GOSPEL FOR ALL PEOPLE

As the series “Between Two Mountains” continued in the New Testament book of Acts, Pastor Mark shared three lessons from Paul’s life: faith, sacrifice, and courage. I find Paul the most relatable of the apostles. None of us are Old Testament Jews who lived before Jesus, nor are we disciples who were able to sit at a table and break bread with Him. Instead, like Paul, we all find Jesus on our own individual roads of life, having a personal relationship with Him through our faith and his conviction.

Choose faith in the moment over fear of the unknown. Paul knew what would happen to him if he returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:13) “Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I’m ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Having been taught by Jesus, Paul didn’t fear death. He stood for the purpose Jesus entrusted to him and believed in the promise of eternal life. When faith is genuine, what is there to fear?

Choose to serve the needs of others beyond your own. Paul understood his task of bringing the church together for all people, Jewish and Gentile alike, for everyone’s benefit. (Philippians 2:3-4) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” As Christians, we’re called to follow Jesus’ teachings, attempting to emulate his humility and self-sacrifice. As the world becomes more divisive, can we seek out commonality? See all people as God’s children, comforting instead of condemning, communing rather than chastising. More selfless, less selfish.

Choose conviction over compromise. Instead of playing to the rioting mob, Paul told the truth they didn’t want to hear. (Acts 22:21-22) “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go, I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, ‘Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” The need to feel special, having a monopoly on access to heaven, and being God’s chosen people can override the understanding and connection to Jesus’ messages. We shouldn’t compromise or conform to the standards of this world; we’re commissioned to spread the gospel by making disciples of all nations. All are welcome.

Mark left us with a quote from missionary martyr Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Like Paul, we must strive to overcome fear with faith, sacrifice in serving others, and find courage in our convictions.