Meditation

10/09/2020

Today is my eldest son’s birthday. Happy Birthday Jerry, may you know that your mother and I love you more than you can ever know, and that Jesus loves you more than that! Have a wonderful day.

“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” (Acts24:24-25)

Beloved, proclaiming the gospel brings two responses. Some will accept the gospel with repentance and faith. Others will respond with rejection and rebellion. This dual reaction is clearly seen in 1^st Corinthians1:18-25, when Simeon spoke of Jesus Christ in the Temple.

He pointed out these two results. The results belong to God. Our assignment is to preach to gospel so that all people will be brought either to receive Him or reject Him. It is not our responsibility to make the decision for anyone. As Christians, we are to bring the message of salvation through the gospel, it is then their decision whether to accept or reject it.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, we know that we are not able to make anyone accept Your gospel of salvation, but we seek Your strength and wisdom when we bring this message to others, that they will listen to us and understand its true meaning. With this message of eternal life in the kingdom, let those we present this too, also hear the love that accompanies it, when they make their own decision. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“The way you live your life may be all that some people know of the Bible. What are you teaching them?”

KNOWING GOD:

“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2^nd Thessalonians 1:8)

As stated previously, we are to present the gospel message to whomever we can, wherever we can. We must do so in a non-threatening manner, and with the love of God.

It is always tempting to finish and then try to make those you spoke with to make a commitment right then and there. We all know this is a serious decision, and to make someone decide right then and there is not right nor is it fair to them. Some may say yes right away; some may reject it right away, but with further thought might change their mind and accept it; some may think ask questions before accepting; some will just outright reject the thought of becoming a Christian. Remember, it is their decision to make, not our own.

I AM:

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate. Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of he world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him. God was pleased through he foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Creeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” (1^st Corinthians 1:18-25)

Proclamation helps the church to grow in Christ and invites the unsaved to believe in Christ. Paul (Acts 20:20-21) did not shrink back from preaching (Greek – anangello). What was helpful to the Ephesians. He publicly invited people of all races to accept the gospel. God intends for unbelievers to be brought to repentance and faith through the preaching of the gospel.

Proclamation closes with an appeal for repentance and faith, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of salvation. New Testament proclamation is primarily the authoritative declaration of the good news, inviting all people to salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second Thought of the Day:

“Then Simeon blessed then and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” (Luke2:34)

Jesus’ coming brought decision time. People cannot just sit in the middle, making no decision. You must either accept Him and rise to salvation or reject Him and fall to judgment. He would suffer rejection, which would bring His mother suffering, as well.

Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, and upon entering, they encountered Simeon and the Holy Spirit told Simeon, this was the child he had been promised to see, before he died. Later, Jesus found rejection from others: the Pharisees and Sadducees, the San Hedrin, the people, the Romans, and finally on the cross. There is no middle ground, one must decide. I pray you decide wisely.