Tag: Gentiles receive
Convinced or disbelieving?
Scripture reading for May 23rd: 2nd Samuel 13-14, Acts 28
Acts 28: 23-26 “When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning to evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: ‘God to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
Paul made it to Rome, through many trials and time passing. He was invited to stay with some Jewish brothers and Paul explained what had happened to him in Jerusalem and how he had gotten to Rome as a prisoner. He then shared, from morning until evening, the Gospel of the kingdom from the Jewish Scriptures. Some believed and received eternal life, but others refused to believe and Paul quoted Isaiah the Prophet to them. They had hardened their hearts and closed their eyes and ears, refusing to listen and receive God’s Good News. God would now send Paul to the Gentiles and they would listen!
Acts 28:27-28 “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
Prayer: Father God, help me to always keep a teachable heart, eyes opened to see You and ears that will listen to Your Word of truth. Empower me to be bold like Paul to share honestly about my past testimony and my present relationship with Jesus Christ. Grant me standing before my King and Lord, in humble gratitude for Your amazing grace and love for me and all lost sinners.
2nd Samuel 14:33 “Then Joab went to the king and told him, and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.”
Missionaries in Action!
Scripture reading for November 11th: Acts 13-15
Missionaries are people that God has set apart for a special assignment to go to people who have never heard the Gospel message. They must be full of the Holy Spirit and called by God. They have to be willing to leave the comfort of their own homes, culture, and family and friends. They know ahead of time, that not all people will welcome them and that they may be called upon to give their lives for the One who called them.
In Acts 13, we have the record of the early church sending out the first missionaries. At a prayer meeting where they were worshiping, the Holy Spirit spoke through one of those present, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2b) They fasted and prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them off. It is important to note that this word of knowledge came as a confirmation to Barnabas and Saul. It wasn’t the first time that they had heard this because they had already been called by the Lord. It has been said that God doesn’t give “second hand mail”. His people can hear His voice personally as well as having it confirmed through others.
They went on their way, directed by the Holy Spirit. They preached the Word in Jewish synagogues in Cyprus and decided to travel the whole island. At Paphos, they encountered a false prophet and sorcerer who tried to hinder their work. Sergius Paulus, the proconsul (governor), sent for the missionaries and wanted to hear the Word of God. Elymas the sorcerer tried to keep him from the faith. The Holy Spirit filled Paul and he looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind.” (Acts 13:10-11) He was immediately blinded and the proconsul saw and believed in the Lord!
God always works with those He sends to confirm the Word. Those who hinder are taken out of the way. Truth is offered to all who will set them free! Pray for our many missionaries!