Sunday, Lord's Day, July 20, 2014

I missed the I Kings class today, as I was recruited to teach the K-2nd Grade SS class.
 
Our story was about Paul and the shipwreck of Acts 27.  The lesson focused on trusting God and His promises.  Apparently, last week's lesson focused on Paul's boldness in  sharing what God had done in his life, and sharing the Gospel with anyone, no matter what their response.  He didn't tone it down, or keep silent out of fear of persecution.   He boldly obeyed God, even after he knew that he would be persecuted.

Today, we saw Paul's trust.   God promised him that he would indeed preach the gospel in Rome, and then, in the middle of a violent storm, that not a person on the ship would lose their life. The ship would indeed wreck, but no one would be lost.

It was difficult to hold the children's attention, and learn to tell a story on their level.  I pray they heard and learned something......some little seed planted in their hearts about being bold for Christ, and trusting Him, that will be watered along the way.

I myself, was very convicted about boldness.   All too often, I am silent, fearing the reaction of others around me.  
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Sermon,  Billy Joseph,    Colossians  4:2-6

Same passage as last week, focusing on a different aspect of Christian life.   Evangelism.

Who do you compare yourself to? How do you measure up?

We tend to compare ourselves and our efforts/successes to those who have been given the express gift of evangelism.  Not all of us have that gift, however, so the outcome of our efforts will never measure up to their standards.  We wind up feeling like a failure and give up or quit.  Or,  we wind up coveting what they have.....and perhaps being angry with them for no reason, or even angry at God for not gifting us in the same way.   But....not having the same gift as others doesn't let us off the hook.  We are still to share the gospel.

It is noted that Paul, in his letters, never scolds a church for not being evangelistic.   But he does, over and over, implore them to live holy, Godly lives in front of the world.  If he scolds, he does so for lack of holy living.

We are to pray for those who are called to evangelize.....they cannot do it without our prayers!  And also we are commanded to  "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Next week will be concerning these directives.