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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Paul and Silas had been preaching and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ for only a fortnight – opposition was violent – and for their safety the new believing brothers sent Paul and Silas down the coast to Berea.
One would have thought they were required to remain in Thessalonica to protect and encourage and strengthen those who had newly come to faith in Jesus Christ – but not on this occasion.
Wherever Paul went there was blessing and battle – revival and uproar – faith and fury.
Acts 17 verse 10 – Paul and Silas are sent off from Thessalonica to Berea - and again they go into the synagogue and preach Jesus Christ - same place - same method - same message.
We read that they were more noble - and they readily received The Word of God.
Their minds were open to God - to His Word - and to His servants.
These people did something highly interesting and significant - and important. They went home to check up on what was being preached and taught. This they did every day to ensure that what was being said was true.
Many believed - prominent Gentile women - and Gentile men.
It is always important to check out on what is being said and preached and taught - that it is true - that it can be supported by The Scriptures.
That is how to come to real faith with a solid sound foundation - from the beginning. Those who do this will soon see their faith growing.
Verse 13 – When the Jews back in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching in Berea with some success - a mob came down - a gang appeared - to stir up the people - agitators sowing seeds of unrest and discontent.
Paul is forced to move on again - he has to get out of the road for his own safety.
The preaching of The Word of God is never a drowsy soothing sedative.
It challenges our whole way of life - it challenges the way we live - it shakes our values, priorities, comfort, beliefs - the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ opens us up to make essential changes.
New priorities are set before us. Old habits - ways - conversations - are discovered to be wrong and empty and meaningless when compared with Jesus Christ - radical transformations take place in our lives.
As we move on in Jesus - old ways of thinking - former attitudes - and even certain relationships - are left and forsaken for ever.
And yet - at the same time - when you come to Jesus Christ and accept His Ways - you find Him very soothing - loving - tender - strong - understanding.
Even when you may be thrown into some prison you find yourself singing hymns and praises. That can even surprise us - because it is so unlike what we formerly were. We would never previously have been able to react and respond like that.
Even when you may be on the run - there is supernatural peace as God guides and moves in your life - encouraging and inspiring.
This is one positive aspect of the life of the disciple which can only be understood by someone who has been born again.
Early lessons from this missionary outreach – there was an intensity and they were not afraid or slow to draw attention to themselves – although that was never their intention. They knew nothing about mediocrity or complacency or compromise.
Paul was active – he kept at it – and kept first things first. He had answers and he knew God would honour his ministry. He included everyone – ministering to Jews and Gentiles – and he always appeared prepared for opposition.
“Gracious loving Father – keep us faithful and reliable and dependable and obedient – we thank You for those who have gone before us and who have given us so much through their ministries. May we be able to hand on to those who come after us what they will need – in Jesus name.”
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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