Category Archives: Share the Good News

Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News

Walk Out God’s Purpose Despite Challenges

All those who are disciples of Yeshua have purpose for His kingdom. There are plenty of examples throughout scripture of general guidance for all of us (e.g. The Great Commission – Make Disciples of all the Nations) and we may also get instructed with specific direction as we seek God in prayer and as the Holy Spirit guides us.

For many of us, we can get caught up in many distractions in life. Some of them may be joyful celebrations, some extreme suffering, and sometimes it can even be the busyness of everyday life. Any of these things can distract us and draw us away from proclaiming the truth of the gospel to those around us. As Paul was approaching the end of his life, he reached out to Timothy to emphasize the importance of always being prepared to preach the word, no matter the situation. We can learn a lot from listening to Paul’s advice for Timothy and applying it in our lives as well.

2 Timothy4:2-5

      1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

We can also be sure that Paul was not just talking about this… he lived the example across many difficult situations. After much “unfair” treatment and hardship, Paul finally arrived at Rome, under arrest for a crime he did not commit. In fact, the Roman rulers knew he did not deserve any punishment but held him anyway as a favor to the Jews who came against him.  Upon reaching Rome, Paul wasted no time in reaching out to the Jews there and begin proclaiming the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. He could easily have lost himself in distraction and self-pity about his situation but chose not to do so. He overcame adversity and focused on his mission for Yeshua.

Acts 28:11-31

Paul Arrives at Rome

      11At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

      16When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

      17After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18“And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. 19“But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20“For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22“But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

      23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 25And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,

26saying,
‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY,
“YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND;
AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE;

      27FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL,
AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR,
AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES;
OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES,
AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,
AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN,
AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.”’

28“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29[When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

      30And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

Time was not just limited just for Paul when he arrived in Rome. Time is limited for all of us, even from the moment we are born. Often we just do not face that truth and instead make reasons to delay submitting to and serving God fully. We get distracted. We become unprepared to share the gospel… telling ourselves it is not the “season” for us to share because of what is going on in our lives. Paul reminds us to be prepared in season and out of season.

None of us are promised any tomorrows, so do not delay. Submit your life to God today and pray that He would help you follow Him wholeheartedly and joyfully, without excuse.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me and all Your people to seize every opportunity to proclaim the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. Help us not to get so distracted with living our own lives that we miss the mission or calling You have for us. Prepare people to hear the message. Set up divine appointments for us to share with others. Give us courage to stand boldly even in the midst of conflict or adversity. Let us not be discouraged that some will reject the message, for some will also hear it and receive it! Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Angels, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Heaven and Hell, Share the Good News

Keep Cool Under Pressure and Shine God’s Light

When the going gets tough… the faithful trust in God, everyone else tries to manage on their own.  When we keep our cool and turn to God in the face of death and suffering, we allow God to shine through us as a powerful light to draw others to Him. Let’s read a dramatic example of how Paul did this while facing shipwreck in a powerful storm… on his way to Rome for a trial!

Acts 27

Paul Is Sent to Rome

      1When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 3The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; 8and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

      9When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, 10and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

      13When a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore.

Shipwreck

      14But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. 17After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along. 18The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; 19and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20Since 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.

      21When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22“Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23“For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25“Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26“But we must run aground on a certain island.”

      27But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. 28They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak. 30But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, 31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” 32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.

      33Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. 34“Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your preservation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.” 35Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it and began to eat. 36All of them were encouraged and they themselves also took food. 37All of us in the ship were two hundred and seventy-six persons. 38When they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea.

      39When day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did observe a bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could. 40And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they were heading for the beach. 41But striking a reef where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves. 42The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44and the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.

