The " Verbal Assault & Reproach " Obstacle

Acts 19:8-10  And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of GOD. But when divers (some people) were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing (reasoning) daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the WORD of the LORD JESUS, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles). "

     For about twelve weeks, Paul entered the synagogue and showed the unbelieving Jews from Scripture how that JESUS was the CHRIST. Yet due to the hardness of their hearts, many publicly began to slander Paul and his message (v.9). They twisted the truth and actually blasphemed the name of CHRIST (they spoke evil of "that way," which refers to the way of Salvation through JESUS CHRIST). Notice how Paul dealt with this obstacle: As serious as the situation became, he could have been very antagonistic, argumentative, and nasty; instead, he simply separated himself and his disciples from subjection to such assault (v.9) and took the time to ground the believers in the truth. We, too, are called to separate ourselves from "foolish" people. There comes a time when the best action to take is just to walk away - remove yourself from a volatile situation and from the company of wicked people (Proverbs 14:7; 22:24-25).

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth." 2nd.Timothy 2:15

     Notice the result of this separation. Because GOD's people were able to be set apart and taught rather than having to focus all their attention on arguing with unbelievers, they became grounded in the truth "so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the WORD of the LORD JESUS" (v.10). Consider the words "so that." It was this separation and Paul's teaching that enabled these believers to become effective ministers of CHRIST. Sadly, this kind of discipleship is lacking in many churches today. We must take the time to immerse ourselves in the truth; then, we should share GOD's truth with others so they, too, can "[hear] the WORD of the LORD: (v.10). Our responsibility is NOT to "save" others but to be grounded in the truth and to make known the glorious Gospel. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" What Does the World Need ? "

John 6:22-38   " The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto HIS disciples were entered, and that JESUS went not with HIS disciples into the boat, but that HIS disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the LORD had given thanks;) When the people therefore saw that JESUS was not there, neither HIS disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum seeking for JESUS. And when they had found HIM on the other side of the sea, they said unto HIM, RABBI, when camest THOU hither ? JESUS answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek ME, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the SON of MAN shall give unto you: for HIM hath GOD the FATHER sealed. 

Then said they unto HIM, What shall we do, that we might work the works of GOD ? JESUS answered and said unto them, This is the work of GOD, that ye believe on HIM WHOM HE hath sent. They said therefore unto HIM, What sign shewest THOU then, that we may see, and believe THEE ? What doest THOU work ? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, HE gave them bread from Heaven to eat. Then JESUS said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven; but MY FATHER giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the BREAD of GOD is HE which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Then said they unto HIM, LORD, evermore give us this bread. And JESUS said unto them, I AM the BREAD of Life: he that cometh to ME shall never hunger; and he that believeth on ME shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen ME, and believe not. All the the FATHER giveth ME shall come to ME; and him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do MINE OWN will, but the will of HIM that sent ME. "

     The answers to the above question are innumerable. Some say "peace"; others say "love" or "joy." Yes, those character qualities are definitely needed in our world today. But character cannot replace the person of JESUS CHRIST. It is HE WHOM the world needs, and when you have CHRIST, you then can have peace, love, and joy. There is no substitute for JESUS CHRIST. And yet, how many try to pursue everything else instead of HIM ? After JESUS had fed the 5,000, many of the people were seeking CHRIST outwardly; but, JESUS knew their real motivation (v.26). And so it still is with many people today-they will claim CHRIST; however, when their true heart is revealed, they are found to claim HIM only for selfish motives. They think they can have the blessings without having to believe in HIM. They want the gift apart from the GIVER.

     JESUS is the "BREAD of GOD" (v.33) and the "BREAD of Life" (vv.35,48) WHO came down from Heaven. HE came to satisfy the spiritual hunger of mankind. JESUS said, "He that cometh to ME shall never hunger; and he that believeth on ME shall never thirst" (v.35), "and him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out" (v.37). HE will never reject you. "And this is the will of HIM that sent ME, that every one which . . . believeth on HIM, may have everlasting life" (v.40). You must believe in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST in order to have eternal life. "But there are some of you that believe not" (v.64). The choice is yours: Receive or reject HIM. But if you reject HIM, you reject everything HE gives: Peace, Love, Joy, Forgiveness of sins, etc. Receive HIM and you will receive everything HE gives. So, what does the world need ? JESUS ! PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.feasite.org