“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” - Acts 9:31

During a shift, the early church experienced a rare "rest." Saul, once a chief persecutor and murderer, was dramatically saved by grace and became a brother in Christ. Yet, peace can be more dangerous to the church than persecution. When the heat is off, we drift into “easy", ignoring discipleship. The verse shows the church was edified and walked, not relaxed.

From my perspective, we know our eternal destiny was settled the moment you believed in Christ for His free gift of life. You are 100% secure. However, this Grace is not a license to be casual with God.

Walking in the fear of the Lord for the believer isn't about dread of hell; it’s reverent awe of God's holiness and awareness of the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Our challenge today: Are you using your secure position in Christ as an excuse for spiritual laziness? Salvation is free, but rewards and testimony depend on this "walk' by faith.

We are currently living in the wonderful time known as the Church Age, a period when the Holy Spirit lovingly dwells within each believer from the moment they come to faith. He's not a distant force, but a caring "Paraclete"—always here to help and support us. True "comfort" (Greek: paraklēsis) is more than just a cozy feeling; it's a source of strength for service. The early church didn't merely feel improved; they grew in number and spirit.

Our challenge today: Are you trying to "work the works of God" in your own strength? Under grace, we don't work for life; we work from the Spirit's life and power.

What will be the result?

Pay attention to the sequence: peace naturally leads to edification, which nurtures a holy walk, and this, in turn, results in multiplication. In this age, God’s way of fostering growth isn't through ‘marketing,' but through a church that genuinely embraces its position in grace and walks in the power of the Holy Spirit’s control.

Do not delay until a crisis arises to take action. Utilize this period in your life to foster development. Your security in Christ serves as the foundation; your walk in the Spirit constitutes the structure. One was completed at the Cross; the other is currently being constructed. Go make disciples!

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the peace we have through Jesus' finished work, securing our salvation by grace through faith. Keep us from becoming spiritually idle and help us grow in Your Word. Teach us to walk in the fear of the Lord—not in fear, but in awe of Your majesty and faithfulness at the Judgment Seat. May the Holy Spirit empower our witness so Your Word multiplies through us, reflecting the freedom of Your grace and the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Saved by grace, fueled by the Spirit, walking for His glory,

Gene

Because Life Begins at Calvary (Romans 6:23)

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