Pastor's Desk
September 17 , 2006
AS I READ through the book of Acts again, I am fascinated by the power of the gospel to transform lives and cities. As Paul and Barnabas went from city to city they preached the good news that Jesus came to forgive sins. To the Jews they said. "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39) Concerning their ministry to the Gentiles they said, "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”" (Acts 13:47) God confirmed this message with miraculous signs and wonders.
But there is something else which fascinates me, namely, the resilience of the apostles in the midst of persecution. The message concerning Jesus offer of salvation was opposed. After winning a large number of disciples and strengthening them and encouraging them to remain true to the faith, they affirmed, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-22) They just kept right on preaching and the churches kept right on growing. As I reflect on this I am encouraged because I know that the same Holy Spirit who was in them is also in us. The same Jesus they preached, we are also preaching. The same God is at work today as he was then. Therefore, our labor is not in vain.
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Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:58)
This page was last updated on Saturday, September 16, 2006