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Saul Unknowingly Persecuted Jesus
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:3-5, NIV Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the early Christians. He was full of zeal with his beliefs in Judaism to the point of hurting those people who followed Jesus. He was one of the Pharisees who greatly persecuted those who believed in Jesus as the Messiah. He never really realized who he was persecuting until he encountered…
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Romans 1: 17, NIV
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1: 17, NIV Faith is what’s visible in the lives of every righteous person. It is not just about their deeds or words, but it’s about their faith in Jesus that leads them to live righteous life. This is the reason why you must not focus on things that this world tried to impose on you. Instead, you need to live according to what Jesus instructed us. What pleases Him are those who choose to believe in His words…
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Acts 26:22-24, NIV
But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” Acts 26: 22-24, NIV Paul was an intelligent person. He knew what was written in the law, and He was even part of the people who…
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Acts 22:21, NIV
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” Acts 22:21, NIV Jesus commanded Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Our Savior didn’t only save the people of Israel, but He wants everyone to be saved, including those who are not Jews. He is a God who intentionally used Paul and other people’s lives to become a vessel of His love. And Paul responded to His call. He offered his life for the sake of preaching the good news. He sacrificed and faced the pain of persecution just to obey Jesus. Our heavenly Father loves everyone, and He will use…
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Acts 18: 9-10, NIV
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. Acts 18:9-10, NIV Jesus was with Paul while he was preaching to the people in Corinth. He commanded Him to keep on speaking, for He was with Him. He even assured Paul that no one was going to attack and harm him because He had many people in that city. You see, Jesus never leaves Paul’s side as he continues to preach the good news. And…
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Acts 16: 22, NIV
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. Acts 16:22, NIV Paul and Silas went through many hardships while preaching the gospel. They were stripped and beaten with rods. They were physically in pain. But despite the hardships they experienced, they remained steadfast. In fact, they continue to encourage many believers. They did what pleased God, and they did not give up. If you are also one of those who tried to preach the gospel and, just like Paul, you also encounter challenges, then may his life remind you to keep moving on despite the pain.…
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Acts 16:14, NIV
One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer I purple cloth. She was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:14, NIV The Lord has the power to open somebody’s heart, just like what He did to Lydia. So take courage! God will help you. If you are praying for someone that you love to encounter Jesus, then let this be your hope. Pray that the Lord will open their hearts and respond to the message of the Gospel. Ask it from God. Surrender them in His presence. Keep on lifting them up. Know…
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Acts 16:7, NIV
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. Acts 16:7, NIV Paul and his companions continued to preach the gospel in different places. They tried to enter Bithynia, but Jesus tried to stop them. You see, our Savior never left His disciples on their own. For instance, Paul. Jesus encountered Him in a supernatural way and gave Him the call to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He didn’t just give this command and do nothing. He was with Him all throughout the journey. He even protected and guided them. If Jesus revealed to you…
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Acts 14: 21-22, NIV
They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God,” they said. Acts 14:21-22, NIV The disciples of Jesus knew what it meant to truly serve and love them. They knew that they would go through many hardships, but even if they expected things to be difficult. Still, they humbly accepted it with all their hearts. They lived and moved with that truth. They accepted the challenge. They continue to serve God’s people and…
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Acts 11: 21, NIV
The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:21, NIV The Lord was with His disciples. He never leaves them alone. He is a good God who makes way for His people. He moves in every heart. As His disciples shared the gospel, the Lord’s spirit was also with them. He was there giving them the grace and support that they need. So if you happen to also share the good news to those who are broken and lost, then know that you are not alone. God is with you. His presence is guiding and protecting you. You may…
