What Happens When People Obey God

What do you think could happen if you had even a small group of people who lived in obedience to God?

The answer to the question is given in the Book of Acts. In the larger sense, the whole book answers that question. These people, empowered by the Holy Spirit, lived in obedience to God and changed the world.

In a smaller context, the people around the events associated with the conversion of Saul of Tarsus lived in obedience and made a lasting difference in the world.

After the coming of the Holy Spirit, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus is often considered the greatest event in the history of the Christian church. Who did God use to bring this about?

First, Saul himself had to be obedient to the work of the Holy Spirit. His obedience and those who surrounded him laid the foundation for the Christian faith to become the dominant religion in the Mediterranean world in only 300 years. As Saul accepted his call and followed Christ, he became the greatest missionary and theologian of the church. Half of the books of the New Testament came from Paul.

Second, the obedience of Ananias helped bring about the work of Paul. None of us would have any problem understanding Ananias’ reticence in meeting with Paul. Ananias protested about this command: ” ‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name’  ” (Acts 9:13-14).

Ananias acted as we often do. He assumed to be telling God something God didn’t know. In the end, Ananias obeyed.

Third, God used the obedience of the saints in Damascus and the saints in Jerusalem. They affirmed the work of the Holy Spirit and accepted Paul and mentored and encouraged him. Both groups risked their lives to preserve Paul’s life.

Together, these men and women of obedience worked with God to change the world.

What would happen in our world if a small group of people determined to be obedient to God?

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2 Responses

  1. Ah, the heart of my question and quest as I have heard so often, “I’d like to help, but it is too time consuming.”

    It is good we get a huricane type of event to remind ourselves of our Call and Interdependence. Romans 12; 1 Cor. 12; John 15; Job, Ester, Ruth.

    Great Message and delivery Sunday!

    Blessings.

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