We are Under Orders
Paul was most often found in the temple arguing
his case that Jesus was the Christ. Again in Acts
18: he was still making his case. After all, this
was Paul who had persecuted the followers of
Jesus for so long. Now the Lord said to him in a
vision one night (verse 9) "Do not be afraid, but
speak and do not be silent; for I am with you."
As Christians we are under orders to spread the Word of God in Christ.
These orders are never changed. They are what the armed forces would
call "standing orders". Remember we are not responsible for the effect
of the speaking that we do for God. Our mission is to continue to speak.
We are to be witnesses. We trust God to do the rest.
The story of God's love may be old to you. But for someone,
somewhere, it is new. Keep telling it.
My favorite hymn is 390 in the LBW (Lutheran Book of Worship).
Some of the key words are: I love to tell the story because I know it's
true. It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do. . I love to tell
the story, for some have never heard the message of salvation from
God's own Holy Word. . I love to tell the story for those who know it
best, seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
What more can I say. The Pentecost season is upon us. For the next six
months the emphasis is on the Holy Spirit living and dwelling in you.
Let His Spirit lead you to be His presence to those you meet each and
every day. Share your faith. Jesus is Lord!
-Pastor Starkey
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