ACTS 6: 8-10 Stephen - Full of Grace & Power

 

ACTS 6:8-10

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people....

Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.

But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

Acts 6:8-10 ESV

As believers, we have the ability to be full of grace and power, do great wonders & signs.

Now this may not be our experiences to date but as we read our Bibles, study the Word, and listen to the Holy Spirit...we should not be surprised at what God will do through us.

Along with this grace will often come resistance. People will want to rise up and dispute God and biblical truth.

We may find resistance within our own household, family, with neighbors or co-workers.

As we remain in His love, God will give us humility and wisdom in our daily experiences.

The "Fruits of the Spirit" are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Godliness, and Self-Control....the Bible says, against such things there is no law.

As we bare witness wrapped in "Fruits" often a door will open for meaningful conversation.

If we are to WAJD, let us remember how Jesus loved, spoke, and carried himself among all the people he interacted with. They were amazed at his wisdom and kindness. 

Acts 5:38-41

 ACTS 5 Feb 24, 2026

God’s will be done

Gamaliel:

“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭38‬-‭41‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“If any undertaking is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it!”

Thy will be done on earth…

Teaching & Preaching all around the world! 

The Gifts of the Spirit, all around the world!

The Fruits of the Spirit, all around the world!

 And in Charlotte area!

If we are to WAJD we need to understand that God has a sovereign will that we cannot know unless the Holy Spirit brings revelation. However, we can know God’s moral will by studying the scriptures. God cannot lie while he loves us beyond our ability to understand…we can Trust Him! Let’s never grow weary in knowing (obeying) Him.

FEB 11, 2026 ACTS 4

ACTS 4:18-20ESV

Don't talk about God, Sex, or Politics is a common statement today in families and at work...unless of course it is sanctioned by families or work i.e. DEI

"So, they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

Yes, we need to have wisdom at work, but we must not be ashamed of our Lord and the reason why we believe as we do.

Holy Spirit, give us wisdom at work and with our families, friends, and neighbors..

(I shared with my wife Cheryl's mom for 30 years, receiving some regular pushback, but she gave her heart to the Lord at 93 years old and passed at 93.)

If we are to Walk As Jesus Did, we need to prayerfully be ready "in season and out".

Looking for small opportunities to build relationships and trust, so as to be heard.

• There are one-time divine appointments, where we share and may never see the person again.
• There are long-term situations where friendships develop and faith topics come up.
• There are missions and evangelistic efforts for mass Gospel sharing.

We need to be available, willing, selfless enough to share even when that pause of hesitation hits. Think of the courage of the person who loved you enough to share Jesus with you. Father, we thank you for them!

ACTS 3: Healing

 ACTS 3

“And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This man was “daily” at the temple gate. It seems that Peter & John likely walked by this lame man often…but this time was different!

Let’s look a fresh (be open) for daily opportunities in our routine of life.

“And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV

HEALING - By faith in his Name, perfect health. Jesus healed all that came to Him… it was (is) His will.

Great question and observation. This is an awesome example of how the Godhead works. Jesus used his authority on earth, and then in leaving he assured us that the Father would send us the Holy Spirit to be with us until his return as King. So we have the same authority of the 72 via the Holy Spirit and the Name! 

If we are to Walk As Jesus Did we need to be aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives. Also our daily routine can be an opportunity just waiting for us to move with God. Focus and Expectation.

 ACTS 2

“both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Perhaps, we should declare the mighty works of God in our experience?

 What would the Apostles be saying?

 What would we?

If we are to Walk as Jesus Did, we should be ready to share the great works of God (verbally and with our actions and disposition). 

Write out a brief testimony to capture how you came to know Jesus.

Happy 2026: W.A.J.D.

 It’s February 5, 2026

We’re going to look into Acts, the whole book depicting the early church. 

We will cover a few topics, please feel free to add your thoughts as well.

ACTS 1

“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

…..

If we are to Walk As Jesus Did, this baptism of the Holy Spirit is vital. The person of the Spirit has been given to us from the Father as an answer to Jesus’s prayer in John’s gospel. The Spirit is with (in) us in the absence of Jesus’s physical presence…until He returns (we are not left orphans). Thank you Father.