Evidence of Faith Epilogue

At the onset of this writing odyssey, I asked myself two primary questions: why is Acts important and what makes it relevant in today’s times? Regarding the first question, Acts is critically important because it demonstrates the essentiality of God. The apostles could not have accomplished anything worthy of note or record had the Holy Spirit not empowered them, blessed them, helped them, strengthened them, or guided them. In both personal and ministerial endeavors, the early disciples discovered that an active relationship with the Creator produces transformational lives.

To the second question, Acts is relevant in today’s times because it confirms that mankind is spiritually content, fruitful, and prosperous when a man-to-God relationship is established through redemption in Christ. The pioneer believers were wholly dependent upon God’s daily participation in their lives to make a difference in the world around them. Thanks to the Holy Spirit’s governance, the first century men and women of faith were able to carry out the sizable mission Jesus had called them to: to tell others about Him and lead the lost into salvation, baptism, and discipleship. Therefore, Acts underscores God’s involvement is the impetus for lasting change and reformation.

I find tremendous comfort and conviction in knowing that God was able to use people from all walks of life, including fishermen, Pharisees, Roman soldiers, and businesswomen alike, to usher in such a great awakening. But this consideration forces modern-day Christians to address some penetrating character inquiries. Will we make ourselves available for God’s mission? Will we allow God’s will, rather than our own, to direct us? Will we consider fellowshipping with God, affixing ourselves to the body of Christ, and evoking a communal awareness of the Lord through humble, Christ-honoring service as central aspirations? Will we, like the believers of Acts, fully engage and display the evidence of our faith, no matter the cost?