Twas Cornelius’s prayers that kicked this whole story off. When God decided it was time to decisively break this barrier between believing Jews and unbelieving Gentiles, it is no coincidence that He chose to use two men who were known intercessors.

I find it interesting as I survey the book of Acts that the author – Dr. Luke – uses the word “disciple” 5 x’s and the word “disciples” 25 x’s, but only uses the word Christian once; and in that instance he merely states that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

".....we can persuade and explain and exhort; but we cannot convert. We cannot stop someone in their tracks and take their breath away, and cause their whole life to pass before their eyes. Only Jesus can do that. And the good news is He continues to do that."

"....of the 20 or so references to the word witness or concept of witnessing in the N.T. – only one is in the form of a verb. In other words – the overwhelming emphasis in the N.T. when discussing the concept of believers witnessing or being witnesses of Jesus and His kingdom is being, not doing. "

When it comes to knowing and fulfilling our mission in the earth as His people and His army – – no other book is more crucial or useful than this one. When it comes to discovering those “keys of the kingdom” that Jesus Christ said He would give to us for the expansion of His kingdom and the building of His church – – no book like the book of Acts can help us discover and learn to use those keys.

Because the problems in any community or city or nation today are very complex and often overwhelming – the focus and attention and diligence of the said gov’t official is a must. When he or she does not exercise self control in their personal lives, it has a huge effect on their service and performance, and that has a huge effect – especially on the marginal in our societies.

So many battles were won in biblical history on the heels of an army of worshippers (e.g. II Chronicles 20:22) . Somehow – when we gather and worship in spirit and in truth – not only are we deeply affected and transformed – but society around us is also eventually impacted.

God has never needed a majority or full house to accomplish His purposes. He just needs a Christ centered, kingdom focused, dead to self, united, loving people who are walking by faith and not by sight – – and all heaven can break loose – both in the congregation and outside it.

If Satan is the Father of lies, which the scripture says he is, and if music is the strongest form of magic, as one of the most seemingly demonized rock artists says it is – then I can promise you that one of the keys to his kingdom of darkness is also music. What God meant for our good and joy, Satan has always meant for our destruction and demise.

So what’s the secret for those thriving marriages out there? Well for those I have had the privilege of observing to the point where I know they are truly thriving, and not just when they are in public – – I believe it is none other than what some call “the God Factor”.