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We come to these verses in Galatians Chapter 6 regarding the importance of the Word of God and the sowing of the seed of the Word of God, but turn to that passage in Acts 17. Paul and Silas have travelled to Berea.

They have just been through a period of tremendous trouble as a result of their preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and teaching The Word of God, but that did not put them off.

In Berea, they preached in the synagogue, and the people "received the message with great eagerness" - verse 11. BUT LOOK WHAT THEY DID. They examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Never accept anything just because a Bible Teacher or Preacher proclaims a certain message. Go home and check it out. Go home and make sure that what was taught was actually what the Scriptures said.

This is important for our spiritual welfare and well-being - and safety.

Those who teach will be judged more strictly than others. (James 3:1)

It is wise to take time to check out what is said - not only on Sundays or on other occasions - but also what we say in our everyday conversation.

This applies to our behaviour too - where we go - what we do there - what we may become involved in. It is wise to check it out with what is in The Word of God.

The ideas or thoughts or fashions of men can be very misleading, and can lead us into dangerous areas. Just because a man says something - that settles nothing - no matter who that man might be.

Jesus has given us teachers to open up this Word - so that we might come to grasp the significance of every part.

We see the need for a teacher in Acts Chapter 8 at verse 26. There is a man travelling from Jerusalem to North Africa. He is the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Queen of Ethiopia. On his way home he is reading the book of Isaiah, and when he comes to Chapter 53 he cannot make sense of it. He cannot grasp its significance.

And God has provided a Bible teacher to be in the vicinity - a man who knew what the Word meant - a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit. We are allowed to overhear this conversation. GOD takes us right into the chariot.

This important official needs someone who can explain what he is reading - someone who can teach - and Philip points him to Jesus Christ.

This Chancellor was reading all about Jesus, but he did not recognise HIM. He needed a teacher - someone who could reveal from the Word of God, Jesus Christ - and he came to believe.

This Chancellor spotted some water - and he asks Philip - "Why shouldn't I be baptised?" From what we read nobody had mentioned baptism - but right away - the Chancellor and Philip went down into the water - and Philip baptised the Chancellor.

In the New Testament baptism is never trifled with - it is never postponed. There is no record of anyone being baptised without believing - without coming to a degree of faith.

He was not told he needed six weeks of preparation classes. As soon as he came to believe in Jesus - the old man was buried - and the new creation emerged clean and obedient.

A teacher was needed, and it is Jesus who gives teachers to the Church. Jesus gives Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. There are times when we may exercise more than one of these ministries.

Returning to Galatians 6 - we are called to sow abundantly - generously - we are not to be stingey or mean with God. We don't give God our tips - but our first fruits. And at the proper time we will reap a harvest, IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP.

“Gracious God, You are so generous. That day when You created the water we see such generosity – that day when Jesus went to the cross to rescue and save and forgive, we see such generous costly love. Help me to respond with my life, my gifts, my abilities – my all – in Jesus Name. Amen.”

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

Character