Friday 7, August 2026

As believers, our lives ought to show others evidence of God at work in us. Not just in what we say, although that is important, but our lifestyles ought to set us apart. When they see our genuineness (integrity) isn’t fake, they will be drawn to the Lord, just as presented in Today’s Holy Nougat

Acts 5:13-14 CEVDCI

[13] No one outside their group dared join them, even though everyone liked them very much.

[14] Many men and women started having faith in the Lord.

Impact

It doesn’t seem to add up – no one dared join the believers, yet their fellowship was increasing. It sounds like they were very exclusive but contagious, pulling others in despite. Maybe their lifestyles were like flames that draw moths in, almost against their will.

Self-Check

How contagious is our faith? Does it draw others in?

Application

Siblings, there’s no nice way to frame it: the life of every believer ought to challenge, comfort, and call. Perhaps Ananias and Sapphira’s deaths were what generated fear among the people. If that is so, to the extent that the fear became reverence for God, as people hesitate about intentional sin in God’s presence, the Challenge is good. We’re not called to go around with boxing gloves like the Contender, seeking a fight with those who don’t believe as we do.

Additionally, the gifts of God’s Spirit should be such a ‘natural’ part of our lives that onlookers should say to themselves, ‘ I want some of that!’ Coverage isn’t just an invitation to believe in Christ; it’s a call to live IN Christ. That implies that by God’s Spirit, we should operate in the gifts and graces of Y’shua. It ought to intensify as our relationship deepens. Let’s accept no excuses. Our lifestyle should Comfort the afflicted.

Of course, the gifts of God’s Spirit at work in us aren’t about increasing our power. The Great Commission tells us that the power is in Jesus, passed to us so we can ‘make disciples’ (see Matthew 28:18-20). Paul assured the Ephesian church that God’s power is at work within us – but the Glory goes to God (Ephesians 3:20). If the power at work within us – which is far more than we could ever ask or think – is to glorify God, then we must be exercising the power for others to come to a saving knowledge of God. It demands that our actions ought also Call others to Christ.

Challenge, Comfort and Call – that was what the post-Pentecost community lived consistently. It’s a pattern for us to follow.

Point to Ponder

How faithfully are we at consistently challenging, comforting and calling?

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May all we seek be found in Christ