The disciples of Jesus, from the early church, were much different than the people now. As for what we see now, people go to or stream church on the weekends, but during the week they are entirely different people. Most of them you wouldn’t even be able to decipher who was a Christian if you met them, for only a few people are being led by the Holy Spirit day in and day out. As for Paul, a disciple of Jesus Christ, “he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:4-6) Paul was being led by God, and that is why on each Sabbath he would preach and teach at the Jewish Synagogues. He knew with all his heart that Jesus is the Christ, and that is why he went there so often. It is when they wouldn’t listen to him any longer that he left them, while telling them that this decision to deny Jesus as Lord is causing their blood to come upon their own heads in death. Anybody who denies Jesus will be denied by Him also. This means hellfire and damnation if not repented of in this life.
But Paul did not stop after knowing that the Jews were not interested in hearing the gospel. That is why he then went off to the Gentiles, which are us now, who are not Jews, but believe in Jesus unto salvation. And so, “he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” (Acts 18:7-11) This is dedication to God, of which Paul was not the only one who was like this. His mission in life was to serve God and everybody that met Paul knew of his desire to do God’s will above all else. No wonder why this man, Crispus, and his family, including many Corinthians and were baptized. Now, my question for you is where is your dedication to serve God? Does it exist currently? If not, then get your priorities in order and start calling upon God daily, starting today. Only those who believe and do as Jesus says, even through the Holy Spirit, are saved.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will be able to see You in us. Yes, God, may our dedication to do Your will be more than what we do at church, but outside those walls also. I wish for each person to see Jesus in me, but I know that this can only happen if the Holy Spirit is abounding with me. So Lord, keep me in right standing with You at all times. Help me to not fall victim to temptation, and fight the fight with me in these battles. I am stronger with You. And as for my sins, I am sorry for going against Your will. Forgive me God. Help me to stay focused on what is most important in life and not on things that are only time wasters and do nothing good for the soul. Surely, TV is one of those things that destroys our relationship with You. It can be videos, TV shows, or movies we watch, or even video games. And if we do not get control over it, it will take control over us. I know this to be true God, and I pray that You will destroy every ambition within me to watch or play anything that goes against Your will. Destroy that part of me that wants to do things that have nothing to do with working for Your kingdom or being a good husband and parent for my children. I only desire to lead my family in the ways of the Lord and I know that this can only happen if I continue to rest in Your presence. And so I rest now and abide with You, Jesus. I love You, God. I give You praise and honor. Amen.
