July 15, 2015
The life of a radical follower of Christ is rarely dull. It’s a life of adventure and even danger, as exemplified in the life of the apostle Paul. We find a detailed account of his harrowing journey to stand trial in Rome in Acts 27 and 28. Perhaps the best summary of this hazardous voyage is found in this verse: “Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.” (Acts 27.20) But, they were destined to survive this tense fourteen-day peril at sea: "I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.” (Acts 27.22-25)
Paul’s stand and work for the gospel is what placed him in these perilous circumstances. We cannot read these two chapters without seeing that he impacted the lives of many people with the gospel even as he journeyed to his eventual martyrdom. Regardless of danger or discomfort, gospel work was his priority.
Our journey may be less fraught with danger than Paul’s, but the important thing is that our lives be gospel-centered, as best summarized in the last verse of Acts: “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” (Acts 28.31) There is no greater or more noble cause to be committed to than this.
Would you dare pray this prayer along with me: “Father, use me today to advance the biblical gospel to at least one person, regardless of the cost”? It’s a risky prayer, but well worth whatever it might cost us, as the gospel is advanced through us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
Paul’s stand and work for the gospel is what placed him in these perilous circumstances. We cannot read these two chapters without seeing that he impacted the lives of many people with the gospel even as he journeyed to his eventual martyrdom. Regardless of danger or discomfort, gospel work was his priority.
Our journey may be less fraught with danger than Paul’s, but the important thing is that our lives be gospel-centered, as best summarized in the last verse of Acts: “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” (Acts 28.31) There is no greater or more noble cause to be committed to than this.
Would you dare pray this prayer along with me: “Father, use me today to advance the biblical gospel to at least one person, regardless of the cost”? It’s a risky prayer, but well worth whatever it might cost us, as the gospel is advanced through us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:42 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home