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Examples.
pp. 225 - 229
"They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4: 13).
It is unlikely that we realize the extent to which we influence the lives of others. We
move in several circles; if we are in business or employed in some way, we meet with
certain people every day and others less frequently. So we have opportunities of
influencing people and they may influence us. What we say might influence others, but
what we are is more likely to exert a strong influence. Indeed our very personality
creates an atmosphere, even if our minds are concentrating on the business in hand.
Similarly, in our home life, we affect those at home not only by our words but by our
actions.
Christians have need of fellowship, so that they are built up and together the group
becomes stronger in faith. As we grow in grace, our influence becomes stronger and we
witness to our faith, and to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. In Hebrews we
read:
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that
promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting
one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10: 23-25).
Some of us do not have the opportunity of assembling with others of like precious
faith and it may be that age or health prevents us from meeting together. We should bear
in mind the need of fellowship and ask the Lord for guidance. We should be careful as
we choose our friends, for our spiritual life may be affected by them. James wrote,
"Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God" (James 4: 4).
Peter, writing to the dispersion, was anxious that the Jews should exert a good
influence on the Gentiles:
"Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as
wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation"
(I.Pet.ii.12, R.S.V.).
Although Jesus Christ had told His disciples that He must suffer, be killed and on the
third day rise again, when He was betrayed, arrested, crucified and buried, the disciples
were bewildered (Matt. 16: 21). Two disciples walking to Emmaus, described their
feelings (Luke 24: 19-21), but the risen Christ appeared to the disciples and promised
that they would receive "power after the Holy Ghost is come unto you" (Acts 1: 8). So,
after the day of Pentecost the disciples were no longer weak and dispirited, but were
strong and full of the Holy Ghost.
Peter, who previously had denied his Lord, was boldly declaring that Jesus Christ, the
Messiah, had risen from the dead and he called on the nation to repent (Acts 2: 38). The