I had the most unique opportunity to serve at a junior/high school when I was 23 in a school sponsored club. There my friend and I had a unique opportunity to teach and share the Gospel. We even passed out breakfast pizza, tutored, and loved on many students. But the most wonderful thing was to continuously share the life and love of Jesus. Paul, in very much the same way, continued to share the life and love of Jesus. Acts chapter 20 would be Paul’s last stand in Ephesus, but it was also an exhortation amongst believers in Macedonia, Troas, and Miletus. Paul logged many shipping miles along the way. First, he went to Macedonia and from there departed to Greece. It was there where he spent three months until persecution rose. (vv.1-3) He was then accompanied by Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus. When he arrived at Troas he preached in the upper room. Unfortunately a young man by the name of Eutychus was sitting on top of a window sill, fell asleep, fell, and died. Paul then rushed to his aid and through the power of the Spirit, the boy was made alive. (vv.4-12) At Miletus he rushed to Jerusalem, but he gathered the elders of the church of Ephesus prior to leaving. (vv. 13-17) Here he declared his desire to preach from house to house, the repentance of Jesus Christ. (vv.20-21) Furthermore, he attested his experience with bondage and affliction as to a race; “So that I may finish my course and ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” (vv.23-24) Paul then issues a warning to be on guard for there are those “wolves” willing to draw them away. (vv.25-33) He ends with an exhortation, that they help those in need, work hard, and be more blessed to give than to receive. (vv.34-38) Paul’s heart for the church was magnified in this chapter. He knew the Holy Spirit’s plan and He intended that many come to know Jesus Christ. Paul healed, disciple, taught, preached, and gave testimony. This is a life of a God-fearing follower, who not only spoke of His faith, but acted upon the Holy Spirit. Many Christians today have an encounter with Christ upon salvation, I wonder if that same power of salvation is evident today? Have you walked with bold faith; sharing, healing, and equipping? If not, you must! #godlylegacy “Jesus life was a storm of controversy. The apostles, like the prophets before them, could hardly go a day without controversy. Paul said that he debated daily in the marketplace. To avoid controversy is to avoid Christ. We can have peace, but it is a servile and carnal peace where truth is slain in the streets.” –RC Sproul
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 12:26:08 +0000
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