God Words 11.15.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Acts, please read Chapters 17-19 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017-19&version=9

Today we will read about Paul at Thessalonica; the Jews opposing Paul's preaching; Paul and Silas in Berea; Paul on Mars Hill, Pauls at Corinth and Ephesus; Priscilla and Aquilla; and the silversmiths. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that all other literature whether Christian or secular, no matter how good, must take second place in our lives to the only God-inspired book in existence, the Bible.

As we read in the previous study, Paul and his coworker Silas were brutally beaten by a mob in Philippi and thrown into prison. However, through God's intervention, they were released the next day. Paul was no quitter and he never backed down from his belief's no mater what opposition he faced. "Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few." (Acts 17:1-4).

Still today many people knock doors spreading the Gospel, some believe and accept the truth while others will flat out tell you that they want no part in Jesus in their lives, those are the nice ones because some will yell and scream and even go as far as getting authorites involved instead of just saying no interested. It seems to me that those who are so dead against knowing the truth live in fear because they truly realize that they have no life after leaving this earth.

Now, when the unbelieving religious leaders became aware of these conversions, they were outraged and started a riot. "But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people." (17:5). Immediately afterwards, Paul left by night and traveled southwest to Berea. Upon arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few." (17:10-12).

Confessing Jesus as their Messiah was a monumental decision that would affect all aspects of their lives, family, friends, and even co-worker's or class-mates. Their dedication to the truth should encourage everyone, regardless of their religious up bringing, to study all the Scriptures with a sincere desire to know the Truth it reveals.

Our Creator has allotted each of us only one lifetime to prepare for our eternal destiny. We have a dual responsibility to become the person He wants us to be in order to accomplish the purposes for which He created us. Think how tragic it will be for those who fail to fulfill the will of God, wasting their few short years achieving material, social, and financial goals for self-gratification. God has provided one perfect Guidebook - His Word and that is the only guide we need to everlasting life.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
You are the way to everlasting life and as I read Your Words help me to understand them and apply them to my daily life here on earth. Help me to know Your Will for me and to become the person You intend for me to be. Lord, Watch over me, guide me, and abide in me, give me the strength, wisdom and endurance to face all who oppose me and not to get offended by those who simply are ignorant to the truth. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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