Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Sanctification of the Church

Acts 28: 17-30

 “From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.”

Through Acts 28: 17-31, we can identify that Paul has a major worry. He is worried that many people will shut down the message of Jesus before he gets to Rome. Paul realizes that many people won’t listen to him because word has traveled that he is coming. When Paul does receive his opportunity to speak, he does it in three methods. Paul witnesses, explains and preaches. First we can see that Paul is a witness through his experiences. Through Paul’s letters we can see that he acts as a witness of the gospel. Paul also explains to the people the scriptures of God, which is the Bible. He moves through the Old Testament, into the present, and has hope for the future. He explains how God had acted in the past, and how the picture being painted was not yet complete. Paul also preaches or has a purpose to his speech. He wants the people to accept Christ and to complete the puzzle. He’s not just stating facts but rather has the heart and desire for the people to become followers of Christ. He also explains to the people that they are not the last to accept Christ, and that on a daily basis people are constantly changing their lives. Paul allows them to ponder the thought that if they don’t take his words into action, in the end they will be the ones who lose out on salvation.

Remember that we may face criticism around us as people may not accept Christ. However remember that we are doing it for the glory of God, and allow those who haven’t experienced Christ to see his great love and mercy.

Prayer
Heavenly Father-please strengthen us Lord to be like Paul and to proclaim your name to those around us. Please give us the desire and heart to know that we will face criticism but it's all for your kingdom. Please allow those around us to experience your great love and to accept you as their Lord and Savior. In Jesus' most precious name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the Day
In all that you do, proclaim the Lord’s name and let others be saved.

Robin Varughese 
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York 
 

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