February 5, 2023 -- Acts 13:48-52 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Those appointed to eternal life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:48-52 ESV

It is interesting that Paul and Barnabas began by preaching to the Jewish people in Antioch. They were having a great impact when non-Jews, the Gentiles, also were beginning to believe in Jesus. The Jewish people got offended at the fact that Gentiles were entering the Kingdom of Heaven and they stirred up persecution.

This is an encapsulation of spiritual warfare. On the one hand the Good News about Jesus Christ goes forth with great power. On the other hand the opposition of the enemy increases and seems overwhelming. The great truth in the midst of all of this is that the Lord has appointed many for eternal life. The ones whom the Spirit has prepared will receive Jesus’ grace and understand the love of the Father. Do not stop speaking. Do not lose hope when you face troubles and hardship and suffering because of the Gospel.

Fellow believers, get to church today. Feed your faith. Meet with fellow Christians and grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Your mouth speaks from the overflow of your heart. If all you have been feeding yourself is video games, or movies, or smut, or anger, or self-love then you will have nothing to share with others but worldliness and darkness. When you fill your heart with the Word of God, filling your mind with hymn and psalms and spiritual songs then your mouth will speak in praise of Jesus and many who are appointed for eternal life will hear and join you in blessing the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! It is a treasure worthy of great celebration and rejoicing to know You have appointed men and women and children for eternal life. What mercy mixed with love flows from Your great throne. Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, by Whom this powerful work of reconciliation is enacted. Thank You for the gift of God the Spirit, by Whom believers are gathered to Jesus and guarded for eternal life. Thank You for the blessing of Sunday. Draw Your people to worship You. Bless Your preachers and teachers and missionaries so that the Word will go out with power. Equip us all by Your Spirit so that we will carry the Good News of Your great love, revealed in Jesus, to all the world. Amen.

For Your Gift of God the Spirit—FPC Congregation
https://youtu.be/GLUxT9jFyBc
 

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