Quite frankly, I have never faced anything as dire as what Paul seemed to face on a regular basis. Praise God that Paul is such a wonderful and inspiring example to us. We do not have to hide in fear, but rather trust in God and allow Him to shine through us when we, and those around us, face terrible situations. God may or may not save us physically from any given situation, but whether or not He chooses to save us we know that He is able and we can trust Him either way.  Shadrach, Meschach, and Abed-nego demonstrated faith like this, not knowing whether or not God would choose to save them physically from the fiery furnace.

Daniel 3:16-18

   16Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18“But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Take courage and share the gospel at all times and in all situations.

I invite you to pray:

Father, please help Your people to stand firm when times get tough. Help us to truly shine as a light to guide others to You. Let us not be discouraged and lose our joy under stress, when we could potentially have the most impact by continuing in joy. Thank You for loving us despite our weakness and thank You for using us to serve You! Help us bless Your name through our lives. Amen.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Repenting from Sin, Share the Good News

Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Personal Testimony

All of us were born into sin. We have made mistakes ranging from small to large. For many of us, our sins have been a significant part of our life before we came to know and submit to Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiah in Hebrew). Now, having turned from our sins and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior over our lives we live and try to obey His commands. We should be striving to learn and obey all of His commands in the Bible. How often then do we feel ashamed of our past mistakes, not wanting to talk about them… hiding them as a relic of the past? I often find myself avoiding talking about the most significant sins in my life before Christ… but Paul demonstrates a different approach. There is a time and place to embrace sharing our prior sins so as to effectively share our personal testimony of repentance based on coming to know and submit fully to Jesus Christ!

Acts 26

Paul’s Defense before Agrippa

      1Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

      2“In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today; 3especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

      4“So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem; 5since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. 6“And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; 7the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. 8“Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead?

      9“So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10“And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. 11“And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities.

      12“While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. 14“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15“And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16‘But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

      19“So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. 21“For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death. 22“So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

      24While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” 25But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 26“For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. 27“King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.” 28Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” 29And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”

      30The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, 31and when they had gone aside, they began talking to one another, saying, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment.” 32And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

I find myself indeed encouraged to reconsider my resistance to share my past sins… even the biggest ones. How much more powerful a testimony to share in Christ that we once were lost and now are found… that there is a difference He has made in our lives and it is not incremental, but rather transformational! How easy is it for the lost to dismiss us if we present ourselves as never really having been lost ourselves. They will just conclude we do not understand them or we are different in some way. How much more powerful for the lost to know that we who are now in Christ were also at one point lost… and we still do not obey perfectly or have all the answers, but we serve the one who does. We can trust Him and demonstrate that trust by seeking to learn and then obey all of His commands rather than picking and choosing which we will obey and which we will not. We do this out of faith even when we don’t fully understand why He commands us to do something a certain way. Recognize, however, that yours is not an effective testimony if you still willingly disobey some of God’s commands and consider that acceptable… that is rebellion rather than submission.

Remain humble, asking God to reveal to you your areas of sin that still remain in your life. Continue striving to learn and then obey all of God’s commands, turning away from the way of the world. Demonstrate the life that God calls us to lead. Prayerfully consider how to model Paul’s example and effectively share your personal failures and sins as part of sharing your personal testimony of repentance and submission to Christ more effectively.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father please grant me courage and conviction to share even the ugly parts of my past if they can be used to bring glory to You and Your kingdom. Please grant Your people divine appointments where we can share what You have done in our lives and where You will prepare others to hear and listen to the truth. May our lives serve a purpose not to bring pride to our own name, but glory to Yours! Amen. 

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Anger (unrighteous anger), Bitterness / Resentment, Faith / Trusting God, Guide, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Share the Good News

Trust and Obey God Even When Your Life Seems “Unfair”

Imagine that you have been imprisoned for two years without a fair trial concerning your guilt or innocence. Further imagine that you are there because you spoke boldly about the truth of Jesus Christ and people did not want to hear it. They made up lies about you and tried and plotted to have you killed, but failed in their efforts to carry it out. Would you doubt God’s plan for you? Would you grow bitter and resentful of God or men?

