If ever there was any doubt, this should clarify. What exactly was the gospel message that the apostle Paul and others taught and shared? Notice carefully this verse:
"When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening." (Acts 28:23)
Sounding like the old "Mission Impossible" opening ("your mission, should you decide to accept it is ..."), this one verse outlines the most extensive assignment any of us will ever undertake. If we are willing and receptive, our mission is to do like Paul and research all that can be found of the kingdom of God and the Messiah from the first five books of the Bible and the Prophets. No small task! Diligence and persistence are essential to this long-term assignment. But the result will be immensely beneficial not only to those we share our findings with, but to us personally.
Many believers yearn for the impact of the Christian faith today that is recorded in the Book of Acts. Amidst the astounding progress and impact of the Muslim faith, many Christian believers lament the decline of the local church and the diminishing effect of the Christian faith on today's world. But note carefully: the impact of the Christian faith in the first century centered on knowing and sharing the message described in Acts 28:23. When an army of believers research, know, and live this message well enough to share it widely, we can anticipate a radical new impact on today's world.
The secret to the most exciting phase of the Christian faith is clearly evident in both the beginning and ending of the Book of Acts. Notice:
"To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3)
"And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered."(Acts 28:30-31)
Do you see it? Are you motivated by the challenge? The adventure of a lifetime - and beyond - awaits all who take up the call to know, live and share the great message that was foundational to the explosive movement of first-century Christianity. The very real possibility to "re-enact Acts" is within our grasp.
Who is ready to accept the assignment?
Steve
"When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening." (Acts 28:23)
Sounding like the old "Mission Impossible" opening ("your mission, should you decide to accept it is ..."), this one verse outlines the most extensive assignment any of us will ever undertake. If we are willing and receptive, our mission is to do like Paul and research all that can be found of the kingdom of God and the Messiah from the first five books of the Bible and the Prophets. No small task! Diligence and persistence are essential to this long-term assignment. But the result will be immensely beneficial not only to those we share our findings with, but to us personally.
Many believers yearn for the impact of the Christian faith today that is recorded in the Book of Acts. Amidst the astounding progress and impact of the Muslim faith, many Christian believers lament the decline of the local church and the diminishing effect of the Christian faith on today's world. But note carefully: the impact of the Christian faith in the first century centered on knowing and sharing the message described in Acts 28:23. When an army of believers research, know, and live this message well enough to share it widely, we can anticipate a radical new impact on today's world.
The secret to the most exciting phase of the Christian faith is clearly evident in both the beginning and ending of the Book of Acts. Notice:
"To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3)
"And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered."(Acts 28:30-31)
Do you see it? Are you motivated by the challenge? The adventure of a lifetime - and beyond - awaits all who take up the call to know, live and share the great message that was foundational to the explosive movement of first-century Christianity. The very real possibility to "re-enact Acts" is within our grasp.
Who is ready to accept the assignment?
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:50 AM
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