Acts Chapter 16 chronicles the spreading of the gospel to Europe. In this chapter a number of pivotal events take place: Paul is first introduced to Timothy, the first converts in Europe, Paul and Silas are imprisoned, an earthquake, and a jailer converted. As I read through this portion of scripture, the Holy Spirit continually reminded me of the power we have with Christ in us. And how ordinary men and women can do extraordinary things with the Spirit of Christ in them.
It is interesting to note that the first and second century Christians did not have a New Testament Bible to guide them in their faith. The most radical group of Christians that ever lived, the Christians in the early days of the church that turned the world upside down, did not have a New Testament Bible. Their lives impacted the world more than any other group of Christians and yet they did not have the New Testament scriptures to read from. But they understood the New Covenant, Christ in them. The Spirit of Christ was in them, giving direction and inspiration moment by moment. That’s what makes life exhilarating. The relationship where you realize Jesus is living and He is in your heart moment by moment guiding you where you should go and who you should be. The new covenant, Christ in you, brings exhilaration to our lives. While we may not have the ministry of the Apostle Paul, as Christians we can take comfort in the fact that we all have Christ in us, from the newly commissioned follower of Christ to the seasoned Saint. We are all equipped with Christ in us. And that makes all the difference.
By Tyler Blocher
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