Acts 18

ScriptureActs 18:5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. Observation - What does it say?In the city of Corinth, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching. All day, every day, he shared the gospel with people who hadn’t yet heard it.Understanding - What does it mean?As I read this, it was amazing to me to imagine someone’s 9-5 job consisting of one task all day every day: finding people who haven’t heard the gospel and sharing it with them. It doesn't say he devoted himself to praying for the lost or developing relationships with them or serving them. He didn’t have a long process or plan to reach those separated from God. He. Just. Preached.

Part of what is amazing about this to me is that it seems so far outside of my comfort zone to imagine doing this. I’m not sure if it was door to door, or in the marketplace, or in the synagogues, or all of the above. But Paul spent every day looking for people who didn’t know Christ and sharing with them.

This, in part, is what made Paul so effective! He shared the gospel with so many people everywhere he went that he left new congregations of people in his wake. If we at Desert Streams want to start new locations, I think each of us needs to grow in becoming more like Paul.

Life ApplicationWhile it may not be realistic to spend all day every day devoting myself to preaching the gospel to those who haven’t yet received Christ, I feel challenged to be more intentional about creating at least some regular time to step out of my comfort zone and share with people.

God, I ask that you would fill us with a passion to reach lost people. Fill us with love for you and for them and give us boldness to share. Whether it’s with friends, family members or strangers, may it be more a part of our daily lives that we are sharing the gospel with people. Amen.

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