These things happened to Paul. In fact, after two years of prison, a new ruler took over and Paul’s accusers were first in line to once again convict or kill Paul without a fair trial. In two years they had lost none of their zeal to kill Paul. Because of nothing but political favor, Festus even tries to encourage Paul to submit to being tried in Jerusalem… knowing that it will not be a fair trial for him.

How many of us might grow weary and begin to doubt God’s plan for us in this situation? Paul never wavers. He knows God called him to testify of Christ in Jerusalem and that he must also go to Rome. He understands and keeps focused even after two years in captivity. He continues to defend aggressively that he obeys the law of God as the Jews do, and also that he has committed no crime against Rome. He is innocent. The Jews are just angry because they reject Messiah Yeshua and Paul teaches the truth about Him.

Acts 23:11

      11But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

Acts 24:24-27

  24But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.” 26At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. 27But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Paul continues to trust in God, and in God’s timing, despite the difficult and “unfair” circumstances. He does not get angry or bitter at God. He does not compromise the truth of Christ to make his own life easier. God clearly uses a series of events in Paul’s life that none of us would imagine using as a way to send Paul to Rome to testify about Christ. Along the way he is granted opportunity to share the gospel before local and regional leaders that normally would never hear this message.

Acts 25

Paul before Festus

      1Festus then, having arrived in the province, three days later went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were urging him, 3requesting a concession against Paul, that he might have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way). 4Festus then answered that Paul was being kept in custody at Caesarea and that he himself was about to leave shortly. 5“Therefore,” he said, “let the influential men among you go there with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them prosecute him.”

      6After he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him which they could not prove, 8while Paul said in his own defense, “I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” 9But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges?” 10But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11“If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12Then when Festus had conferred with his council, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.”

      13Now when several days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. 14While they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix; 15and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16“I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17“So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought before me. 18“When the accusers stood up, they began bringing charges against him not of such crimes as I was expecting, 19but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20“Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters. 21“But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” 22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”

Paul before Agrippa

      23So, on the next day when Agrippa came together with Bernice amid great pomp, and entered the auditorium accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen here present with us, you see this man about whom all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. 25“But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death; and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26“Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write. 27“For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.”

We should each of us be cautious in assuming we know how God will work in our lives or the lives of others around us. God often works in ways we would never choose ourselves. At times we may come to doubt or question God because of difficult challenges in our lives. Make note of Paul. Follow his example. Honor God faithfully and boldly regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in. Do not expect your life in submission to Christ to be easy or relaxing. You will have peace, yes, but peace through difficult circumstances.

Are there things in your life you are experiencing now or experienced in the past that you are angry or bitter with God about? Are there events in your life now that you feel are “unfair”? Prayerfully ask God to help you see His hand at work in these events and how you can more effectively proclaim the gospel of Christ as a result of them. Even if you cannot understand why… or why me… trust in God fully and obey Him faithfully regardless of circumstances.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help us to see past difficulty and challenges and see the opportunity to share the good news. Help us to be bold and courageous and filled with strong faith. Keep us focused on You and not ourselves. Amen. 

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News, Wickedness / Evil

Stand Firm in the Truth of Christ

How often we see today that people will make up false accusations to come against disciples of Yeshua. They will try to come against us directly or through the court of law. They are not hesitant to lie about us or what we have and have not done. Some in authority will honestly try to protect all citizens, including Christians, and others are just corrupt and looking to benefit themselves in whatever way is most profitable.

Paul experienced all of this! We can look to how he handled himself to gain valuable insight for our own behavior in situations we may face.

Acts 24

Paul before Felix

      1After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor,
“Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4“But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5“For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6“And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7“But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 9The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

      10When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12“Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. 13“Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. 14“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16“In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. 17“Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings; 18in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia— 19who ought to have been present before you and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me. 20“Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council, 21other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”

      22But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

      24But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.” 26At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. 27But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Paul stood proudly and proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ seemingly at all times. He did not back down or lie just to get out of trouble. He did not offer bribes to get out of jail. He even took advantage of a bad situation to have the opportunity to share the truth of Jesus Christ with those in leadership over and over again, despite their unfair treatment of him. Paul did not get angry with God and pout or give up. Paul was truly submitted and committed to Christ.

