Share the Story

by Fred Alcain on October 25, 2024

SCRIPTURE:

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God.
Acts 21:17-19

OBSERVATION:

As Paul arrives in Jerusalem, following through on the Spirit’s leading and his appeal to the Ephesian elders, he meets with James and the elders there.  After the customary pleasantries he immediately segues into a play by play account of how God is moving among the Gentiles.

APPLICATION:

Three big things to me:

  1. Paul followed through on what he said he would do.  Chapter 20:22 says, “and now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there…”.  Even after the pleadings of the elders, Paul holds his head eye unwavering in what the Lord is calling him to do.
  2. Paul is eager to share how God is moving, how the ministry he’s called to is thriving.  Paul wasn’t boasting, rather is he was relaying truth.  The truth that God will do what He said He would do if we are simply humble and obedient.
  3. The elders glorified God when hearing of Paul’s ministry.  They didn’t compare it to what they were doing, they didn’t question it’s “holiness” or “genuiness”. 

Expanding on #2 more…I’m not one to shout from the rooftops How great God is.  In fact, at times I tend to look at my ministry and see all the holes rather than the Holiness.  Paul on the other hand examples a servant who is not afraid to boast of the workings of the Spirit and the power of God. 

Even now as I reflect on how God has revealed Himself, His provision and power in this season of my life, I’m in awe of how real He is.  While my tendency is to hold onto this joy, imagine the Kingdom impact if I truthfully, humbly and eloquently share these awesome testimonies.

PRAYER:

Lord you are real.  You continually reveal Yourself to me when I take the time pay attention.  Thank You for your presence in my life, my ministry.  You’ve blessed me beyond measure and I will remember these blessings and celebrate them in order to bring You fame and make Your name real.  Amen

About the Author

Fred Alcain

As the Extension Pastor at New Hope Oahu, Fred’s focus is on taking New Hope’s creative arts and musical presentations out into the community as the point of the spear of Evangelism.

On staff at New Hope since 2005, Fred also oversees and shepherds our Worship and Music teams alongside his wife, Jana. With Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Education and Hawaiian Studies from The University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Professional Degree in Music Performance from the Los Angeles Music Academy, Fred also humbly serves on the Board of Directors at New Hope Christian School and 24/7 Danceforce.

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