98 | Can Anything Stop the Gospel? The Book of Acts (Bible Study and Devotional)

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What happens when ordinary people are filled with extraordinary power? The book of Acts gives us the answer. This vibrant narrative takes us from a small upper room in Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire, showing how the Holy Spirit transformed a handful of fearful disciples into unstoppable witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Acts begins with Jesus' promise of power through the Holy Spirit and maps out a mission that will spread from Jerusalem to "the ends of the earth." We witness the dramatic birth of the Church at Pentecost when the Spirit descends like fire, empowering believers to speak in languages they never learned and Peter to preach with such boldness that 3,000 people are baptized in a single day. This new community devotes itself to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—creating a radical alternative to the surrounding culture through their unity and generosity.

As opposition rises, so does the church's resolve. We follow the gospel's expansion through persecution, watching as Stephen's martyrdom scatters believers who plant the message wherever they go. The transformation of Saul from violent persecutor to passionate apostle Paul demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Through Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius, we see God demolishing barriers between Jews and Gentiles, declaring that the gospel is for everyone regardless of ethnicity or background. Throughout Paul's journeys, imprisonments, and trials, one truth remains constant: what appears to be defeat becomes the very means of advancing Christ's kingdom.

The story of Acts doesn't end with Paul in Rome—it continues through every generation of believers, including our own. The same Spirit that empowered those first Christians empowers us today. If you're feeling weary or disconnected from God's purpose, consider booking an Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour Plus Peace Reset at PaulaBerens.com/coaching to create space for the Holy Spirit to renew your heart and vision. Because the unstoppable story of Acts is still being written—through you.

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