March 18, 2023 -- Acts 28:30-31 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Jesus' promise fulfilled and being fulfilled
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Acts 28:30-31 ESV
Remember the start of Acts? Just before Jesus’ ascension into heaven He told His disciples “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Paul has preached in Jerusalem and made extensive missionary journeys into various regions, and now is at the centre of the Roman Empire, in Rome itself, preaching the Gospel. The promise of Jesus is fulfilled and the work of the Spirit in believers today continually fulfills the promise of Jesus. The Gospel is going out into all the world. What a fitting end to Luke’s writing of Acts.
Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, keep reading the Word. By it you know Jesus and the power of His salvation. As you read the Word and are steeped in it, you will be able to speak to anyone you meet, applying the appropriate passages of Scripture which answer the deepest need of your hearer. It is God alone Who can satisfy the hungry soul. It is the Living God Himself Whose Son Jesus Christ gives you the highest reason for living and also gives the greatest meaning to life.
2. Q. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
(The Shorter Catechism, Question and Answer 2).
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the tremendous beauty and power of Your Word. Thank You that by it we can both glorify You and enjoy You forever. Forgive us for the times when our service to You has seemed to be drudgery and sand between the teeth rather than imbibing the blessed Living Water of Jesus. Father in heaven, direct Your Spirit so that by His power we too will be bold witnesses about Jesus and so bring honour and praise and blessing to Your Name. Amen.
All Creatures (Sing the Harmony) Shane and Shane
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