We’ve been going through the Book of Acts here at the Pizza Ranch Support Center.

The Book of Acts introduces us to two important men. Last week we learned about Stephen. He’s the one who had filled a need in the early church and was then killed for doing it. For standing up for the Kingdom. Today, we’ll learn of a man named Saul. Saul was one of the many who celebrated, even lead the way in the killing of Stephen. Saul had a reputation for causing this kind of result throughout the city Jerusalem. He caused havoc for all the Christians there. He persecuted them beyond measure. Acts 7:58 – 8:3

Because of the persecution, many of the believers were being forced to move out of Jerusalem. They were unwillingly being scattered throughout the region. But God used this persecution to get the word out about Christ. Remember that Jesus had said that “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 The persecution made the people get out of Jerusalem and caused Christianity to spread like a wild fire all over Judea and Samaria. The cool thing is that this guy named Saul will end up being one of the biggest reasons for the gospel message spreading to the ends of the earth.

Remember, God chooses normal, everyday sinners like you and me to tell and show others the way. To be authentic difference makers for the Kingdom. To be bold even if we’re not confident, we fumble over our words, or we fear persecution from others. He’ll turn our misery, into our ministry. The Holy Spirit will help us to use our own story to point people to Christ. To help our words become His. May this happen here for us, in your own communities, and throughout the world.