Preaching, faith, baptism!
Scripture reading for April 29th: Acts 18
Key Scriptures: Acts 18:5-8 “When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the Word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.”
The apostles were always sowing God’s Word to those who would hear. God never forces anyone to believe, but gives opportunity through testimony, preaching and teaching. People are responsible for the condition of their hearts to receive. When the Jews opposed Paul and his workers, they shook out the dust and moved on, just as Jesus had instructed. Here we have them moving right next door to the local Corinthian synagogue in the house of a “God-fearing” Gentile, Titius Justice. Then the synagogue ruler believed and he and his whole household were saved and baptized! The Word and the dust are powerful witnesses! Household salvation strikes again!
Acts 18:9-10 “And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are My people.””
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I hear Your encouragement to preach Your Word. Our call is to be faithful and trust You to bring forth those with faith. Deliver me from fear of rejection and concern of acceptance. Teach me to fish for men and let me see household salvation in my own house!
Mark 6:11 “And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
0 thoughts on “Preaching, faith, baptism!”