The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Acts 19:8-9a,
"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them."
As we read in Acts 18:4 and Acts 26:28, Paul approached folks with the gospel message in an attempt to persuade them. Here we see Paul "arguing persuasively" about the kingdom of God. As all have a choice to make regarding the gospel when confronted with it, we are told that some in Ephesus "became obstinate" and that they "refused to believe". A horrific choice they made given the consequences!
Jesus confided in Nicodemus as to why folks would refuse the love of their Creator and opt for his judgment. He told him, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." John 3:19. This tells me a person's spiritual condition is dictated by their morality. Men love darkness instead of light because of their own evil hearts so they refuse to have a change of heart, a change of mind when confronted with the gospel!
Nevertheless, Jesus Christ came to save these very sinners! If only all could be persuaded, but their lifestyles and heart condition holds them fast. Later John quotes Jesus as saying, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6. How wonderful our Savior came for us! How wonderful he gave his life to ransom us from God's judgment! What an expression of love that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! This morning I thank God for his grace toward us that has made it possible for any of us to embrace him!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them."
As we read in Acts 18:4 and Acts 26:28, Paul approached folks with the gospel message in an attempt to persuade them. Here we see Paul "arguing persuasively" about the kingdom of God. As all have a choice to make regarding the gospel when confronted with it, we are told that some in Ephesus "became obstinate" and that they "refused to believe". A horrific choice they made given the consequences!
Jesus confided in Nicodemus as to why folks would refuse the love of their Creator and opt for his judgment. He told him, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." John 3:19. This tells me a person's spiritual condition is dictated by their morality. Men love darkness instead of light because of their own evil hearts so they refuse to have a change of heart, a change of mind when confronted with the gospel!
Nevertheless, Jesus Christ came to save these very sinners! If only all could be persuaded, but their lifestyles and heart condition holds them fast. Later John quotes Jesus as saying, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6. How wonderful our Savior came for us! How wonderful he gave his life to ransom us from God's judgment! What an expression of love that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! This morning I thank God for his grace toward us that has made it possible for any of us to embrace him!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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