Turning Point
In light of the tragic events that have occurred over the past week, we are reminded of the reality of sin and evil in our world. We are reminded that all is not well in the world that we live in. That all is not well, even in our own hearts in the way we respond to sin and suffering. We are reminded of our need for a Savior. We are reminded of our need to point people to our Savior.
A CALL TO PRAY
And we are called to pray. To pray for our nation, to pray for our leaders, to pray for those who suffer, to pray for those who cause suffering, and to pray that we, as Christians, would persevere in standing for the truth of the gospel.
I am convinced that God often uses the trials that Christians face, for the furtherance of the gospel. The light of Christ is most visibly seen against the backdrop of darkness. The work of Christ can be most fully realized and appreciated when viewed against the backdrop of our own sinfulness. It is when we see our sin, that we can glory in the beauty of Christ who gave himself for our sin.
In my reading and reflection on Philippians 1 this past week, I am reminded that what happened to the apostle Paul (in his imprisonment) actually served to advance the gospel. Persecution and suffering for the sake of the gospel, and the ethical implications of the gospel, can lead to Christians becoming more bold in sharing Christ and standing for Christ. My hope is that as we reflect on any tragedy, especially of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, that it will lead us to a courageous faith in Christ. That it will empower us to follow the examples of those who have gone before us, who lived and died for the sake of the gospel.
YOUR TURNING POINT - ACTS 13
This past Sunday, in Acts 13:13-52, we reflected upon a turning point. A turning point is taking place in our society, and I hope, in us as well.
The apostle Paul had a mission of being a witness of Jesus to the ends of the earth. He took advantage of the opportunities that he was given, because he knew he had a Superior Savior, who fulfills the saving promises of God, forgives sins, and frees all who trust in Him.
Practical Implications of Acts 13:13-52:
#1 – Be ready to share about Jesus. (Acts 13:13-16a)
We have a Savior worth sharing.
Paul traveled far distances to make Christ known. His life was changed by Jesus, and he was ready to share Jesus in the synagogues, or wherever the Lord would direct him. When given this opportunity, he proclaimed Jesus, not himself or his preferences, or his opinions. And he took advantage of this opportunity, knowing that it would lead to mixed reactions. Some would believe. And some would reject.
#2 – Remember that the Bible is all about Jesus. (Acts 13:16b-37)
We have a Savior who is the climax of the story of the Bible, and who fulfills the saving promises of God.
In this passage, Paul then gives his sermon. He traces the storyline of the Bible, from Abraham to David and John the Baptist, to show that Jesus is the promised Savior! He then speaks of Jesus’ rejection, death, and resurrection as the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
And then, at the end of his sermon, in verses 38-41, he concludes with an appeal. An invitation to receive Christ, and a warning for those who reject Him.
When we share the story of Jesus, remember that it is God’s story of His grace and faithfulness to His promises. Our story is part of His story. And when we share, we should then extend this grace to others. We should allow His grace toward us to impact the way we relate to others.
#3 – Respond with faith in Jesus, and call others to do the same. (Acts 13:38-52)
Paul concludes his sermon with an invitation. And Luke provides the response to those who heard the message of salvation. Some respond with faith in Jesus. And some reject Jesus. Some will believe. And some will be hostile.
The message of Jesus, demands a response from all of us. This is your turning point.
How will you respond?
When you respond by trusting in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you can have assurance that your sins are forgiven, and that you are declared to be right with God.
When you respond to Jesus, you can be filled with joy, despite your circumstances.
And you are filled with the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence in our lives and makes us more like Jesus.
A decision has to be made! There is no middle ground.
Will you trust in Christ today?
Will you call others to trust in Him as their Savior?
A CALL TO PRAY
And we are called to pray. To pray for our nation, to pray for our leaders, to pray for those who suffer, to pray for those who cause suffering, and to pray that we, as Christians, would persevere in standing for the truth of the gospel.
I am convinced that God often uses the trials that Christians face, for the furtherance of the gospel. The light of Christ is most visibly seen against the backdrop of darkness. The work of Christ can be most fully realized and appreciated when viewed against the backdrop of our own sinfulness. It is when we see our sin, that we can glory in the beauty of Christ who gave himself for our sin.
In my reading and reflection on Philippians 1 this past week, I am reminded that what happened to the apostle Paul (in his imprisonment) actually served to advance the gospel. Persecution and suffering for the sake of the gospel, and the ethical implications of the gospel, can lead to Christians becoming more bold in sharing Christ and standing for Christ. My hope is that as we reflect on any tragedy, especially of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, that it will lead us to a courageous faith in Christ. That it will empower us to follow the examples of those who have gone before us, who lived and died for the sake of the gospel.
YOUR TURNING POINT - ACTS 13
This past Sunday, in Acts 13:13-52, we reflected upon a turning point. A turning point is taking place in our society, and I hope, in us as well.
The apostle Paul had a mission of being a witness of Jesus to the ends of the earth. He took advantage of the opportunities that he was given, because he knew he had a Superior Savior, who fulfills the saving promises of God, forgives sins, and frees all who trust in Him.
Practical Implications of Acts 13:13-52:
#1 – Be ready to share about Jesus. (Acts 13:13-16a)
We have a Savior worth sharing.
Paul traveled far distances to make Christ known. His life was changed by Jesus, and he was ready to share Jesus in the synagogues, or wherever the Lord would direct him. When given this opportunity, he proclaimed Jesus, not himself or his preferences, or his opinions. And he took advantage of this opportunity, knowing that it would lead to mixed reactions. Some would believe. And some would reject.
- Consider your circles of influence. How might you share Jesus in these settings?
- Your home
- Your world (your workplace, school, neighbors, friends)
- Your church
#2 – Remember that the Bible is all about Jesus. (Acts 13:16b-37)
We have a Savior who is the climax of the story of the Bible, and who fulfills the saving promises of God.
In this passage, Paul then gives his sermon. He traces the storyline of the Bible, from Abraham to David and John the Baptist, to show that Jesus is the promised Savior! He then speaks of Jesus’ rejection, death, and resurrection as the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
And then, at the end of his sermon, in verses 38-41, he concludes with an appeal. An invitation to receive Christ, and a warning for those who reject Him.
When we share the story of Jesus, remember that it is God’s story of His grace and faithfulness to His promises. Our story is part of His story. And when we share, we should then extend this grace to others. We should allow His grace toward us to impact the way we relate to others.
#3 – Respond with faith in Jesus, and call others to do the same. (Acts 13:38-52)
Paul concludes his sermon with an invitation. And Luke provides the response to those who heard the message of salvation. Some respond with faith in Jesus. And some reject Jesus. Some will believe. And some will be hostile.
The message of Jesus, demands a response from all of us. This is your turning point.
How will you respond?
When you respond by trusting in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you can have assurance that your sins are forgiven, and that you are declared to be right with God.
When you respond to Jesus, you can be filled with joy, despite your circumstances.
And you are filled with the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence in our lives and makes us more like Jesus.
A decision has to be made! There is no middle ground.
Will you trust in Christ today?
Will you call others to trust in Him as their Savior?
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