God remains faithful, even when we mess up. His faithfulness is unique and sure. We do well to rely upon his faithfulness to keep his promises.
Apology for last week’s rant. God’s Kingdom is greater than any nation in this world. His rule is just. We see through a mirror dimly. The roles of politics and the church are different and require different skills, talents and gifts. Some can be learned, others are relational. Don’t envy someone who is called to be a politician. They have hard choices to make. From war to social security, politicians are involved in the regulation and administration of all aspects of the nation. Those choices are not easy.
Choices in the church are difficult too. We deal with life and death issues as well, but they are more important as they affect a person's eternal destiny.
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What do we glean from this:
This is the testimony of how the Holy Spirit works, in every culture and in every place. This is a testimony to the faithfulness of God to keep his promises to all who seek him and call upon his name. This is a clear view of how not all respond favorably to the transformation required by those who believe
Knowing this, how do we continue writing the end of Acts in our lives? What is the Holy Spirit doing in this place? How if Father wanted to spread the Gospel message throughout this community? What will happen if we declare Jesus as the Messiah? Some will listen and some won’t. How do we continue to despite the hindrances in our way? You might not be in chains, but there are other things that limit our abilities to share about Jesus. How do we continue the work entrusted to us?
What do we do? Love, forgive, show hospitality.
Let those who go, go. The work of the Holy Spirit is to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgement to come. Let him do his job. Focus on those who want to know more and grow in God. Don’t be a parent to them, but someone who can open the scriptures to them and be life giving!
Verses:
“All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”
Philippians 4:22 “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:8-10
“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your guilt is taken away and atonement is made for your sin.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” Isaiah 6:6-8
“Now it came about in the days of Ahaz, that Rezin the king of Aram … went up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but could not conquer it. Isaiah speaks to Ahaz:
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:1, 14
“and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20