The great works of God happen because every believer is joyfully doing their part. We function as a body with Christ as the head. When we fulfill our roles and our calling within the church, the entire body benefits. But like Pastor Mark says today, we need to be joyful in doing the small things! There is nothing so small that it escapes God’s notice. He sees the work you’re doing!

Is it so hard to imagine being raised to hate a culture? What culture enters your mind when you think of terrorism? Or what culture do you think of when you hear the words illegals? Phillip preached Christ to the culture that his culture hated. Pastor Mark says that was the result of the love of Christ working in his heart.

Pastor Mark is working his way through Acts, and today he is in the speech that Stephen gave right before he was killed. Stephen used the scriptures that his accusers already knew in order to share the truth of the kingdom of God with them. When you share your faith, find that common ground to begin on. The church grew quickly in the early days, but not everyone was a fan. Stephen was martyred for preaching about the death and resurrection of Jesus. We don’t face that kind of persecution today. Let his words inspire you to share your faith freely with the world around you. Let it light a flame in your soul once again!

When you go out and present the gospel—to your friends, to your family, to your neighbor down the street—the way that you do it is important. You are sent out in love by the Savior. You are a living demonstration and a physical representation of the love of God. Your friends, your family, and your neighbors can see how you’re living your life. Are you showing them what it means to have true, abundant life in Christ? Are you sharing His love?

Pastor Mark is working through the book of Acts and the early church. In the early days of the church, it was growing faster than they could manage it. The apostles took their hint from Jesus and prioritized sharing the good news of the kingdom of God. But they still needed assistance in caring for the poor. So they created new roles of service within church leadership.

The early church faced a serious problem when it began to grow so quickly! The apostles couldn’t take care of every function within the church and needed help when it came to serving the widows. Everyone has a role in the church and every role is vital. You are a part of the body of Christ and the role you fill is important. The body cannot function without you in it! Where has God called you to use your gifts? Is it in administration or helping? You’re needed! Is it in encouragement or teaching? You’re needed! Never imagine that you are less than because of the role you play. Pastor Mark reminds us to serve with joy.

Pastor Mark’s question is: can your city say that about the church in your area? That you have filled the place with your doctrine—that you’ve filled it with the love of Christ and the truth of salvation? If you look at the city around you and see that the love of Christ is missing, maybe it’s time to start jumping into the game!

When the Holy Spirit begins moving in your heart, bold actions follow. Like the apostles who went out to preach again early the next day when they had just escaped prison. Your life can be filled with moves that bold! Your life can be one of audacious faith just like theirs. Pastor Mark says you just need the Spirit! If you’re looking for more out of your walk with Christ, listen in to today’s message. You’ll be filled with a passion to move boldly into the world around you. Faith in Jesus was never intended to be passive. Find a fresh fire today and watch how the Spirit will move you to greater and bolder things along the way.

What if everyone in the church asked themselves the question Pastor Mark asks today? What if every person in the church knew that there was no reason to fear death? We would all be unstoppable! Ask yourself the question today, “If I knew with certainty that going to church would get me killed, would I still go?” If you can answer that question with a resounding “yes!” you are unstoppable! You cannot stop a person with no fear. If you can’t say you would be there no matter the cost, ask Jesus to open your eyes to the spiritual reality around you. He died to conquer death and fear. He paved the way to your freedom.

God is looking for his church to be two things: purified and holy. That doesn’t mean we will be perfect or even look a specific way. What it does mean is that we will be confessing our sin and allowing Christ to purify us. It means that we will be set apart. Take a look at your life today. Are you confessing your sins and allowing Christ to purify you? Or are you hiding or excusing your sin? Have you allowed yourself to be set apart for God’s purposes? Pastor Mark reminds us that it is a purified and holy church that experiences the power of God moving through it. He will move through your life too, as you allow him into every area.