Dear Friends,

READ: ACTS 4:1 THROUGH 6:15

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life” (Acts 5:20).

As the apostles’ ministry grew, so did the envy of the Jewish leaders. In an attempt to stop the spread of the good news, the leaders threw the apostles in jail. However, an angel arrived, released them, and gave them orders to continue sharing this “new life.”

Thousands received new life through the ministry of the apostles. Broken bodies were restored and able to get jobs to support their families and to enter the temple to worship. Broken minds were renewed and able to think and act in godly ways. Demons cast out of people were no longer able to torment, and those people were free to be themselves. Jesus’ name broke all the chains that bound people and set them free to truly live.

This same freedom is available to people today. This new life in Jesus includes healing and freedom from torment. Believers can experience this freedom within their own lives and then, like the apostles, take the message to the streets and invite others to share in this new life.

Thought for Today: A person who finds freedom in Jesus leaves a path for others to also find freedom.