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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Acts 20:17. Paul is speaking for the final time in his life with these elders from Ephesus, in western Turkey. Final words are important.
This was the man who spoke about joy and rejoicing. Ah, there can be rejoicing and peace - with tears flowing down one's cheeks - only - only - the disciple of Jesus Christ experiences that spiritual reality. And, suffering is the balancing factor.
There are times when God comes and drops a little suffering into our lives. We may think we do NOT need THAT, but HE sees that we do.
Paul wept often. He is so honest and open. This is the normal Christian experience. This is reality of ministry in the Kingdom of God.
Paul had this beautiful knack of talking about himself, without being proud or arrogant or conceited or self-centered.
Many a time I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews - and you know - verse 20 - I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you. I have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have withheld nothing - I have taught everything that would help you and benefit you and encourage you and bless you. I taught in public, and I taught in your homes - lecture hall and living room - and at the centre and heart of my preaching was the call to repent and have faith.
We have something of the content of his preaching. What we preach and teach needs to have content - substance - something substantial, which will satisfy, sustain and strengthen.
Imagine going out for a meal, when you were hungry, and being served up two little cornflakes and a thimbleful of milk, and some artificial sweetener. That would be quite inadequate - unsatisfying - and not fulfilling our hopes and needs. If you are in a preaching and teaching ministry seek to satisfy those who are present with spiritual food that is nourishing and satisfying.
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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