Acts 28:18-22 “When they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for
putting me to death. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not
that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. For
this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because
for the hope of Israel
I am bound with this chain.” Then they said to him, “We neither
received letters from Judea concerning you,
nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. But we desire to hear from you what you
think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
We have reached the end of
our churches Sunday Sermon series through the Book of Acts. Pastor Kyle wanted
to give us a few insights from the final verses of this great book. (1) A
crisis in one community is no big deal in another community. You may have heard
the old saying: “When in Roman, do as the Romans do”, meaning that what is
important to some in one place is not important to others in another place and
we have to adjust to our audience and their unique cares and concerns.
Acts 28:22-24 “But we desire to hear from you what you
think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to
whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God ,
persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets,
from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some
disbelieved.
(2) Some will believe in Jesus,
some will reject Jesus. Who in your life today is listening to the voice of the
Holy Spirit? Ultimately, it’s not up to us, as it is the Holy Spirit that
prepares the listeners heart in advance to His voice and be transformed.
Acts 28:28-31 “Therefore I
want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent
to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and
welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom
of God and taught
about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without
hindrance!
(3) Paul’s and Luke’s purpose in Acts is fulfilled, but our part
goes on because God’s purposes are never-ending. We need to keep a soft heart
towards the voice of the Holy Spirit and let those who reject the gospel move
on. In getting the gospel message out to our community, we must realize that
our never-ending ministry is mainly focused locally within our sphere of
influence. Each community reaching their community, neighborhood by
neighborhood for Christ. Blessings.
In Christ, Brian
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