August 27, 2022

Passage Read: Acts 16-17
Meditation Verses: 17:30-31

Thought

Paul's message to Gentiles was repent and believe in Jesus, the man raised to live again whom God appointed to judge the world in righteousness. Men are no longer allowed to believe whatever they want, but must accept God alone as the one true God, and must submit to His standard of righteousness, because they will be judged by Jesus, the God-Man who will judge in righteousness. He didn't expect everyone to believe at the first meeting, he didn't condemn anyone for refusing to believe. And several people were drawn to follow and learn more.

Application

When meeting someone who knows nothing, I still need to push a clear and complete Gospel message. That includes repentance and belief in Jesus. But someone with no background at all in Judaism or Christianity, I shouldn't be surprised if they're not ready to believe. Yet I also shouldn't worry or continue to chase those who show no interest. Those that are interested in understanding further will seek me out, as long as I'm upfront with the Truth of the Gospel. If I try to manipulate them with rhetorical tricks, I'm no longer trusting in God's power, but man's wisdom. And that will undercut my message.