1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Paul concluded his sermon in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia with a strong warning. He recounted the History of Israel, told of Jesus being the fulfillment of the Prophets, and left them with a strict warning that those who choose not to believe will perish. He said Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken of in the Prophets come upon you: “Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.” (Acts 13:41) Many heeded the warning
The next Verse tells us that after the service was over, the Jews left but the Gentiles wanted to hear more. So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. (Acts 13:42) These were the people referred to as “God-fearers.” They were people who believed in God and loved God but were not Jewish by nationality.
Anyone who was not Jewish was a Gentile and for the first time, the Word spoken from the pulpit in the synagogue included them. Paul said that faith in Jesus Christ was the Way to Salvation. They didn’t have to go through the rigorous process of becoming proselyte Jews. Nor did they have to try to keep the Law of Moses. They didn’t have to do anything except believe what Paul told them about Jesus. This was good news. Actually, this was the best news they had ever heard!
They had heard the Words of the Prophets of Old for generations. They had committed a lot of them to memory. Now, those Prophecies were coming to pass in their lifetime! Paul and Barnabas were the ones Isaiah spoke of when he said, How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings Good News, who proclaims Peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims Salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)
This Jesus that Paul was talking about was the same man Isaiah prophesied about in Isaiah 53! This WAS that man! The Messiah had come! The Angel of the Lord spoke to the shepherds in the field and said Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you Good Tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10:11)
This man, Jesus, told them Who He was. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me. (John 14:6)
Sermons preached today should be the same as Paul preached 2,000 years ago. Tell the History, share the Good News of the Gospel of Christ, and give the warning. Back it all up with Scripture and offer an invitation. That’s it! The Holy Spirit will do the rest.
The Gospel of Christ will still…..…….turn the tide……….in the hearts and lives of people.
I love to tell the story, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
