“When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.” (Acts 17:1-4)
As we have studied through the book of Acts, I have been struck by the resolve of the apostle Paul.
Time and time again we see in this tremendous letter (and in many of the New Testament Epistles) that Paul was threatened, beaten, hunted, tortured, imprisoned, and lied about-all because of his belief in Christ.
What empowers a man to endure this type of abuse over and over and over and over and over again?
As I have studied and thought about this very question, I think I came up with a reason that sums it up. His life was marked by this one resolute conviction:
“Jesus is the only way, and the whole world must know!”
Christian, in one sense you and I cannot stop that the world will stand against us. The world opposed Jesus, and because of this, the world will oppose us as Christians.
In many ways we cannot prevent the worldwide opposition to Christianity.
That being said, just like the apostle Paul was known for His resolve, you will also be known for something in this life. In this life, when you die, people will say something to sum up your life.
What will that be?
“What will be the one resolute conviction of your life?”
What will you be known for? What will be the one overarching theme that marks your life?
I can only pray that, for me, God would make me resolute like Paul!
That when the time comes for me to go home, of me they will say:
“Steele Croswhite loved Jesus, Jesus loved Him, and the whole world must know!”
As we continue on through our study of Acts, ask yourself: “What will be the one resolute conviction of my life?”
Resolved,
Steele
Posted in A Word from the Pastor