As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next sabbath.
Acts 13:42
When was the last time you felt that excited and interested about going to church? The sermon you recently went too. Did the Holy Spirit stir a fire in your heart to want to understand what God says further about the subject the pastor taught on?
Paul, before that verse was talking to Pisidian Antioch. Paul and Barnabas were encouraged to share a message. Paul seemed enthusiastic to share. He gave the whole historic back round of the history of the Jews which then he connected the prophecies of Jesus to Jesus himself. The people wanted to hear more!
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Acts 13:44
Yes. Almost the whole city came to hear more the next week!! Where do you live? Can you imagine what it would be like if half the people in your city came to your church to hear about Jesus. Because they wanted too? That would be jaw dropping. The only reason that happened was because the Holy Spirit. He moved the hearts of men, women and even children in that city.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: " We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
" ' I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' "
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord ; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Acts 13:45-48
What do you notice? The Jews, the very people that should have been excited about the Gospel; the Good News were jealous and angry of Paul and his friends popularity. Religion mixed with arrogance is a dangerous thing. Satan can actually use religion to his advantage. To get people to be more focused on their works and regulations.
What about now?The Holy Spirit is still the same. He can move the hearts of people. What if we prayed that God would give people a desire to want to know God's word? A hunger to understand it. Ultimately, a realization of their need for Jesus. People don't need to go to church to be saved. Or follow the ways of Christianity. They need to surrender to Christ, turn from their sin and follow him.
Pray for yourself. Yes, you can do that! Pray that God will give you a hunger and desire to read his word and want to get to Know God in a deeper way.
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