Category Archives: Share the Good News

Am I on the path?, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News

God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear and Timidity

Jesus calls us to speak the truth courageously, share the gospel with love, and to demonstrate self-discipline as we represent Him in how we live.

People around us will pressure us to accept everything as an equivalent point of view and then the same people turn around and attack Christians who stand up for truth because it is not what they want to hear.

2 Timothy 1:5-14 shows us important points we should understand.

To fulfill God’s call we must begin with genuine faith and keep growing it. This does not mean blind faith, but rather faith we hold because of the overwhelming evidence of the truth of the gospel.  Faith that grows with our ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

We must fan into flames the spiritual gifts God has given us. We must practice and work at it intentionally to get the most out of it… just like building up any muscle in our body. It does not just land in our lap ready to go with power to move mountains.

We are called to live a holy life, one that is set apart for God’s purposes. We are not to live as the non believers do. If we as Christians are not the light, then how shall anyone else find their way to Jesus Christ?

We are called to carefully guard the precious truth and not let anyone corrupt it or compromise it. God’s word is 100% true and sufficient.

Think about your life… are you different for Jesus Christ, even if you will face hardship for Him? or do you blend in?  The light should not be placed under a bushel basket but on the lampstand to provide light for all.

I found it helpful in my life to start stepping out for Christ in little ways first to practice overcoming timidity… at the coffee pot, the water cooler, at the ballpark… even amongst other Christians (who tend to be a supportive audience for this message).

2 Timothy 1:5-14

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him.

With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
I invite you to pray with me:
Father, please build up my faith and boldness as Your follower and disciple. Please also do so for Your followers everywhere, that we would be bold for You and not timid. Help us to have a passion to guard and share the precious truth that has been entrusted to us. 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Fasting, Persecution / Glorifying God, Prayer, Share the Good News, Teachable, Unteachable / Foolish

How Can I Proclaim Christ When People Come Against Me?

The more consistently and more widely I share the good news of Yeshua as Messiah and the truth of scripture revealed in the Bible, the more I see a consistent set of responses from those who hear it.

  • Some will indeed hear the message and either be encouraged or be led to a saving relationship with Yeshua. Each person who finds this path is cause for celebration!
  • Some engage in genuine discussion of facts, evidence, and application of scripture. We can have a civil discussion regarding the facts and evidence of the gospel.
  • Sadly, there are also many who react with anger and hostility. They are not interested in listening but have already made up their minds. When you demonstrate the error of their logic, they do not admit that they are wrong and choose instead attack the messengers personally.

Paul encountered this same range of responses from people when he proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ thousands of years ago. There is no new “modern” response to the message of Yeshua. We can learn much from studying the Bible and all that God reveals in it regarding how those who went before us handled these situations.

Acts 14:19-23

     19But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. 21After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” 23When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Some Jews actually came perhaps 130 miles to hinder the work of Paul. It was not enough just that they rejected Messiah. They felt they had to stop the message of Christ so no one else would accept the message either. They did not win on facts and evidence. Miracles were happening where Paul went with the message of Christ. Those who opposed Yeshua went to the most brutal response they could get away with… in this case stoning Paul in an attempt to kill him.

What was Paul’s response to such hatred and persecution? Did he stop proclaiming Yeshua? No! He got up, moved on and gave glory to God by accepting and teaching that those who proclaim the good news will face much tribulation. He continued to do the work of Christ, appointing elders for every church and commending them to the Lord with prayer and fasting. We should take note that he did move on to another location. We are not always to remain in the face of that force of adversary. This is something for which we must each seek the LORD on when to stay and when to leave this level of resistance.

What a remarkable servant of Christ! I can only hope to follow in the example of Paul in whatever opportunity I have to overcome opposition to the sharing of the gospel. Paul demonstrating true faith in Christ. He was willing to die to share the gospel. He stopped at nothing, regardless of the level of resistance he faced.

What resistance are you facing in your life that discourages you from sharing the gospel? What can you learn from Paul’s response to persecution that you can apply in your life? Do not overlook the value of prayer and fasting with other disciples of Yeshua.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help unite those who are pursuing You. Help people who hear Your message be willing to accept the need for change in their life. Help prepare the field for harvest by making the people ready to hear the good news. Help even those who already proclaim to follow You to be open to changing their ways to be more like Your ways. Help raise up messengers who will be bold in proclaiming truth. Bless and protect the messengers so that they overcome the resistance that will come against them. 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.

