BibleTrekToday.com

Bold preaching after true conversion!

Scripture reading for February 3rd: Acts 9, Psalm 25, Proverbs 25

Acts 9: 26-29 “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he (Paul) attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, Who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the Name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the Name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.”

Paul was truly a changed man, but it took time and consistent behavior to convince even some in the church family. Barnabas, an encouraging man, took Paul aside and listened to his story. He then brought him before the apostles and explained Paul’s encounter with Jesus and how he began to boldly preach the Gospel in Damascus. This changed minds and hearts, and Paul then resumed preaching Jesus in Jerusalem among the Greek-speaking Jews. This stirred up more trouble and talk of murdering Paul. He was sent away to Tarsus and God brought a time of peace to the church in Jerusalem.

Psalm 25:8-9 “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for patiently teaching sinners who humbly repent and will listen to Your instruction. Your Word strikes our hearts and transforms us from murders to bold proclaimers of Jesus Christ. You guide our path and open doors as we patiently follow Your instruction. Use me to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and give me words in season like apple of gold in settings of silver. Amen!

Proverbs 25:11-12 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.”