Each of us should ask ourselves… “How can we learn from Paul’s example and apply the same determination and spirit to our lives?”

What hard situations do you face? Will you compromise your values to make it easier? Will you take the opportunity to witness boldly to others, even if they treat you unfairly?

As an important side note, observe that Paul clearly proclaims that he is “believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets”. That is certainly different than what you hear most Christian churches teach today, as they claim the law is no longer meaningful after the death and resurrection of Yeshua. Paul clearly disagrees. The law is still important.

To learn more, read Understanding the Law – What Does It Mean Today?

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help Your people boldly take every opportunity to glorify You and share the truth of Your word and of Messiah! Let us not be discouraged or intimidated. Bless us and help us seize the opportunities to share the gospel that You provide for us. Amen.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Government, He Appears Before You, Murder, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

Those Who Oppose Messiah Rationalize Much

Many who oppose Yeshua will do so with such passion that they will violate the values the claim to believe in order to oppose Him.  They rationalize absurd contradictions to come against Him. We see examples still today in similar fashion to those documented in the Bible from thousands of years ago. People have not changed. One of today’s examples is those who zealously demand tolerance for all belief systems, no matter how vile. These same people then practice no tolerance of those following Yeshua and our beliefs. They prosecute Christians or Jews with a passion that defies logic. They will try to ruin people for not baking them a wedding cake for a gay wedding, but then turn around and embrace Muslims who, under Sharia law, throw homosexuals off a building to their death without a trial. It defies all logic, with the exception that the devil is attacking those who live for Yeshua.

Paul experienced this kind of persecution continuously because he dedicated his life to the purpose of sharing the truth of the gospel of Yeshua. People came against him constantly, as they did our Messiah Himself. They were not concerned about what was lawful, but rather plotted as they saw fit regardless of the law of the land. They were blinded by their own biased view of the matter and not considering it truly rationally.

Acts 23:11-35

     11But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

A Conspiracy to Kill Paul

      12When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15“Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.”

      16But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21“So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”

Paul Moved to Caesarea

      23And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.” 24They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25And he wrote a letter having this form:

26“Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings.

            27“When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
28“And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Council;
29and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment.

      30“When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you.”

31So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34When he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.

I want to highlight a “shout out” for the LORD. In verse 11, He encourages Paul that he is on the right track bringing the word of God and Messiah to Jerusalem and then next to Rome. Clear guidance and confirmation must be so helpful when confronting such difficult situations!

We should absolutely get involved in our local and national governments to try to ensure God’s values are protected. Do not give ground to the ungodly even if they win a court battle here and there. Wrong is wrong. We must engage and support our brothers and sisters in Yeshua to receive the protection of the law they are due. We see how helpful it is for Paul when the Romans actually protected him as a Roman citizen from those who wanted to kill him because he served Yeshua.

Of course, we can also be encouraged that God can use all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called by Him. God uses this situation with Paul to help lead him to Rome, consistent with God’s plans for him.

Romans 8:28

28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When you experience persecution because of Yeshua, turn to Him prayerfully for help and turn to your true brothers and sisters in Yeshua. When you see others facing persecution, engage in intercessory prayer on their behalf and help them where you can yourself. Do not accept the lies, deceit, or persecution presented by the world as reason to turn away from any element of what God calls us to do. Stand firm and proclaim the truth boldly.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for encouraging us and guiding us in the way You want us to go. It is so powerful to give us confidence and courage in difficult times. Please continue to embolden and raise up leaders like Paul to understand deeply and teach boldly the word of Yeshua as Messiah and your instructions for how we should live as Your people. Prepare us as Your people to hear and obey and support those leaders and teachers. Amen. 