Humility, Pride, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Share the Good News

It’s Not About Us, It’s About God

There are times when we will experience God’s blessing upon our lives or see Him work through us as His faithful servants in powerful ways. We must be prepared for these times so that they do not cause us to stumble.  It is at these times when we experience God’s power that we may be most vulnerable to the sin of pride. We must not forget that it is God’s power and blessing and not our own accomplishment in order to remain humble and faithfully serve God.

Acts 14:8-18

    8At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, 10said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he leaped up and began to walk. 11When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” 12And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out 15and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM. 16“In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways; 17and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18Even saying these things, with difficulty they restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.

Paul and Barnabas were grieved that the crowds were missing the point… they were honoring Paul and Barnabas instead of God. They immediately took direct action to put the focus off them and back on God! What a temptation that could be to men… to be lifted up and honored, but they would have to take credit for what God was doing. Paul and Barnabas demonstrated humility and kept the focus on God, even when it was hard to do so. They knew it was not about them, it was about God.

Have you experienced things that went really well because of God’s blessing and had people try to shower praise on you for “your” accomplishments? It can be easy to just accept the credit, but it is better to give glory to God instead of letting it land on ourselves. It’s not about us and what we do, it’s about God and what He does and Has already done. How can you react differently and give God the glory the next time a similar situation comes up?

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide me. Help me to stand strong and speak boldly for You. Please work through me to bring glory and honor to You. Let me remain humble as You work through me that I would not stumble into pride, but rather keep the focus on You and Your glory. I pray this also for all Your people and especially the leaders you raise up to stand for righteousness. 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.

Courage / Fear, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News

Count It Blessing to Be Persecuted for Yeshua?

Observe the world around us. Take note of how people respond to the message of Yeshua when true believers share it boldly and without apology. Many believe and are saved, coming to true relationship with our Messiah. Many others, however, become embittered and stir up trouble to persecute those who follow Yeshua.

Acts 14:1-8

Acceptance and Opposition

      1In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. 2But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. 3Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. 4But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, 6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; 7and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Why is it that so many that reject Yeshua become bitter toward those who submit to Him? They do not want to change their lives to submit to Christ. They desire to remain doing things their own way. They feel the need to stop those who disagree with them. Truthfully, it is also often a spiritual battle raging between Satan and the people of God. (Read more on spiritual warfare.)

John 3:19-21

19“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

There is no good reason to hate followers of Yeshua. Those that truly follow Christ actually are respectful and considerate to all… showing love to all. But the part that many cannot take is that we, as followers of Christ, are also to rebuke and correct wrong behavior as wrong. We are not to accept it and condone it or make excuses for it. Following Christ and loving others drives us to point out the destructive behaviors to try to help not only ourselves but others as well. Knowing that non-believers are going to Hell for eternity drives us to want to save them from that fate… and only faith in Jesus Christ can do that. There is no other way. So we proclaim Jesus boldly.

John 14:6

 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

People often do not want to accept correction. Only the wise accept rebuke and grow wiser. Fools reject it and remain in their folly… and get angry with the one who tries to help them. As Christians we can become more effective sharing the gospel by paying attention to those we want to reach. Those willing and open to receive the message may be ready to accept Jesus. Sometimes they must first be spiritually broken and realize they are missing something… then we can tell them it is Jesus they are missing. Those who are scoffers and mockers, still unwilling to admit they are not sufficient by themselves, are not ready to receive Christ and will just hate you for it.

Proverbs 9:8-9

  8Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

  9Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

However, we are commanded by Yeshua and driven by genuine love for others to boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ to those that do not know it. We must not allow ourselves to be discouraged that some will come against us when we share the gospel, but rather remember that others will be saved!  Be encouraged by the words of our Lord Jesus and count it blessing when you are persecuted for standing with Christ.

Matthew 5:10-12

 10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Continue to share the truth of the good news of Jesus boldly. Look for those who are willing to hear and listen, but do not be discouraged that others will come against you. Always live in the example of Christ so that we can be a light to others, even when they do not want to see.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, help Your people to stand boldly and proclaim the truth about You and the truth about the one way we are to come into proper relationship with You, through Messiah and forgiveness of our sins based on His death and resurrection. Please help Your people stand up to those who would come against them personally or collectively. Please raise up righteous leaders to unite us in following You the right way. Bring about a global restoration and return to Your ways among Your people. Help us fellowship in unity with those who truly follow You and Your ways. 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.

