February 2, 2016
Given the opportunity, what would you say? If you were invited to address a crowd of people concerning spiritual matters, would you know what to say? "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it" (Acts 13.15)
An excellent example is found in the apostle Paul's words in Acts 13.16-41. He explained God's actions in the past. How He chose the people of Israel. How He led them to the land of promise. How He set up kings, and took them down. How He worked and spoke through King David. How Jesus is the promised descendant of David, and how His death was no accident. How God raised Him from the dead, fulfilling ancient prophesies. How forgiveness of sins, and the promise of immortality in the coming kingdom can be had through faith in Christ.
This presentation of the gospel was well-received ("The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord" Acts 13.44), and was strongly opposed (Acts 13.45). But, "as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed" (Acts 13.48)
And so it was, and always is. A clear and thorough presentation of the gospel will be both well received, and strongly opposed. But, there are always those who are receptive; those "appointed to eternal life."
It behooves us to know the message, so that we are ready when there is opportunity (1 Peter 3.15). And, there is every reason to believe there will be an opportunity today. Whether before a crowd, or with one person, the opportunity is precious and fleeting.
May we be faithful to share, and blessed through those who respond.
Steve
An excellent example is found in the apostle Paul's words in Acts 13.16-41. He explained God's actions in the past. How He chose the people of Israel. How He led them to the land of promise. How He set up kings, and took them down. How He worked and spoke through King David. How Jesus is the promised descendant of David, and how His death was no accident. How God raised Him from the dead, fulfilling ancient prophesies. How forgiveness of sins, and the promise of immortality in the coming kingdom can be had through faith in Christ.
This presentation of the gospel was well-received ("The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord" Acts 13.44), and was strongly opposed (Acts 13.45). But, "as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed" (Acts 13.48)
And so it was, and always is. A clear and thorough presentation of the gospel will be both well received, and strongly opposed. But, there are always those who are receptive; those "appointed to eternal life."
It behooves us to know the message, so that we are ready when there is opportunity (1 Peter 3.15). And, there is every reason to believe there will be an opportunity today. Whether before a crowd, or with one person, the opportunity is precious and fleeting.
May we be faithful to share, and blessed through those who respond.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2016
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy
https://www.createspace.com/4500045
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy
https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 7:47 AM
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