Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gathered his followers around him and said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). In this way, Jesus entrusted the "flame" of the gospel to these men and women and commissioned them to carry it to the world. He promised they would receive supernatural power to help them accomplish this task.
The book of Acts records that these followers of Christ took up the challenge and set the world ablaze with the fire of the gospel. But this begs the question . . . who were these people? In reality, most were ordinary men and women just like you and me. They had not received hands-on training with Jesus like the twelve disciples had received. They had not been specially trained in ministry or teaching or serving. They were simply men and women who made themselves available to God and followed the direction of the Holy Spirit as he prompted them to act--and forever changed the world.
In Carry the Flame, bestselling author and pastor Jim Cymbala reveals that God is still seeking ordinary men and women--not just pastors or ministry leaders--who will make themselves available to him, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and accomplish extraordinary things in this world. He draws on examples of ordinary people in Acts such as Ananias, Philip, and the 120 who waited in the Upper Room--as well as modern-day testimonies--to show how God can use anyone and everyone who simply submits to him and obeys his leading. As you go through this study, you will be challenged and encouraged to likewise take that first step of faith for God . . . and see where it leads.
Designed for use with Carry the Flame Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video (sold separately).
