Only God does the work of the forgiveness of sin and saving a soul from eternal judgement, for it is only God the Son who paid the price that all of mankind owes for their sin! However, God clearly calls the believer to a work after their salvation (Rom. 6:12-13; II Cor. 6:1). What has God called the church to do?
Have you stopped listening to the still small voice of God? Have you decided to live life your way and not God’s way? Have you come across hard pathways of life and wonder how you got here? Have you gotten a distance down the road of life and realized the Bible was right…you shouldn’t have made that choice all those weeks, months, or years ago?
We must stay clear on who God is. In our study of Acts 13-14 we have seen that God is sovereign, love, longsuffering, merciful, all-powerful, and all-knowing. No matter what your circumstances seem to tell you, you know from God’s own word that He is these things. You know that sometimes your circumstances do not tell you the whole story about God, but that you must choose to trust God!
Notice how Paul addressed his audience with their background in mind. So, instead of beginning with Jesus as the Messiah, which would have the Jews in a defensive position at the start, he provides a review of their history. Since they are not defensive, they are listening to understand what he says.
The list of changes could continue to be rehearsed for days to come and the impact of these changes will be felt for generations to come. The fact is change is inevitable. However, the change with the greatest impact is not enabled via technology. The change above any possible change is only found in Jesus!
What matters more to you and I than our relationship with Jesus is what will lead us away from Jesus. If we are not careful, we can embrace the same mindset as the Pharisees and think that others are the ones that sin and that are somehow we have earned/deserved God’s favor and blessing. Even the church still needs to come to and follow Jesus!
