Acts 9:31 We all are aware of the plan of the enemy. The Bible says in John 10:10 that the thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." How often do live in the fear of the enemy rather than in the fear of the Lord, often wondering who will win today, wondering if it' s worth the fight. We feel like a ping pong ball batted back and forth. If you believe that the enemy has power over you he has. We need to learn to say with the Apostle Paul "I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 and "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6. According to Acts 9:31, we learn that the Church is "strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit." There are several basic errors that we tend to fall into. 1. My getting through depends on my own strength and will power. 2. I find my safety in numbers. Big church much strength. 3. God helps those who help themselves. etc. All of these miss the mark, our strength, hard work and the size of our church is not what gets the job done. The bottom line is to live in the fear of the Lord and in dependence upon the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that encourages and strengthens both the individual and the Church. This will be the focus this morning.

The Church Strengthened