ETERNAL TRUTHS!

But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'”48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

49And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Down thru time, much discussion has persisted regarding Divine Election. Yet the Scriptures testify, while many are called few are chosen. Such controversy has lead some to assert that GOD has predesignated a CERTAIN number of seats in His Kingdom and that’s it! TRUTHBTOLD, GOD calls ALL men to GODSELF, YET HE FORCES NONE 2 COME! That leaves the responsibility and the response up to each and everyone of us, personally and individually! We have the power to make the choice whether to accept the invitation or reject it! #WOW #ijs!!!

According to our text, some of the more outstanding Jews, believed that based soley on their ethnicity, they were the only ones privileged to be called GOD’s Elect! While those unlucky enough to be born into the barbarian race (Gentiles) were destined to accept their fate as substandard humans, unworthy and undeserving of the rights and privileges exclusively bestowed upon GOD’S CHOSEN!

However, when Paul and Barnabas showed up at the Synagogue, finding these previously rejected Gentiles were hungry to hear and actually begged them to preach the WORD OF GOD, they agreed! That next Sabbath the Synagogue was overflowing with both Jew and Gentiles, who eagerly came to hear them preach. Yet, instead of welcoming the outsiders in, the elite Jews of the community were so taken aback with anger, jealousy, envy and resentment that they accused Paul and Barnabas of blaspheming against GOD!

However, much to their dismay, it didn’t stop these radical preachers from sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ! In fact, it provoked them to even more holy boldness that they began to serve notice on their Jewish brethren that while God had indeed revealed Himself and His Word to them first, their continuous blatant dishonor, disregard, disobedience and willful rejection had opened up the opportunity for the Gentiles to become willing partakers of God’s Divine MERCY and GRACE through His Son, JESUS CHRIST!

When the Gentiles HEARD this and BELIEVED, unimaginable joy erupted from their grateful hearts that they began to glorify God with such fervency, igniting outrage amongst the so-called prominent devout Jewish men and women, who immediately expelled the Preachas out of the region!

With their assignment being successfully accomplished, Paul and Barnabas, following their Master’s Command, shook the dust off their feet against their accusers and kept it moving!

…NEXT!

#Didjaheardat? I GUESS TIMES HAVEN’T CHANGED THAT MUCH, huh?

BUT…GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON! AND WHOSOEVER WILL BELIEVE, ACCEPT AND RECEIVE HIM AS THEIR PERSONAL SAVIOR AND LORD SHALL BE SAVED! (Ref. John 3:16)

THE CALLED VS THE CHOSEN, #WOW… #nowTRUMPDAT!

ETERNAL TRUTHS! #CARE2SHARE #SERIOUSLY?

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!