You have great power in your tongue and in your typing to be an instrument of encouragement or discouragement.  I pray that as the day of the Lord’s return draws near that we who call ourselves Christians would increase in our encouragement. That we will be more mindful over what we say and type. That we will ask ourselves if what we are about to do is actually helpful or needed. That we will look at our hearts and our motives for why we say and type what we do and consider if there is a better way. 

Reading Acts 4 is exhilarating. Re-reading it today was breathtaking.

The Apostles declare the supremacy of Christ in salvation (Acts 4:12). They are threatened to stop preaching (Acts 4:18). Peter by the way, knows in the back of his head that one of these days he’s going to die on a cross (John 21:18-19). They boldly declare that they will never stop preaching the Gospel! (Acts 4:19-20)

They go home from the threats and pray for increased boldness rather than pray the trial away. (Acts 4:29)

And then at the end of the chapter we see that they give a nickname to a guy named Joseph. They call him son of encouragement (Acts 4:36). They literally change his name since he’s so well known for his encouragement.

I was struck by thinking about just how much encouragement Peter and the other apostles needed during those days. Barnabas was truly a gift from God.

Life was hard. Yes, there was excitement. Yes, there was so much motivation to take the Gospel and share with people about what they had “seen and heard”, but it was not easy. There was much opposition, there were threats and persecution, and there was so much uncertainty regarding the future. Encouragement was much needed.

Encouragement to be bold. (Eph. 6:19)

Encouragement to persevere. (1 John 2:28)

Encouragement to fight against sin. (2 Tim. 2:22)

Encouragement to stay faithful. (Heb. 4:14)

Encouragement to not fight amongst themselves. (Phil. 4:2-3)

Encouragement to preach the Gospel (and only the Gospel). (Gal. 1:6-9)

Encouragement to stay faithful to sound doctrine. (Titus 1:9)

Encouragement not to go back to works righteousness. (Gal. 2:11-14)

And so much more.

Encouragement was essential to the life of the church.

Read More