Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep;
Paul and Barnabas brought a new-found excitement everywhere they went by teaching and preaching the Gospel of Christ. In the 13th Chapter of Acts, we read that Paul preached a powerful message in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia. In his message, he reminded the people of their History and the Prophecies of Old. Then showed the people how Jesus fulfilled the Words of the Prophets.
Many of the people understood and were Saved! They placed their faith in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary and in doing so, they were set free from the bondage of the Law that had held them captive for centuries.
These people were so excited, they followed Paul and Barnabas all over town and shared this Good News with everyone they knew. The following Sabbath, just about everyone in the whole city was at the synagogue to listen to Paul preach more about Jesus.
A great awakening was taking place in Antioch in Pisidia as the people placed their faith in Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. They understood and believed that this Man named Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah that the Prophets of Old had spoken of. What a time to be alive on this earth!
The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to teach and preach the Gospel. When he did, the people believed and were awakened to the Truth. As Jesus said, And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) They were set free by their becoming awake through their faith in Christ Crucified.
Paul later wrote many letters to various churches throughout the region. In these letters, he often encouraged them to wake up and remain awake. This is the Message needed for believers today. Wake up! Stay awake! For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of Light. (Ephesians 5:8)
Many believe that if they once “accepted Jesus as their Savior” nothing else will ever be required of them. This is a lie straight from Hell! Read the Word of God! The whole Book is about how to live our lives pleasing to God. It’s all about our lifestyle; what we say, what we do, and how we treat other people.
We were all once living in darkness but when we come to faith in Christ by the Grace of God, we become children of Light. Therefore, act like children of Light. Talk like children of Light. Do what children of Light do. We can only do this by keeping our minds on Jesus all the time. There are many ways of saying this. Paul instructed the Corinthians to do this by bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) This means to be in constant control of our thoughts and see that they line up with the Words of Jesus Who simply said, Abide in Me. (John 15:4)
Faith in Christ Crucified will……….turn the tide……….in your world!
I’m awake. Are you? Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
