"And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God" Acts 19:8.
The story is told of a preacher who preached the same sermon every Sunday. Needless to say, the congregation was eventually annoyed by the weekly repetition. Displeasure at this weekly repetition was expressed, to which the pastor, "I'm preaching the same sermon until we get it right!"
The apostle Paul likely didn't preach the same sermon wherever he went, but he never veered far from the vital kingdom of God theme, as we see in Acts 19:8. This was in complete harmony with the main message and emphasis of Jesus.
Jesus left important "kingdom treasure hunt clues" throughout the Gospels by way of His parables and teachings. There is ample evidence in the Book of Acts that the first church's emphasis and obsession with the message of the King and His Kingdom is what turned their world upside down.
As a pastor for over forty years, I have found that there is something energizing and liberating about discovering and declaring the two-part gospel (Acts 8:12). The more we focus on this vital message, the more Spirit energy we experience. It should come as no surprise to note that extraordinary Spirit energy was closely connected with Paul as he declared this kingdom good news. Notice Acts 19:11 -
"God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul."
The supernatural Spirit activity recorded in Acts was for the purpose of validating the work of the risen Christ through His church. The activity of God's Spirit continues to be closely associated with the biblical, two-part gospel. When we align with this gospel, we are in the best position possible to experience power to overcome sinful patterns and behavior, and to be the disciples of Jesus who model kingdom realities today.
My hope and prayer for us is that we find incredible energy for living and overcoming as we embrace the biblical gospel.
©Steve Taylor, 2022 --Used by permission
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