September 6, 2021 — Acts 13:32–52

“As Paul and Barnabaswere going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath. When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles,
    so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.” Acts 13:42-49

The reaction of the Jews in verse 45 raises a question for us: How should the church respond to those who make it their public business to reject the Gospel or speak against the church? It is clear to me that our society is becoming more and more secular – more and more people do not believe in Jesus, or even believe that a G-d exists. And, to address a more immediate experience, how should the church respond when a group comes into our area, in the name of the Gospel, and publicly denounces certain races or cultures?

We will encounter times and situations where the church must lift their voices in protest and respond – and in so doing, will put us squarely into the public arena and the public eye. It is always safer to write our congress people or to write a letter to the editor of the local paper than it is to state our views, openly, publicly, and with the opportunity for others to reject us. But shouldn’t we become more vocal and visible when the message of the Gospel is at stake?

Let Us Pray,

Lord give us the voice to speak up for you, and against those who denounce the church. Help us to spread the word with fire and the spirt. Amen.

Pastor Dave