The Essential 100, Day 80 When others accuse us of being believers, how do we respond? Paul had to give his defense in Acts 25-28. Through these chapters, we see Paul make his case amd appeal to the various people with boldness. He knew what he believed, he held to it and he was strong in his arguments. When others talk to us about what we believe or why we believe it, how do we respond? Do we share the message of Christ with others and do we have boldness while we do it?

The Essential 100, Day 79 Share the message. Do we share the message of salvation intentionally? Paul did. Read Acts 16-20. As we read about the missionary adventures of Paul, we see a man dedicated to sharing the word of Jesus Christ and the good news of his message and salvation with absolutely anyone and everyone he could. We see all the trials and difficulties that he faced while he did that, but he realized the importance of the message and the desperate need of the people to hear it. Are we willing to share the same message with anyone and everyone that we come in contact with every day?…

The Essential 100, Day 78 Disagreement. It was bound to happen. The new church with new believers spreading across new lands. Now, the have reached a place where there is some disagreement between them. How do they handle? Read Acts 15. When the believers disagreed, they didn’t just hide the issue. They didn’t try to avoid it. Instead, they looked at the issue head on and decided to meet together to understand it and to make a decision. They wanted unity. Being able to understand what God’s will is and to live that out together every day was of the utmost importance to them. How do we approach conflict? How…

The Essential 100, Day 77 Go. We hear people talk about going on missionary journeys and how they are focused on sharing the good news of Christ with others. Paul and Barnabas went. Read Acts 13 – 14. Are we willing to go? God calls each and every one of us to share the message of Jesus Christ with those we are around. But, we should be so focused on the importance of that message and sharing it, that we would be willing to go anywhere at any time to reach anyone with that message. What stands in the way of our willingness to be obedient? Has God called us…

The Essential 100, Day 76 Paul needed to understand who God was. He thought he knew, but God surprised him. Read Acts 9. God met Paul where he was and in such an undeniable way that Paul was caught off guard. He thought he knew God, but he had to actually seek to understand who God is. Have we come to the place where we ask God who he is? Have ee had to come face to face with what God is doing and how He wants to work in our lives? Are we willing to ask and confirm that what we think we know about God is real?

The Essential 100, Day 75 God doesn’t show favoritism, but desires that all come to know him. Read acts 10:1-11:18. As Peter learned, God desires that everyone come to know him. God’s salvation and gifts from God are not reserved for only a select few type of people. God has made his salvation open to the world. Our job is to ensure that we are telling everyone about the gifts of God and the plan of salvation. We should never restrict our churches or our services or our message to only one certain type of people or group of people. God desires the world to come to know him. Do…

The Essential 100, Day 74 Do we recognize when we are being led by the Spirit? Do we follow through and do what the Spirit says? Phillip did. Read Acts 8:26-40. The Spirit gave him direction and he followed it. There was no question. Phillip knew the voice of the Spirit and he obeyed. Do we recognize the nudges and direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Do we follow through on what he directs us to do?

The Essential 100, Day 73 Do we speak boldly, even when faced with trials and struggles? Even if facing persecution? Read Acts 6:8 – 8:8. Stephen spoke the truth of God’s Word boldly even thoigh it resulted in him losing his life. Do we realize that there is nothing more important than sharing the message of God’s plan for salvation to everyone? We may face difficulties and struggles. We may have others who don’t like us or refuse to spend time with us. We may even have others say things or treat us badly. In some countries, we may even face persecution or imprisonment. But, is there anything more important…

The Essential 100, Day 72 Sharing the message of salvation. The new believers and the early church faced many challenges and opportunities. They needed boldness and courage to take the message of salvation to the world. Read Acts 3-4. As the disciples were going through their situations, they asked the Lord for courage and boldness to ensure that they were doing and saying all that Jesus would have them to do and say. Are we demonstrating courage and boldness in all that we do? Do we share the real reason for the hope and the joy that we are experiencing?

The Essential 100, Day 71 Th Holy Spirit. The discipes received the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 2. We see the Holy Spirit come down and fill the disciples and then we see them acting out on what the Holy Spirit gave them to do. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to move and work in our life? Do we allow the Spirit to guide us and direct us?