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Prophecy, Prophecy, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News, Speaking, Visions

Create Opportunity To Share The Gospel

Paul returned to Jerusalem knowing that he would be persecuted. He did so willing to sacrifice his own life in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul felt strongly that he should return to Jerusalem and would not turn away because he would suffer personal harm or death. We should be careful not to overlook this consistent commitment from Paul. He faced many real and tangible threats for his safety throughout his missionary journeys. He nevertheless remained on message sharing the truth with even those who refused to accept it. Because of his boldness and courage and faithfulness, many were led to Christ. Paul did not wait for opportunities to share the gospel of Christ… he created opportunity.

Acts 21:10-14

10As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”

Sure enough, as prophecy foretold, Paul was seized and bound in Jerusalem. Paul knew this would happen because of the prophecy he received. He went anyway. Take special note of how Paul reacts to the crowd once given the opportunity… keep in mind they were beating him with intent to kill him.  He does not attempt to flee. He does not try to tell the people how wrong they were for beating him. He takes the opportunity to share his personal testimony of his prior misplaced efforts to kill followers of Christ as a bridge to relate to those who were trying to kill him. Paul is always looking for a way to bridge back to the message of the gospel by finding a way to connect with those to whom he is speaking. He never seems to miss an opportunity to share the truth of Jesus Christ.

Acts 21:27-40

Paul Seized in the Temple

      27When the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him, 28crying out, “Men of Israel, come to our aid! This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30Then all the city was provoked, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32At once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. 34But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35When he got to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; 36for the multitude of the people kept following them, shouting, “Away with him!”

      37As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38“Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39But Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

Acts 22

Paul’s Defense before the Jews

      1“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

      2And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said,

      3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. 4“I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, 5as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished.

      6“But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8“And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9“And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10“And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11“But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus.

      12“A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13came to me, and standing near said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very time I looked up at him. 14“And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth. 15‘For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’

      17“It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ 19“And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You. 20‘And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.’ 21“And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

      22They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” 23And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 24the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. 25But when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27The commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” 29Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately let go of him; and the commander also was afraid when he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had put him in chains.

      30But on the next day, wishing to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Council to assemble, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

I admire Paul’s courage and faith and his relentless commitment to share the truth of the gospel of Christ. Reflecting personally, I have allowed minor obstacles such as my perception of people’s opinions or resistance to the message or situational settings to discourage me from sharing the message of Christ.  I see in Paul a courage and passion I want to have and I am praying for it as well as making conscious choices to overcome any excuses for resisting sharing the message. This is not an excuse for just being openly confrontational in sharing the gospel, but rather a reminder to look for opportunity to bridge with everyone, anyone in any given circumstance in a way to place the focus on Christ. Ask for God to help in prayer and then look for creative ways to engage people in sharing the gospel of Christ. You will not reach everyone, but you will reach some… and that is worth it.

Think of it… how many go fishing even when they may not always catch fish… or hunting even when they may not always succeed? How many play golf though they may never reach par or go shopping though they may not always find what they are looking for? Why should we not apply at least as much effort, passion and creativity toward reaching others to tell them about the love and joy and peace we find in Jesus Christ?

Your challenge… should you choose to accept it…  create at least one opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with someone where you would normally not feel bold enough to engage. For the week, create at least three opportunities. I started the challenge today… and God even gave me the blessing of a really encouraging response that I was not at all expecting. God is good.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please embolden me to grasp opportunities to share the gospel of Yeshua. Help me to be courageous and bold. Let me not let opportunities pass me by. Create divine appointments for me to impact others for Your glory. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Am I on the path?, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, False Prophets / Teachers, Money / Finances / Wealth, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News

Portrait of One Who Lived Submitted to Christ

After meeting Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul lived a life that serves as a good portrait of one who lived submitted completely to Jesus Christ. Paul truly died to self and took up his cross to follow after Christ.

