Key Verse:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Acts 28:30-31 New International Version)
Central Truth:
Even though Paul faced challenges, he did not cease his teachings and preachings of the Gospel. How blessed we are that we have pastors that follow in Paul’s footsteps today! They are not afraid to stand alone and preach the truth of the Bible.
STANDING ALONE
As we read this chapter about Paul preaching and the dangers he faced, the ridicule, the doubt, and even being arrested, we thought of what it must feel like to be a preacher of God’s word in today’s world.
Once the music and praise is over in a church service, the pastor walks out on that stage and stands alone. What does he “feel” from the people sitting in the seats in front of him? Can he “sense” our tension and life struggles from our faces staring back at him? Can he see our connection or lack there of from his preaching God’s word? Does God intuitively guide his focus to those not saved or even toward those that need a nudge to step up to make a public commitment to God? Does he see the tears that stream down our faces when our hearts are so filled by the Holy Spirit from words he speaks in his sermon?
It truly is amazing that pastors really exhibit and model their faith by standing alone in front of us. They stand there knowing that God is with them too as they preach unceasingly the messages of the Bible. They stand there publicly making themselves vulnerable to ridicule, skepticism, and doubt. So our prayer is to pray for the pastors of Christianity that they remain strong and unyielding just as Paul did.
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