Fear / Reverence for God, Heaven and Hell, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News, Thankfulness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Don’t wait for a sign!

Many of us know someone who has embraced the idea that they will accept Jesus when He gives them a sign. Others who may have accepted Jesus are waiting for a sign before they tell others boldly about Him.

This can be a trap! The truth is that God has already given us many signs and miracles. They are well documented in the Bible. If we wait for Him to send another sign before we accept Him or before we choose to share the good news of the gospel with others… it may be too late for us and for those we love.

In Luke 16:19-31 [NLT] Jesus tells us about Lazarus and a rich man.  Lazarus is a poor man who despite much hardship in his life accepted God. The rich man, despite much luxury and worldly gain,  rejected God. They both die and the rich man finds himself in hell, but able to see Lazarus in heaven.  He realizes it is too late for him and immediately thinks of those he loves…

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him [Lazarus] to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’

Jesus Himself died for us and has risen from the dead. He was a public, recognizable figure. He was publicly brutalized with many witnesses and executed in broad daylight for all to see. After rising on the third day he was witnessed by hundreds of people over several weeks moving about in good health. All of this is well documented.

Sadly, most of the world and even most of those that have heard about Jesus Christ do not accept Him as Lord and Savior, even though He died and rose again to come back and tell us.

Don’t miss the opportunity to accept Jesus as your savior, to share Him with those you know, and to share the Good News even with those you don’t know as you interact with them in your daily walk.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, help me to stand boldly for You and to submit and serve You with confidence. Help me not make excuses to be silent. Make me more uncomfortable to sit silently by not telling people about You than I ever would feel uncomfortable sharing the good news! 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.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Share the Good News

Blessed Are Those Who Have Been Persecuted for the Sake of Righteousness

Paul and Barnabus remained focused on doing the work that God set them apart to do… they boldly proclaimed the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. Many, even leaders amongst God’s people, did not want to hear it and rejected the message. They reacted with anger and bitterness. Some at first accepted and welcomed Paul and Barnabus (earlier in Acts 13) but then turned on them in jealousy when they saw the Gentiles gathering to learn about Messiah! They attacked Paul and Barnabus and pushed them away. But there were also those who gladly accepted the truth of Jesus. This is also how it is today… not much different at all. Many will come against you when you preach the truth of Jesus Christ, even some who claim to be Christians. But we are called none the less to boldly proclaim the gospel!

Acts 13:44-52

Paul Turns to the Gentiles

      44The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord. 45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. 46Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

47“For so the Lord has commanded us,
‘I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES,
THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.’”

      48When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

I have found scripture to be very helpful in teaching me how to proclaim the gospel. I believe it can be helpful to all of us. Paul and Barnabus continued to obey God and share the gospel, even when others opposed them. At some point, when a group is hostile in rejecting Yeshua we are right to “shake the dust from our feet” and move on. They will face judgment before God and there are many more that need to hear the truth of the gospel that are ready to receive it. It is disappointing to be sure that the Gentiles who were there and hungry to hear about Messiah, lost that opportunity due to the jealous and hostile response of the Jewish people at that time. I continue to be impressed that even as people came against Paul and Barnabus, they were continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

These lessons are helpful to me personally. My joy should come from the Lord, not approval of other people. I am accountable to God and will do my best to obey and trust Him, even when I face resistance and personal attacks. Count it as glory to be persecuted because of the name of Yeshua.

Matthew 5:10 10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Are you letting others discourage you from sharing the truth about Yeshua? Are you continuing to try to “force the gospel” on someone who has rejected it rather than moving on to more fertile ground? What changes is God leading you to make in your life in this area?

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please grant me wisdom to know who and how to reach people for the glory of Your kingdom. Help me to have courage and conviction to stand for You and Your message even when others come against me. Help me know when it is time to move on and shake the dust from my sandals without leaving others behind unnecessarily. Help me be fully submitted to You and to be used by You for Your glory. Please prepare people to hear and receive Your message without hostility and jealousy of one another. 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Evidence in Scripture, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Mockers, Promises, Prophecy, Salvation, Share the Good News, Through Prophets