Matthew 16:24-27

      24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27“For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

As he prepared to leave for Jerusalem, Paul met with local elders of the church to remind them about his personal life lived as example as one submitted to Christ. It was filled with hardship and uncertainty, but also hope and joy in all circumstances. Paul provides a good summary of how we should approach our lives submitted to Christ. We do well to read carefully as if Paul were writing this to us and try to apply it in our lives today.

Acts 20:17-38

Farewell to Ephesus

      17From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. 18And when they had come to him, he said to them,
“You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22“And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

      25“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. 26“Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 28“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31“Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

      36When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

As we consider this portrait of living for Christ, Paul reveals several key elements we should carefully consider and apply in our own lives, not matter what our work or ministry.

  • Serve God with humility, even through trials and tears.
  • Do not shrink from teaching truth and repentance, regardless of consequences to you personally.
  • Remember that our life’s purpose is not our own when we are submitted to Christ. Our purpose is to wholeheartedly seek after the work God assigns us to further His kingdom.
  • Be on guard for false teaching and those who would draw you away from Christ. The threat comes both from those outside the church as well as from among the church. People will pervert God’s word to draw disciples after themselves.
  • Do not cease to admonish one another so that we help one another to remain in Christ and in His truth.
  • In testing for false teaching, admonishing, and living for Christ we must look to God and to the word of God as our unchanging source of truth.
  • Work hard to provide for yourself and do not covet someone else’s wealth.
  • Help the weak.
  • Pray for one another in genuine love and concern. Create a community of brothers and sisters in Christ that truly love and care for each other.

Ask yourself… “How does this teaching from Paul apply to my life today?” and then take action to make any course corrections you need to live fully submitted to Christ.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, You and You alone are God. There are none like You! There are none who do the works You can do! Your ways are high above our ways, but You still take notice of us. You invite us into relationship with You. Help each of us, as Your followers and servants, to live according to the principles that Paul highlights in scripture. Help us to be bold and courageous. Help us to see beyond ourselves to Your mission. Help us to know Your specific direction for our lives. Help us admonish one another in love and teach the pure word of truth. Help us be on guard against those who will bring a false teaching to lead others astray for their own purposes. Thank You for the Holy Spirit so that we do not have to do this alone! Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Demons, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Greed, Miracles, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News

Prepare for Adventure and Drama When You Truly Preach the Word to Lost

Most of us who submit our lives to Yeshua and, out of obedience, boldly proclaim the gospel to others do so with nothing whatsoever to gain personally. We are moved by obedience to Messiah and out of love for our fellow man to help them find freedom in Yeshua… freedom from sin and freedom from the penalty of death for their sin. It is helpful at times to remember that those who reject our Messiah have many different motives. Often times they are not even willing to open their eyes and consider the miracles around them which declare the truth and the glory of God.

As we read in Acts 19, we start with a documented list of powerful miracles taking place which glorify YHWH. The word of the LORD was prevailing and growing mightily. With that backdrop, we also come across a variety of responses. Some try to use the name of Yeshua without having the relationship with Him and they are overcome by a demon possessed man. They tried by their own power. Contrast that to verse 11 where we see emphasis that God was performing the miracles through the hands of Paul. It was not Paul. We also see those who would profit by making idols come full force against those bringing the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. They seem to completely overlook the miracles and focus solely on their own short term financial benefit. They miss the bigger picture. There are many like these still today. Many come against Messiah for selfish reasons or try to use His name for their own glory and honor.

Acts 19:11-41

Miracles at Ephesus

      11God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. 13But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. 18Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. 19And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.

      21Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

      23About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; 25these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business. 26“You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. 27“Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence.”

      28When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. 32So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. 33Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. 34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36“So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. 37“For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38“So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. 39“But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40“For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41After saying this he dismissed the assembly.

