Stress Test Devotional April 27
April 27, 2024
ACTS 5:12-16 | Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
The other way Christianity has spread is through the public work and mission of the church. Bringing light into areas of ignorance and confusion, the church has promoted education, fought to relieve poverty and disease, and embodied God’s love and justice. There have, of course, been many instances where Christian believers have been captive to cultures hostile to Jesus’ values, and where they have acted in ways contrary to love and justice. The battle with evil goes on in every Christian life and community.
But the practice of Christian faith has done more than any other movement to advance human life. Christian truths have been freely accepted by billions of people who claim to have learned to live more deeply, generously, and joyfully in relationship to God.
How is Christianity portrayed in the media?
What is not reported that should be?
