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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We are studying Acts Chapter 22, where the apostle Paul gives his testimony, and I deliberately use the word 'study' because it is so vitally important that we study the Scriptures - not just read them - but 'study'. There are times when we will read them, but there should be times when we 'study' them.
It always amazes me when scholars become so excited on finding an ancient document.
We have The Word of God - the Word of our Creator God, our gracious merciful loving Saviour - and these documents in the Bible should be read and studied more carefully than any others - always allowing the living God to speak to us - even when we are studying!
Paul is arrested for his own safety and protected by a platoon of Roman soldiers. He asks if he may speak to the mob who were rioting, and mistreating him. As Paul gives his testimony and two characteristics emerge - two qualities so needed in the Church today - Clear Convictions - and - Regular Instruction. We certainly have these in the testimony of Paul. In this account of what happened to him, he is so clear, and his longing - his desire - his aim and goal - is to instruct. Later this comes across in his letters, where we have teaching which is sound and practical.
Clear Convictions and Regular Instruction are so desperately needed in the Church of Jesus Christ.
Paul speaks in a way the people could understand. They may not agree with what he was saying - they may not like what he was saying - they may not have wanted to hear what he was saying - but they certainly knew what he was saying. Not only was he clear, but it was personal, and firsthand.
This is no second hand theory, or philosophical ideas. It was all about what God did for him. Paul refers to himself some 18 times as he addresses this angry crowd, and yet all the glory is being given to God. In no way is he being self-centred.
Paul speaks about what he was like - and how he met Jesus - and how that meeting with the risen and living Jesus was the reason for the total change and transformation in his life. He was changed inside and outside - thoughts and deeds. He had tried to wipe out the Church of Jesus Christ. Now he was seeking to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.
This man had wanted to annihilate every believer. Now he wants to encourage and teach and build up those who have come to faith in Christ. We have seen that in all his travels.
The Church also requires men who will teach, encourage and build up others in the faith. Is that something you could do in a more earnest practical way?
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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