Consider for a moment the “extraordinary miracles” that were taking place in the name of Jesus Christ. They were public spectacles and not private events. Word of Jesus was spreading and people were believing. There were many who responded and believed. However, there were some who were motivated by greed and others who joined in without even understanding why they were rioting… they just allowed themselves to be caught up in the moment and come against the Christians for no particular reason other than seeing others act that way.

They made no rational appeal or argument against Jesus. They were only concerned to shout for their false beliefs and not listen to any other views… even in the face of “extraordinary miracles”! They were blind and could not see… or would not see.

We see these same responses from many today. When we proclaim the truth many will come against us… but many will accept Yeshua as Lord. We must take courage and proclaim Him boldly despite opposition. We must take what measured steps we can to protect ourselves while relying on God to help us, but we must never be silenced from sharing the truth of Messiah.

Reason does not always win out… and in this particular scripture there was a man who calmed the crowds. It does not always work out that way, but we must place our trust in God and go about His business anyway.  We can try to adjust our strategy to communicate the gospel and how we respond to people by understanding their motivations. It was probably wise for the believers to keep Paul from going to the riot. We do not know, but perhaps they would not have been so easily calmed if they had Paul in their midst.

Truly we can also be thankful to God when we live in a society in which there is some semblance of court system to sort out conflict in a way that avoids mob rule and riots. We should actively involve ourselves in government when we can in order to protect that protection where we have it or to fight to get those rights where we do not have them.

At all times, however, we should pray for God to help us in proclaiming the gospel and responding to both receptive and hostile audiences… whether we face crowds of 5000 or a single person. Do not expect people to act rationally and listen to reason and evidence of Yeshua as Messiah, even when presented with miracles. Many will hear and be moved to learn more, but also many will resist and fight to hold on to what they already believe, for a variety of reasons that can actually be quite narrow and selfish.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please protect and encourage those who share the truth about Your word. Thank You for miracles that You perform at times to help glorify Your name and spread the word. Please help prepare people to hear Your word and receive it. Amen. 

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Anger (unrighteous anger), Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News, Unteachable / Foolish

Some Will Not Listen to Reason

Surely all of us have encountered resistance at one time or another from someone that just refused to use reason and logic in dealing with situations in life. Sometimes it can be about really trivial things and other times it is about matters literally of life and death. People get entrenched in a position and become unwilling to listen and consider logic and reason… even when you point out that they are contradicting themselves! They simply refuse to acknowledge that they are even possibly wrong. If they can’t win the discussion with facts, they just get belligerent or violent… resorting to emotional responses.  These behaviors we experience in the world around us are also revealed in scripture. We should not be surprised by them… though they can be very frustrating.

Acts 19:8-10

8And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Ultimately, you cannot force someone to acknowledge reality through the lens of logic and reason. That said, we should not forgo teaching with logic and reason as foundational to our faith.

When we find ourselves facing emotional, irrational, perhaps violent opposition we must then decide how best to proceed in going about the Lord’s work. Sometimes the answer may be to stand our ground and hold firm to the truth and sometimes, as in Acts 19:8-10 above, it is best to take some reasonable steps to enable us to safely and effectively continue what we have been called to do. Paul chose to withdraw after many months from the synagogue, but he did not stop his mission. He taught elsewhere for two years and many across Asia heard the word of the Lord. Wonderful to note as well… Paul did not hold a grudge against all Jews, but rather he continued to share the gospel with Jew and Greek alike.

Are you facing opposition like this in your personal life? Prayerfully consider if you should take some reasonable steps to change the dynamic and neutralize the opposition you face. Then listen to God’s response no matter which way He answers… whether to remain “as-is” or to make some changes. Remember, if God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?  

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please prepare people to hear and receive Your message as You also prepare others to share Your message. Grant Your people patience and courage to continue in the face of discouragement and opposition. Lead and guide us in wisdom regarding with whom and where to share Your word. May You be honored and glorified by all. amen. 

  Shalom. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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