Adjust Your Starting Point to Meet Your Audience, but Do Not Adjust the Message

Paul was a master of identifying with his audience and meeting them where they are in order to lead them to Yeshua as Messiah. In Acts 13, he is proclaiming the gospel to Jews studying the scriptures and worshipping Yahweh on Sabbath. As such, Paul begins in a place they already know. Paul begins in the Torah and shows them how Torah and prophecy were pointing forward to Yeshua as the coming Messiah. This is the foundation of our faith. After establishing the foundation, Paul continues to discuss forgiveness and reconciliation through Yeshua as Messiah. The people want to hear more. That is a success anytime we share the gospel. We should take care to remember that Yeshua was not establishing something new. He was the promised Messiah and all that He taught and lived was based on the foundation of Torah and the prophets. He was also not shy about calling out the wrongful persecution and rejection of Messiah resulting in His death on the cross.

Acts 13:13-43

   13Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem. 14But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” 16Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said,
“Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17“The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it. 18“For a period of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness. 19“When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land as an inheritance—all of which took about four hundred and fifty years. 20“After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21“Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22“After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.’ 23“From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25“And while John was completing his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, one is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’

      26“Brethren, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27“For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. 28“And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. 29“When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. 30“But God raised Him from the dead; 31and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32“And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘YOU ARE MY SON; TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU.’ 34“As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY and SURE blessings OF DAVID.’ 35“Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘YOU WILL NOT ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.’ 36“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay; 37but He whom God raised did not undergo decay. 38“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. 40“Therefore take heed, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you:

      41‘BEHOLD, YOU SCOFFERS, AND MARVEL, AND PERISH;
FOR I AM ACCOMPLISHING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS,
A WORK WHICH YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE, THOUGH SOMEONE SHOULD DESCRIBE IT TO YOU.’”

      42As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. 43Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.

In a separate example, when proclaiming Jesus to pagans, Paul begins differently to connect with them.

Acts 17:22-34

Sermon on Mars Hill

      22So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. 23“For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 24“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ 29“Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. 30“Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

      32Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” 33So Paul went out of their midst. 34But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

We should also take a lesson from Paul in that we try to understand where people are in their knowledge and acceptance of Yeshua and let that influence where we begin to tell them about Messiah. If they are devout Jews who understand the Torah and the prophets, then we begin there. If they are lost and hurting in the depths of addiction or selfishness and sin… then begin there. However, let us be sure to remember that wherever we start, we need to come back to Torah and the prophets and the law, upon which the teachings of Yeshua are based. Yeshua was judged righteous in living according to the Law perfectly. That is the standard and guide post we should not ignore as if it is obsolete.

Consider another example in Acts 15. They meet the Gentiles where they are, but they count on the fact that they will also be taught Torah, or the law of Moses, over time as they continue to learn more about Judaism.

Acts 15:18-21

18SAYS THE LORD, WHO [k]MAKES THESE THINGS known from long ago. 19Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

. Our proclamation of the good news of Yeshua will be much more effective if we pay close attention to where our audience is rather than just starting from our understanding of the scriptures and God’s plans. That said, we must not alter the truth of present an incomplete message of what Yahweh desires. We must come back and teach over time the fullness of the Torah and the prophets and the Law, all of which served as the foundation upon which Yeshua lived and taught.

There is an important point to highlight before we wrap up about the Law that Paul speaks of in Acts 13.

38“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

We are freed through Yeshua from some things which the Law of Moses could not free us from. Note, that Paul does not say “we are free from the Law”. Rather he specifically indicates that Yeshua provides forgiveness of sin that could not be achieved through the Law alone. For those sacrifices related to sin and forgiveness in the Law, they pointed forward as foreshadowing to the death of Messiah. It is through Yeshua that we are forgiven of sins and set free from that guilt.

How can you apply this truth in your life? What are some examples of where or with whom you may share the gospel (e.g. work, school, prison ministry, etc.)? How should you adapt your approach in each case?

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for Your holy scriptures. Please help Your people to return to Your ways. Let all who worship You through Yeshua open their eyes to live and worship You fully the way that He did in accordance with the Torah and the prophets. Let us not be confused, living in man-made traditions that make up so much of modern-day Christianity. Open our eyes to the wonderful ways of Your Law! Help us to have wisdom in connecting with and reaching different audiences and leading them to You without compromising Your word. 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.

