put the two apostles in jail (Acts 4:1-4). But many in the crowd believed. This is but one example in the Book of Acts of how the demonstration of the Spirit's power through Christians led people to put their faith in Jesus.

The power of the Spirit displayed through signs and miracles can open doors for believers to tell others about Jesus. Believers should not lose sight of the truth that miracles and the message of Jesus must go together. The credit and the glory for the miraculous must always go to Jesus, not the believer.

Believers should not be

surprised if the opposition comes as it did in this account in Acts. Yet the Church continued to grow as it ministered by the power of the Spirit

in the name of Jesus.

🏺 🏺 🏺 🏺 🏺 🏺

*Questions for Application*

What can believers do to see the Spirit work more miracles through them?

How can miracles open the door for the message of the gospel?

🍏 🍏 🍏 🍏 🍏 🍏

*3. The Word, the Spirit, the Multitude*

*A. Spirit-Anointed Proclamation- Acts 4:5-22*

After spending the night in jail, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin. The council questioned them as to how the lame man was healed (Acts 4:5-7). With the Spirit's anointing, Peter boldly proclaimed this healing was done by the power of Jesus (verses 8-10). Peter then stated the Jewish leaders' rejection of Jesus was a fulfillment of Psalm 118:22 (Acts 4:11). Jesus is the cornerstone of God's plan for salvation. There is no other Name by which people can be saved (verse 12).

Since the council could not deny the miracle, they commanded the apostles not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus. Peter and John rejected this command, declaring they must be obedient to God's authority above human authority.

The Early Church was facing its first true obstacle in the form of opposition from the Jewish religious rulers. With a boldness that came from the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Peter unwaveringly proclaimed the truth about who Jesus is- the risen Saviour. Jesus is the only means of salvation in fulfillment of God's plan announced long before in the Scriptures.

In a time when resistance to and rejection of the gospel is increasing, believers can find assurance that the same Spirit who anointed the apostles empowers believers today to testify as witnesses of Jesus. The Spirit will give us words to say even in the face of opposition. He will provide opportunities to proclaim the gospel and will work through us to do the miraculous in the name of Jesus. He will also work in the hearts of the hearers to draw them to faith in Jesus.

🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒

*Questions for Application*

How would you answer someone who says it is arrogant or wrong for Christians to say Jesus is the only way to salvation?

Describe a time when the Spirit helped you share the gospel.

🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️📯

*B. Unity Among Believers- Acts 4:23-32*

On being released by the Sanhedrin, Peter and John reported their encounter to the other believers (Acts 4:23). In response, the believers prayed, expressing their confidence in God's sovereignty (verse 24). Looking to Christ for strength to stand firm is what enables believers to remain faithful to Him and united in their service to Him. The early believers were convinced

that God is in control, and sovereign Throughout events (verses 25-28). They understood they needed God's help to continue to proclaim the gospel (verses 29-30). They asked the Lord for boldness and power to fulfill His task. And God answered their prayer. Their "meeting place shook" and they all received a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit (verse 31).

God wants to give every Spirit- filed believer a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit to empower them to proclaim the gospel and see God work the miraculous through them. This same infilling will draw believers into a closer relationship with each other. Faithfulness to Christ and church growth go hand-in-hand. The unity in the Early Church extended beyond fulfilling its mission of proclaiming the gospel to building an inclusive community of faith. Their Commitment to serve the Lord and one another united these early believers. Whether in proclaiming the gospel or sharing with those in need, they "were of one heart and one soul" (verse 32, KJV), and the church continued to grow.

*Questions for Application*

How is unity among believers seen today?

Does God still answer the prayer for boldness to speak His Word?

Explain.

🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽

 *Call to Discipleship* 

We must embrace the spiritual dynamics that make the Church grow if we are to move forward as the body of Christ and as individual believers. As we are faithful to worship the Lord, apply His Word, follow the Spirit, and show loving care to one another, God's kingdom will flourish among us. Central to all this is the concept of togetherness. Jesus designed His Church to function as a body, with each member doing his or her part to contribute to its growth and health. As the Spirit works in and empowers believers, they will grow in Christ's Likeness and evangelize the world. Opposition cannot stop the Church from growing. Indeed, it should drive believers to support each other and rely fully on the Lord for strength.

🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅

 *Ministry in Action* 

Ask the Lord for a fresh hunger for His Word. Invest time in both reading and studying the Bible, trusting the Lord to transform you

through it.

Get involved in a small

group to help you grow and a ministry group to help you serve.

Seek God for a fresh infilling of His Spirit so you can stand firm in the faith and boldly proclaim the gospel.