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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We are in Acts 14 and we have been reading of Paul and Barnabas being opposed and persecuted as consequence of their ministry in the Name of Jesus and in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Prophets - preachers - persecutors - will all one day appear before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ.
What we have done in this situation with people like that around? Run away and give up?
Paul decides to remain a little longer and to preach boldly for the Lord, and Jesus honoured this decision by giving them power to do signs and wonders.
Iconium was divided in the same way our world is divided today - not between rich and poor - or black and white - but between those who believe in Jesus Christ and those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. That is the real dividing line. The other matters which divide are serious - yes - but this is the most serious.
Those who are resisting the love of Jesus plot and plan against Paul and Barnabas. There is a conspiracy. Do you see how evil grows here? Do you see how evil or wickedness likes to draw in others, and involve others? Get as many involved as possible, and we won't look so bad! That happened in the Garden of Eden and in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Now it was time for Paul and Barnabas to move out and to move on, not to run away. There is a difference.
The aim of those opposing the preachers was to ill-treat and stone them to death.
Sometimes it is right to stay - sometimes it is right to move on - even to flee.
Sometimes it takes courage to stay - sometime it takes more courage to flee.
We have to find out what God's Will is for us, in various situations. To fulfil God's Will, will always take courage.
If you feel death may be facing you, and your work for God is not over, move on.
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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