The non-Jewish outsiders... are going to receive it with open arms!
[Paul] urgently presented all matters of the kingdom of God. He explained everything about Jesus Christ. His door was always open. (28:38-31)These verses challenge me to ask the questions: Are my arms open to receiving all of the gospel? Is my door always open to those wanting to hear the gospel?
The gospel - the love story of a Holy God calling me into relationship with Him through the sacrifice of His Son. The love story that impacts and influences my every moment and every day. The gospel is my new identity that frees me to love as Christ loves. It's the forgiveness of every time I've fallen short of God's holiness that works forgiveness in me for everyone who has ever sinned against me. It's the presence of the Holy Spirit in me that comforts, guides, and convicts of truth as I proclaim the good news and invite others into the dance. The gospel is the new way of living that doesn't focus on self, but claims "the new hope of resurrection."
"The story of Jesus doesn't end with Jesus. It continues in the lives of those who believe in him. The supernatural doesn't stop with jesus. Luke makes it clear that these Christians he wrote about were no more spectators of Jesus than Jesus was a spectator of God - they are in on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them. Which also means, of course, in us. (Peterson, Intro. to Acts)Father, as I prepare for spending time with family during the next four days, I know Your desire is for my arms, my heart, my mind to be open to You, the God living in me. Which means they are all closed to self-indulgence, self-protection, and self-absorption. Thank You for the oh-so-challenging life of Paul who chose to follow You, no matter the shipwrecks in his life or the limits on his life or the uncertainties of his life.
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