 

Church / Body of Christ, Holy Spirit (hearing from God), Learning To Pray Effectively, Seeking God, Share the Good News

Seek His Will with Fasting and Prayer and with Others

Those of us who are true followers of Yeshua are all part of one body. We are to work together for the glory of His kingdom, not fight amongst ourselves to each scratch out our own kingdom by our own strength.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

      12For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

It is a wonderful and awesome thing to watch when we see our fellow Christians living out the gifts and purposes that God has created them for and working together as a body of Christ to bring glory to God’s kingdom instead of creating our own selfish kingdoms. We see such an example in Acts 13:1-12.

Acts 13:1-12

      1Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

      4So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. 6When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, 10and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? 11“Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. 12Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.

It was through fasting and prayer and ministering to the Lord that Saul and Barnabus received their guidance from the Holy Spirit. They were not busy going about their own pursuits, but rather actively seeking and honoring God when they heard from Him.

A group of believers gathered together in prayer and fasting and laid hands on them to send them on their way. Their mission was one appointed from the Holy Spirit and that was important as they encountered spiritual resistance along the way. It was the power of God that allowed Saul (also Paul) to overcome the enemy who was coming against them… and what a powerful sight that must have been for those who saw it! It was enough for the proconsul to believe in Messiah.

When God appoints you on a mission and you faithfully seek to fulfill it, He will provide the path and power to successfully complete it!

Have you heard from God what your gifts and purpose are? Have you earnestly sought after Him in prayer and fasting? Have you taken time to even ask Him and then listen for a response? Do you study His word and apply it to your life? Do you come humbly before Him in prayer? If not, challenge yourself to start today. Do not wait for tomorrow. Make time for prayer with our Creator consistently as if it is as important as the very physical food we eat… because it is that important.

Do not dismiss to easily the possibility that Satan is coming against you when you try to obey God’s commands and live for Him. Satan may absolutely come against you. With God’s help you will overcome! Gather together with other believers in fasting and prayer to seek God’s guidance and blessing for your life.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help Your people come together in fasting and prayer and in seeking Your will for each of us. Help us to draw near to You in fervent prayer. Help us fully submit to You! 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Hope, Repenting from Sin, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant, Teachable, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Message of the Cross Is Foolishness to Some

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God!

The Wisdom of God

18For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:

“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THOSE WHO HAVE UNDERSTANDING, I WILL CONFOUND.”

20Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind.

26For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29so that no human may boast before God. 30But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31so that, just as it is written: “LET THE ONE WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

We are called to share the good news of the gospel with others, but we cannot accept it on someone else’s behalf.  Do not be hesitant to share the gospel out of fear of personal rejection but recognize that many will not receive the message and may consider it foolishness. Some, however, will receive it and generate a rich harvest for Yeshua through their faith.

Many rejected Yeshua himself, so we should not expect they will all accept us as His messengers.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for bringing me to know You through Yeshua. Thank You that You have chosen me to hear Your message. Help me to boldly share with others. Help them to receive Your message to the glory of Your kingdom. Amen. 

Consider reading The Message of the Cross – Salvation for more information.

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.

Devotions by John, Faith / Trusting God, Share the Good News

Free Offer – with Eternal Benefits! Hurry Before Offer Expires!

We all like “free” offers. It is exciting to get discounts on movies or restaurants or vacation packages! As a matter of fact, when we hear about a free offer, we often race to tell our friends and family and even people we just meet so they can take advantage before the offer expires. We know the offer is not really free, but someone else has paid the price and it is free to us.

How many of us would turn down an offer of a $100 gift card? How many of us would tell all our friends, or even people we just meet at a store how to get the gift card?

God has made us the most compelling offer… and it is free to us, but to truly accept it will change you forever.

Read along in John 3:16-17 [NKJV].

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

It is easy to start taking this offer for granted. Do we still get excited to share it with others as we do when we find a good deal? or do we allow ourselves to get comfortable and only share with those we know already believe? Deep down, perhaps we should ask how completely we really believe if we are not excited to share it with those we are close to. I may not tell someone about a $100 gift card if I am not really sure it is real, even if I am trying to get it for me. I may be more concerned about looking foolish if it does not pan out.

The offer from Yeshua is the best one we will ever receive, and it does have an expiration date. For each of us this offer expires when we do and the price has already been paid, whether or not we accept it.

To learn more read The Message of the Cross – Salvation.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for Your offer of salvation and reconciliation to You. Thank You for forgiveness of sin. Help me to repent of my wrong ways and pursue Your ways. Help me to have the courage and boldness to tell others about You and this wonderful offer of forgiveness! 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.