Whenever the word “therefore” is found in Scripture, go back to the verses before that word and find out what it is “there for”.

(NASB) Acts 8:4 “Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”                                                                                                                                                Stephen was stoned to death because of preaching Jesus Christ.  After that the persecution began against those who believed in Jesus Christ. And the whole Christian community was involved.   (Acts 7:59-60)

  Why were they scattered?  Because a “…great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem…” (Acts 8:1) and that persecution was spear-headed by a young man named Saul.

  Therefore…what did those who fled Jerusalem do?  They moved to others areas of Judea and even into the Samaritan region.  They preached the Good News of Messiah Who had come, died for people’s sins.  What was the rest of the Good News?  That same Messiah who was buried in a tomb, risen from death and was alive, with a physical body.  That same Messiah was and is, Jesus Christ.

  What or who prevented Jesus Christ from being proclaimed?  Nothing prevented those men and women to proclaim Jesus; no one!  Not even persecution and being dragged to prison stopped them…nor fleeing for their lives.  That was then, what about today?  Believers are still proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, no matter how they are persecuted.

  By whose power did the followers of Christ proclaim Him?  Stephen had been filled with the Holy Spirit of the living God.  All followers of Christ have received God’s Holy Spirit when they first believed in Jesus as their Savior.

  This same Holy Spirit is given to all those who follow Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  Many times I need an attitude adjustment to be in step with the Lord God of the Bible.  How about you?

  Only He can change me from the inside so my outward actions will honor Him.  Starting with my attitude in my home, with my neighbors and including my church family.

  Therefore…your life, wherever your steps take you today, will you honor the living God with your words and actions? 

~ Take it to heart ~

  What is the “therefore” in your life?  Have you confessed your need for Jesus and His forgiveness of your sins? 

  Can you, from this moment on, say “Therefore” I have been forgiven and am a child of God the Father.  “Therefore”, I am a follower of Christ, God’s Son, by faith in His blood sacrifice on the cross. “Therefore” I will live in eternity with my Savior, His name is Jesus.

What is the “Therefore” in your life?

Categories: The Acts of the Holy Spirit