WEDNESDAY July 20, 2022

The Importance of Church History

“...for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:5

The category of the book of Acts is Historical. The book has 28 chapters of Church history. The Church was established in Jerusalem. Here the Church was born, tested, purified, and strengthened (Acts 1-7). As the Gospel spread into the areas of Judea and Samaria, the Church grew (Acts 8- 12). It was in Antioch that Christ’s followers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). The Apostle Peter was used greatly during this time of Church history. He preached the Gospel primarily to the Jews.

The Church expanded to “the ends of the earth.” The Jews and Gentiles were unified in Christ (Acts 13-28). The Apostle Paul was called by God to predominantly reach the Gentiles with the message of the Gospel: “...he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). The historical account of the book of Acts spans a time period that lasted from AD33-AD57.

Imagine, if we did not have the book of Acts, all the accounts of Church history would be lost. There would be no record of Paul, his dramatic conversion, or his three missionary journeys. Neither would we have the testimony of the deaths of Stephen or James. There would be no confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s coming.

Those who oppose the doctrine of the work of the Holy Spirit for today’s Church would have had a good doctrinal case, but, as we have the book of Acts, they lose. They do not have a leg to stand on––they have no proof of anything. I assure you, doctrinally, that the gifts and works of the Holy Spirit are active in the lives of believers today.

When Jesus ascended, He promised us the Holy Spirit––the Comforter. We are not alone. The book of Acts continues the work of Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Did you know we become a part of Church history when we submit ourselves to be used by God?

The Church is the one institution that exists for those outside.
~William Tyndale~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!