A Worthy Message
We are living in strange times, times of change, unrest, and division. When we wake up in the morning, it is easy to scroll through our newsfeed, or listen to the radio and be distressed by what we hear and see. It is also easy to become completely overwhelmed by these things and feel helpless to change anything. What can we do to change our world for the better and bring glory to God? How can we stand up for what is right and not offend or cause more division?
During the time of the Apostles, in the book of Acts there was a lot of unrest and division. We can learn much about our current situation by reading the Word of God and seeing how these early followers of Christ navigated an uncertain political and religious climate.
During these times, the Zealots were advocating violence and rebellion towards Roman rule, while the Sadducees were brokering power by compromising with this same Roman rule. The early church was beginning to grow rapidly and negatively affecting many people in powerful positions. There were numerous differing ideas about how God-fearing Jews and new Christians should find their place in society, and many factions that were completely opposed to one another.
As we read through the book of Acts, we can see the Apostles message to these groups is slightly different, but for the most part the same. Speaking first to the Jews at Pentecost in many languages, then to the powerful Sanhedrin, then to the scattered church from Syria to Rome and everywhere in between, we hear a message that changed the world everywhere it was preached. This is the message we have the opportunity to share today, and it still carries great power wherever it is proclaimed.
We are now experiencing political unrest, great division, racial tension, and sickness on a global scale. The divisions of this world have made their way into our churches and are causing tension between brothers and sisters in Christ. Many feel overwhelmed and unable to make a difference with the constant weight of so many worldly troubles, but we still carry a message that has the power to change our families, communities, our country, and the world.
The Gospel message still delivers hope, joy, and perspective. It is the worthiest message to share, and it is the greatest way to show love and hope to a hopeless and dying world. This week, please join me in sharing this worthy message of the hope that you have in Christ in any way you can, and may God be glorified as sinners are saved.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.