“From Paphos, Paul and
his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to
Jerusalem. From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they
entered the synagogue and sat down.” (Acts 13:13-14)
“You
might have noticed by now, that one of the first things Paul does when he
arrives in a new city or town is go to the local synagogue on the Sabbath. Why
did he always go there first? One of the clues is given to us in Romans 1:16,
when Paul writes "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God
for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the
Gentile." Was Paul guilty of giving preferential treatment to
the Jews? I don't think so; rather he was simply following biblical tradition.
The Jews had been promised through Scripture a deliverer and King, who would
also be a comfort to them. This Messiah had been prophesied about and
anticipated for thousands of years, so I think Paul felt he had an obligation
to let the Jews know the Messiah had come in the person of Jesus Christ before
he spoke to the Gentiles. Wouldn't you feel the same obligation? Wouldn't you
want your ‘people’ to know first? Wouldn't you be anxious to tell them?
Some
of us might stop right there, and say ‘No, I wouldn't be anxious to tell them
because I know how my people are, they are stubborn, set in their ways, and
they won't believe me. I would rather tell strangers who might be a little more
open minded.’ Paul had every reason to feel the same way because in almost
every situation, following his speaking and teaching about Jesus, the Jews ran
him out of town, many times with threats of death.
But that didn't stop him, he
wrote "I
am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation
of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." So
he would overcome his fear for his life and feelings of rejection and
embarrassment, then he would start with the Jews (his people) -- first!
Questions
to Ponder:
When
it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, who do you start with first,
or rather who do you avoid? Is it a parent or close friend? Are you afraid of
embarrassment, ridicule or something worse? How can you overcome your fear and
rely solely on "the
power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes"? Make
a list of 3-5 people close to you who do not know Jesus. Pray regularly for
them. Look for opportunities to talk with them. Invite them to lunch or coffee.
See if they will come to church with you. Don't let fear of rejection stop you
in your tracks.”
“(v. 22) According to the law almost all things are
purged with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. (v. 14)
how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the
living God?” (Heb. 9:22, 14, NKJV)
Today’s 18th truth: If you are “born again”, you are an heir of God and a joint heir w/ Jesus. (Rom. 8:17)
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I'm presently offering it for $12, pp and signed. Email me if you'd like one sent within the continental US.
I'm presently offering it for $12, pp and signed. Email me if you'd like one sent within the continental US.
Tomorrow’s
post: A
SENSE OF BIRTHING: Prayer Note # 51
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