PAUL'S SERMON WELL-RECEIVED. As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 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." (Isaiah 49.6) When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13.42-52

Good Day~

So Paul's message has such an impact that the people can't wait for Barnabas and him to come back the next Sabbath. Over the course of the week, you get the sense that they spent a good amount of time 'discipling' the new believers. Our author, Luke comments that Paul and Barnabas "urged them to continue in the grace of God". . . and I've been thinking about what it means to continue in the grace of God. First, there is nothing in this whole world that is more precious or abundant than the grace of God. It defies all logic, and knows no bounds; if we let it, if we accept God's grace, it radically changes us. It even gives us the ability to give grace to others. That certainly ought to be the way it works, right? God freely give us grace-->it flows through us-->out to others. Are you a grace-giver?

I think 'continuing in the grace of God' may also mean keep growing--don't ever be satisfied that your spiritual experience has plateaued and you have now 'arrived'. I am not suggesting a move toward a works-based faith, but a heart that just continually wants more of God. . .

So, because 'the unexamined life is not worth living,' I asked myself some questions, and I am passing them along to you. I pray that you will get alone and consider these questions--pray about them. . .

HOW WOULD the FATHER LIKE YOU TO GROW SPIRITUALLY?

Unsure? Let me help you unpack it a little. . .

--Are you more like Christ today than you were one year ago?

--Where do you struggle, or what is your biggest challenge?

--Would God say of you, this is 'a man after my own heart'? (Remember--He said that of David because he was

obedient; he did what God asked him to do.)

--Do you have a set-apart time with God daily? Does it include solitude, and a time of quiet listening?

--Would you say that you are full of joy and contentment? Why, why not?

--What would your mate (or closest friends) say are your priorities?

--Would you say that you are operating from the "abundant life," or are you tapped out--lacking wisdom and creativity for others?

--So then, WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD RAISE YOUR HOLINESS QUOTIENT?

Could you get alone with God, and ponder these questions? Write out your answers

Let us "continue in the grace of God". . . for there is no richer life to be had.

'Would love to hear your thoughts on these questions, if you'll take a moment to write me. . .

With love, Christine

p.s. did you notice this line: "the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing" - what is up with that? Intriguing. . .