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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Acts 19:9. Paul leaves the synagogue in Ephesus, taking those disciples who wanted to listen and learn, and in a lecture hall he taught them daily - God's Word and God's Ways.
We see here things repeating themselves - what happened on the first and second missionary journeys is being repeated. The opposition comes from within a circle of those who have been regarded as religious, but they were not interested in spiritual matters.
From 11am to 4pm every day, Paul would teach those who were keen to listen and learn. When those who normally used the lecture hall were resting and sleeping - having a siesta - Paul was preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ. What a lesson!
Paul carried out this exhausting ministry daily for two years, and all heard the Word of God. It does not say that everyone welcomed and received and accepted his preaching - but they all had the opportunity.
Then, God began to use dearly beloved, faithful, loyal, and obedient Paul in a most amazing and remarkable way. I use these adjectives because people want what follows, to happen today, without having the same concern, compassion, obedience and faithfulness.
Men and women were bringing handkerchiefs and aprons to Paul, and if he would pray over these pieces of cloth, the people believed that when they took them to those who were sick, they would be healed. When the Holy Spirit gets into people and upon people things happen. Miracles take place. Remarkable things occur. Faith was strong, and God always honours faith, and He meets the need of those who have faith. Diseases departed - evil spirits left people - amazing things were happening in Ephesus - some good - and some that were not so good.
A group of travelling Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to attempt to minister to those who were influenced by evil spirits - to demonised people. But they did not know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and King - and the evil spirits knew that they did not know Jesus Christ as Saviour, Lord and King.
Verse 16. Terrible things happened. This is not an area that anyone should take it upon himself to go into, but if God calls you to embark upon this type of ministry, you will be equipped for it. You minister - putting on the whole armour of God - with prayer and fasting. There are times when we have to be ultra careful in our preparation - and this passage speaks of such an occasion. Be very very careful.
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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